Reiki for Relief Trauma from Sexual Abuse
Reiki Treatments for Adult Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse
By Farida Abou Khizam BPharm,MPSI, Reiki Master
(Written for the Lebanese monthly mothers' magazine, 'Moms & To Be') .
What is Reiki?
Reiki is an ancient, natural Japanese treatment used as a complementary therapy in cancer care; stress relief; trauma; addictions; detoxification; boosting energy levels; allergies; insomnia; pain relief; boosting immunity; wound healing; pregnancy and childbirth. It is believed that it works by unblocking energy centers & balancing the electromagnetic fields in and around the body to restore & maintain health.
How can Reiki help survivors of sexual abuse?
According to Patricia Benzinger (a licensed clinical psychotherapist, hypnotherapy instructor, and Reiki Master), “During the recall of trauma, there is documentation of shutdown of the left side of the brain (that part responsible for the ability to verbally analyze), and the activation of the right hemisphere (involved in the nonverbal; visual images; reliving of events). Children, who are abused before the development of the left linguistic side of the brain, are "locked in the experience”. The corpus callosum (fibers connecting and conducting information between the two sides), is smaller in abused people, suppressing whole-brain thinking.”
In effect, what she is saying is that when young children are abused (physically, mentally, emotionally or sexually); it is difficult for them to release emotions connected to the trauma. The abused child then grows to adulthood, but at another level is still stuck in the past. Reiki applied in these situations slows down brainwaves in both sides of the brain to the relaxed alpha/theta wave range creating harmony between both sides of the brain. In turn, right/left brain functioning increases, so allowing the emotions which are circulating through the channels of remembered trauma to be released.
Indeed, in my experience as a Reiki Master, I find that adult clients who were abused as children, often have flashbacks (memory recall) and release of trauma when undergoing Reiki treatments. This is sometimes very tiring and even upsetting for them. But, a few days after treatment, they usually express feeling ‘that a very heavy emotional weight’ has lifted off them. They usually feel freer, calmer, lighter, physically healthier, more energized, and positive as a result.
What are the symptoms and signs of sexual abuse?
Symptoms vary widely and can be in common with those caused by other forms of trauma or negative experience. Often though, clients can present with suppressed anger; depression; phobias; low tolerance of stress; unexplained fear; a sense of powerless and consequent intolerance to injustice; dislike of physical touch or proximity; discomfort with their sexuality; promiscuity; self-loathing; low self-esteem; feelings of shame & self-blame; distress at their own verbal, physical, emotional or sexually abusive behavior towards others (even their own children); physical illnesses that are not responding to medical treatment or not able to be understood medically. For example, one woman sought treatment because of a recurring rash on her lower back. It wasn’t responsive to medical treatment and assumed to be ‘stress-related’. After a few sessions of reiki, the client recalled (through flashbacks) that she had been sexually molested as a very young child. During the assaults, she was laid down on a rough blanket that caused a rash on her buttocks. Decades later, well after the abuse ended, the rash still appeared despite the extensive medical intervention that she sought. It was only until she ‘re-visited & released’ the trauma during Reiki treatments, that the rash disappeared. Prior to treatments, she had absolutely no memory of the abuse ever occurring.
Are Reiki consultations private & confidential?
Prior to working in Integrative Medicine & Reiki in Lebanon, I worked as a Community Pharmacist in both Australia & Ireland. As a pharmacist, clients safely entrust the most intimate of details of their lives-knowing that what they say is held in absolute confidence. Having professional integrity, empathy for other humans & respecting clients’ rights to privacy, allows clients to express their needs.
What other treatments can I do in tandem with Reiki?
Some (but not the majority of) clients opt to see a professional counselor or psychologist while also doing Reiki. Kafa provide such services free of charge and operate a 24 hour hotline that clients can call (ph-03 018 019). Others prefer private counselors. I provide basic counseling services; Reiki; Pranayama (Indian Yoga Breathing); Painting of the Subconscious; Tribal Movement Maneuvers; Improving Self Esteem & Self Appreciation workshops; Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT); Inner Child Work, Visualization & specific Meditation workshops etc. I have found that all these skills promote personal and emotional growth -so allowing clients to move beyond the biting and ugly grip that sexual abuse has on their lives.
Sexual Abuse is widespread in Lebanon
Sexual Abuse is, sadly, very prevalent in Lebanon. Studies done by the women’s & children’s rights advocate organization, Kafa (www.kafa.org.lb ), estimate some 8-32 % of Lebanese girls and some 1-16% of boys are sexually molested. These statistics are based on a small study group. Yet, in reality, as talking about sexual abuse is taboo here, the figures are likely to be much higher. Certainly, in my work as a Reiki Master, I see an astounding number of women and men who have physical problems and are emotionally distressed as a result of having been sexually abused as children. Many don’t even remember being molested (prior to Reiki treatments). Most don’t want to remember, but are forced to deal with the emotional and physical problems that they bear as a result of their experiences.
Who are the sex offenders?
Many people may incorrectly assume possible sex offenders are itinerant workers or strangers. This can be the case. However, the vast majority of sex offenders are people who have ready access to children. In fact, the vast majority of offenders are related to the child (father, older brother, cousin, uncle, grandfather) or even neighbors. Often pubescent boys of 11, 12 or 13 years experiment with younger siblings or relatives. Gratified by the experience & going unsuspected, they then continue abusing for as long as possible. This often continues for years- until the victimized child grows up, speaks out, pregnancy occurs, or the offender is caught. In some cases, women are the abusers (relatives, neighbors etc.). Foreign maids and domestic workers have and can easily abuse children in their charge. It shouldn’t be ignored that these women are also sexual beings with unmet needs who spend hours every day alone at home and in charge of children. And, while there are great social advantages to being socially cohesive, culturally close and trusting of others with one’s children, this also leaves children very exposed and vulnerable to attack. Needless to say, sexual abuse crosses all socio-economic lines. It is not just a phenomenon of disadvantaged families, as is commonly believed.
Why don’t children speak up?
Children are small, vulnerable and some abused children are not even still able to speak. Most though, are terrified of & threatened by the abuser. Threats like, “I’ll kill your mother and father if you say anything”, are common. Children are easily scared and comply with the abusers' demands to avoid the worse consequences that are being threatened. And in a culture where sexual abuse is taboo, many are too ashamed to speak about it, or even fear being blamed for it. And then, there is the social stigma of not being a virgin before marriage and the possible dangers & sexual harassment that could come with it. Children also understand the upheaval that revealing their secret could cause. For example, how does a child tell his or her father than his or her grandfather is molesting him/her? Would they even be believed?
Whose responsibility is it to keep children safe?
Parents are adults and responsible for children’s safety. Without being paranoid or suspicious, parents need to be vigilant. They need to know where and with who their children are. They need to observe their children playing with others and not give that responsibility (and power) to an older brother, cousin, neighbor etc. Parents need to be aware that pedophiles often seek occupations that allow them to have access to children. It is not uncommon to hear of pedophiles being maids, drivers or even teachers. Parents do need to talk to their children about ‘good touch and bad touch’. They also need to tell their children that they shouldn’t keep any secrets from them. Children should be encouraged to speak out to safeguard their protection and the protection of other children. Children should be taught to tell potential abusers that they will inform their parents of any wrong-doings. This small act can save a child from a childhood of sexual slavery and the lifelong consequences of it. Additionally, it is important to observe your child’s behavior and investigate any odd behavior or unusual absences. Children’s drawings can be very revealing too. Kafa have age specific educational kits to help carers and educators inform and protect children from sexual abuse.
References
-http://reikipartners.com/rp_com_brc.htm
-Anani, G., Usta, J., Mahfoud, Z., & Abi Chahine, G. (2007). Child sexual abuse - The Lebanese situation. Beirut: KAFA (enough) Violence & Exploitation & Save the Children Sweden
-http://whoisshe.lau.edu.lb/
By Farida Abou Khizam BPharm,MPSI, Reiki Master
(Written for the Lebanese monthly mothers' magazine, 'Moms & To Be') .
What is Reiki?
Reiki is an ancient, natural Japanese treatment used as a complementary therapy in cancer care; stress relief; trauma; addictions; detoxification; boosting energy levels; allergies; insomnia; pain relief; boosting immunity; wound healing; pregnancy and childbirth. It is believed that it works by unblocking energy centers & balancing the electromagnetic fields in and around the body to restore & maintain health.
How can Reiki help survivors of sexual abuse?
According to Patricia Benzinger (a licensed clinical psychotherapist, hypnotherapy instructor, and Reiki Master), “During the recall of trauma, there is documentation of shutdown of the left side of the brain (that part responsible for the ability to verbally analyze), and the activation of the right hemisphere (involved in the nonverbal; visual images; reliving of events). Children, who are abused before the development of the left linguistic side of the brain, are "locked in the experience”. The corpus callosum (fibers connecting and conducting information between the two sides), is smaller in abused people, suppressing whole-brain thinking.”
In effect, what she is saying is that when young children are abused (physically, mentally, emotionally or sexually); it is difficult for them to release emotions connected to the trauma. The abused child then grows to adulthood, but at another level is still stuck in the past. Reiki applied in these situations slows down brainwaves in both sides of the brain to the relaxed alpha/theta wave range creating harmony between both sides of the brain. In turn, right/left brain functioning increases, so allowing the emotions which are circulating through the channels of remembered trauma to be released.
Indeed, in my experience as a Reiki Master, I find that adult clients who were abused as children, often have flashbacks (memory recall) and release of trauma when undergoing Reiki treatments. This is sometimes very tiring and even upsetting for them. But, a few days after treatment, they usually express feeling ‘that a very heavy emotional weight’ has lifted off them. They usually feel freer, calmer, lighter, physically healthier, more energized, and positive as a result.
What are the symptoms and signs of sexual abuse?
Symptoms vary widely and can be in common with those caused by other forms of trauma or negative experience. Often though, clients can present with suppressed anger; depression; phobias; low tolerance of stress; unexplained fear; a sense of powerless and consequent intolerance to injustice; dislike of physical touch or proximity; discomfort with their sexuality; promiscuity; self-loathing; low self-esteem; feelings of shame & self-blame; distress at their own verbal, physical, emotional or sexually abusive behavior towards others (even their own children); physical illnesses that are not responding to medical treatment or not able to be understood medically. For example, one woman sought treatment because of a recurring rash on her lower back. It wasn’t responsive to medical treatment and assumed to be ‘stress-related’. After a few sessions of reiki, the client recalled (through flashbacks) that she had been sexually molested as a very young child. During the assaults, she was laid down on a rough blanket that caused a rash on her buttocks. Decades later, well after the abuse ended, the rash still appeared despite the extensive medical intervention that she sought. It was only until she ‘re-visited & released’ the trauma during Reiki treatments, that the rash disappeared. Prior to treatments, she had absolutely no memory of the abuse ever occurring.
Are Reiki consultations private & confidential?
Prior to working in Integrative Medicine & Reiki in Lebanon, I worked as a Community Pharmacist in both Australia & Ireland. As a pharmacist, clients safely entrust the most intimate of details of their lives-knowing that what they say is held in absolute confidence. Having professional integrity, empathy for other humans & respecting clients’ rights to privacy, allows clients to express their needs.
What other treatments can I do in tandem with Reiki?
Some (but not the majority of) clients opt to see a professional counselor or psychologist while also doing Reiki. Kafa provide such services free of charge and operate a 24 hour hotline that clients can call (ph-03 018 019). Others prefer private counselors. I provide basic counseling services; Reiki; Pranayama (Indian Yoga Breathing); Painting of the Subconscious; Tribal Movement Maneuvers; Improving Self Esteem & Self Appreciation workshops; Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT); Inner Child Work, Visualization & specific Meditation workshops etc. I have found that all these skills promote personal and emotional growth -so allowing clients to move beyond the biting and ugly grip that sexual abuse has on their lives.
Sexual Abuse is widespread in Lebanon
Sexual Abuse is, sadly, very prevalent in Lebanon. Studies done by the women’s & children’s rights advocate organization, Kafa (www.kafa.org.lb ), estimate some 8-32 % of Lebanese girls and some 1-16% of boys are sexually molested. These statistics are based on a small study group. Yet, in reality, as talking about sexual abuse is taboo here, the figures are likely to be much higher. Certainly, in my work as a Reiki Master, I see an astounding number of women and men who have physical problems and are emotionally distressed as a result of having been sexually abused as children. Many don’t even remember being molested (prior to Reiki treatments). Most don’t want to remember, but are forced to deal with the emotional and physical problems that they bear as a result of their experiences.
Who are the sex offenders?
Many people may incorrectly assume possible sex offenders are itinerant workers or strangers. This can be the case. However, the vast majority of sex offenders are people who have ready access to children. In fact, the vast majority of offenders are related to the child (father, older brother, cousin, uncle, grandfather) or even neighbors. Often pubescent boys of 11, 12 or 13 years experiment with younger siblings or relatives. Gratified by the experience & going unsuspected, they then continue abusing for as long as possible. This often continues for years- until the victimized child grows up, speaks out, pregnancy occurs, or the offender is caught. In some cases, women are the abusers (relatives, neighbors etc.). Foreign maids and domestic workers have and can easily abuse children in their charge. It shouldn’t be ignored that these women are also sexual beings with unmet needs who spend hours every day alone at home and in charge of children. And, while there are great social advantages to being socially cohesive, culturally close and trusting of others with one’s children, this also leaves children very exposed and vulnerable to attack. Needless to say, sexual abuse crosses all socio-economic lines. It is not just a phenomenon of disadvantaged families, as is commonly believed.
Why don’t children speak up?
Children are small, vulnerable and some abused children are not even still able to speak. Most though, are terrified of & threatened by the abuser. Threats like, “I’ll kill your mother and father if you say anything”, are common. Children are easily scared and comply with the abusers' demands to avoid the worse consequences that are being threatened. And in a culture where sexual abuse is taboo, many are too ashamed to speak about it, or even fear being blamed for it. And then, there is the social stigma of not being a virgin before marriage and the possible dangers & sexual harassment that could come with it. Children also understand the upheaval that revealing their secret could cause. For example, how does a child tell his or her father than his or her grandfather is molesting him/her? Would they even be believed?
Whose responsibility is it to keep children safe?
Parents are adults and responsible for children’s safety. Without being paranoid or suspicious, parents need to be vigilant. They need to know where and with who their children are. They need to observe their children playing with others and not give that responsibility (and power) to an older brother, cousin, neighbor etc. Parents need to be aware that pedophiles often seek occupations that allow them to have access to children. It is not uncommon to hear of pedophiles being maids, drivers or even teachers. Parents do need to talk to their children about ‘good touch and bad touch’. They also need to tell their children that they shouldn’t keep any secrets from them. Children should be encouraged to speak out to safeguard their protection and the protection of other children. Children should be taught to tell potential abusers that they will inform their parents of any wrong-doings. This small act can save a child from a childhood of sexual slavery and the lifelong consequences of it. Additionally, it is important to observe your child’s behavior and investigate any odd behavior or unusual absences. Children’s drawings can be very revealing too. Kafa have age specific educational kits to help carers and educators inform and protect children from sexual abuse.
References
-http://reikipartners.com/rp_com_brc.htm
-Anani, G., Usta, J., Mahfoud, Z., & Abi Chahine, G. (2007). Child sexual abuse - The Lebanese situation. Beirut: KAFA (enough) Violence & Exploitation & Save the Children Sweden
-http://whoisshe.lau.edu.lb/
