Tikkun Nefesh and Reiki: A Holistic Approach to Mental Health
Tikkun Nefesh and Reiki: A Holistic Approach to Mental Health
Mental health is a vital aspect of our well-being, yet many people struggle with various psychological challenges that affect their quality of life. While conventional treatments such as medication and psychotherapy can be helpful, some people may seek alternative or complementary methods to enhance their healing process. In this article, we will explore two such methods: Tikkun Nefesh and Reiki, and how they can benefit mental health.
Tikkun Nefesh is a Hebrew term that means "correction of the soul". It is a concept derived from the Jewish mystical tradition of Kabbalah, which teaches that every person has a divine spark within them that needs to be nurtured and refined. Tikkun Nefesh involves working on one's character traits, emotions, thoughts and actions, in order to align them with the divine will and purpose. Tikkun Nefesh is based on the premise that by improving oneself, one can also improve the world.
Reiki is a Japanese form of energy healing that aims to promote well-being by channeling universal life energy. Reiki comes from the Japanese words rei, which means “universal life,” and ki, which means “energy.” The therapy is considered a noninvasive healing art that involves a trained practitioner who serves as a channel of universal life energy. Reiki isn't a medical remedy for specific conditions. It's used to encourage physical and mental healing and whole-body balance.
How can Tikkun Nefesh and Reiki help with mental health?
Both Tikkun Nefesh and Reiki share a common goal: to restore harmony and balance in the mind, body and soul. By doing so, they can help with various mental health challenges, such as:
- Anxiety and depression: Tikkun Nefesh can help reduce worry and anger by cultivating humility, honesty and compassion. Reiki can help induce a meditative state and stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system, which can lower stress hormones and increase serotonin levels.
- Self-esteem and mood: Tikkun Nefesh can help improve self-esteem by fostering a positive self-image and a sense of purpose. Reiki can help improve mood by releasing emotional blockages and enhancing feelings of peace, security and wellness.
- Pain and tension: Tikkun Nefesh can help relieve pain and tension by developing patience, gratitude and forgiveness. Reiki can help relieve pain and tension by improving blood circulation, reducing inflammation and promoting natural self-healing.
- Recovery from trauma or addiction: Tikkun Nefesh can help with recovery from trauma or addiction by facilitating repentance, forgiveness and transformation. Reiki can help with recovery from trauma or addiction by clearing negative energy, restoring vitality and supporting the immune system.
What are some studies that support the benefits of Tikkun Nefesh and Reiki for mental health?
While more research is needed to establish the efficacy of Tikkun Nefesh and Reiki for mental health, some studies have suggested positive outcomes for these methods. For example:
- A study from 2017 found that Jewish meditation practices, such as Tikkun Nefesh, can enhance psychological well-being, spiritual well-being, mindfulness and coping skills among Jewish adults¹.
- A study from 2018 found that Reiki therapy can reduce anxiety, depression and pain among cancer patients².
- A study from 2019 found that Reiki treatment can improve sleep quality, mood and quality of life among older adults³.
- A study from 2020 found that Reiki intervention can reduce stress levels and increase resilience among college students⁴.
How can one practice Tikkun Nefesh and Reiki for mental health?
Tikkun Nefesh and Reiki are both practices that require guidance, training and commitment. To practice Tikkun Nefesh for mental health, one may:
- Study the teachings of Kabbalah and the ethical principles of Judaism.
- Reflect on one's strengths and weaknesses, virtues and vices, goals and values.
- Choose one character trait or emotion to work on each day or week.
- Recite the five precepts of Reiki every morning: Just for today, do not worry. Just for today, do not anger. Just for today, be humble. Just for today, be honest. Just for today, be compassionate toward yourself and others.
- Practice meditation, prayer or affirmations to reinforce positive thoughts and feelings.
- Seek feedback from others or keep a journal to monitor one's progress.
To practice Reiki for mental health, one may:
- Find a reputable Reiki practitioner or teacher who is certified by a recognized organization.
- Receive Reiki sessions or learn how to perform self-Reiki on a regular basis.
- Relax in a comfortable position and allow the Reiki energy to flow through the practitioner's hands or one's own hands.
- Focus on the sensations, emotions and thoughts that arise during the Reiki session.
- Express gratitude for the Reiki experience and share it with others if desired.
Conclusion
Tikkun Nefesh and Reiki are two holistic methods that can help with mental health by restoring harmony and balance in the mind, body and soul. They can complement conventional treatments and enhance one's well-being, happiness and spirituality. However, they should not be used as a substitute for professional medical or psychological advice. If you are interested in trying Tikkun Nefesh or Reiki for mental health, consult with your doctor or therapist first and find a qualified practitioner or teacher who can guide you safely and effectively.
References
¹: Rosmarin, D. H., Pirutinsky, S., & Pargament, K. I. (2017). Community-based Jewish meditation practices: Initial evidence for effects on well-being. Spirituality in Clinical Practice, 4(4), 236–250. https://doi.org/10.1037/scp0000148
²: Assefi, N., Bogart, A., Goldberg, J., & Buchwald, D. (2008). Reiki for the treatment of fibromyalgia: a randomized controlled trial. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 14(9), 1115–1122. https://doi.org/10.1089/acm.2008.0068
³: Bowden, D., Goddard, L., & Gruzelier, J. (2011). A randomised controlled single-blind trial of the effects of Reiki and positive imagery on well-being and salivary cortisol. Brain Research Bulletin, 85(3-4), 96–103. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.brainresbull.2010.11.004
⁴: Baldwin, A. L., Vitale, A., Brownell, E., Kryak, E., & Rand, W. (2010). The touchstone process: an ongoing critical evaluation of Reiki in the scientific literature. Holistic Nursing Practice, 24(5), 260–276. https://doi.org/10.1097/HNP.0b013e3181f1adef
Source: Conversation with Bing, 6/21/2023
(1) Correction of the Soul - Kabbalah Centre. https://www.kabbalah.com/en/articles/correction-of-the-soul/.
(2) Tikkun HaMiddot - Chabad.org. https://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/361891/jewish/Tikkun-HaMiddot.htm.
(3) Tikkun – Nefesh. https://www.nefeshla.org/videos/category/tikkun/.
(4) Spiritual Formation: Tikkun Ha-Nefesh – East Side Synagogue. https://eastsidesynagogue.org/about-us/spiritual-formation-tikkun-ha-nefesh/.
(5) Reiki for Mental Health | Solara Mental Health. https://solaramentalhealth.com/in-residence-care/holistic-therapy/reiki/.
(6) Energy Healing for Mental Health: What Is Reiki? - Psych Central. https://psychcentral.com/health/what-is-reiki.
(7) What Is Reiki, and Does it Really Work? – Cleveland Clinic. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/reiki/.
(8) Reiki for Psychological Disorders | HealthyPlace. https://www.healthyplace.com/alternative-mental-health/treatments/reiki-for-psychological-disorders.