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What is Reiki?

Page last modified on: October 13, 2008

Question from Anna: Can you explain Reiki, and would it help with the side effects I am having with Femara, i.e., still joints?: Answer —Beth DuPree, M.D., F.A.C.S.: Reiki is a Japanese form of energy therapy. It is an ancient tradition passed down from generation to generation that utilizes universal energy that is channeled from the practitioner to the recipient, and may be beneficial in helping to alleviate side effects from cancer treatments. It is considered a form of complementary medicine and, as such, is meant to work in concert with standard Western medical therapy. There are some medications that have side effects that, regardless of what additional Eastern medicine modalities, may not be alleviated. Certainly Reiki or massage or potentially acupuncture are all forms of complementary medicine that could be used to help treat the side effects of the Femara (chemical name: letrozole). As the drug Femara is a very important therapy in the treatment of breast cancer, being able to tolerate the medication by utilizing Eastern medicine modalities is certainly something to be tried.

On Wednesday, September 20, 2006, our Ask-the-Expert Online Conference was called Open for Your Questions. Ruth Oratz, M.D., F.A.C.P. and moderator Beth Baughman DuPree, M.D., F.A.C.S. answered your questions covering a wide variety of issues relating to breast cancer.

The materials presented in these conferences do not necessarily reflect the views of Breastcancer.org. A qualified healthcare professional should be consulted before using any therapeutic product or regimen discussed. All readers should verify all information and data before employing any therapies described here.

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Meet the Experts

Ruth Oratz, M.D., F.A.C.P. is associate professor of clinical medicine at New York University School of Medicine. She is the founder of The Women's Oncology & Wellness Practice in New York City where she specializes in treating women with breast cancer and other malignancies, as well as women at risk for cancer.

Beth Baughman DuPree, M.D., F.A.C.S. the medical director of the Breast Health Program at Holy Redeemer Health System in Meadowbrook, PA.

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