An Alternative Approach to Fatigue and Comfort Levels in Hemodialysis Patients: Reiki Energy Therapy

Chronic renal failure (CRF) is a chronic and progressive kidney disease caused by impaired metabolic and endocrine functions as a result of a decrease in glomerular filtration rate (GFR), the role of the kidney in maintaining fluid electrolyte balance. KRG, which has high mortality and morbidity, is defined as an important public health problem due to the fact that it also causes a great burden on health systems.The development and stage of chronic kidney failure are related to the patient's symptoms and clinical signs. Patients are usually asymptomatic until stage 4-5. Symptoms of the disease generally begin with weakness. When the GFR falls below 30 ml/min, clinical signs are observed in the patient. No matter what stage of KRG is, dietary and pharmacological treatment methods are required. Renal replacement therapies are peritoneal dialysis, kidney transplantation and hemodialysis.

Hemodialysis treatment is the process of cleaning the blood taken from the patient by passing it into dialysis fluid through a semi-permeable membrane with the help of a machine to eliminate waste products that cannot be removed from the blood, such as creatinine, urea, in patients with end-stage renal failure, and returning it to the patient.

Difficulties and complications experienced in the adaptation process related to the disease and treatment in hemodialysis patients negatively affect patient comfort. Various methods have been used to reduce the symptoms experienced by hemodialysis patients and increase their comfort level. It has been found that complementary therapies such as aromatherapy, progressive relaxation exercises, music therapy, acupressure, massage therapy, reflexology, yoga and reiki, which hemodialysis patients use to relieve fatigue, have an effect on symptoms.

Difficulties and complications experienced in the adaptation process related to the disease and treatment in hemodialysis patients negatively affect patient comfort. Various methods have been used to reduce the symptoms experienced by hemodialysis patients and increase their comfort level. It has been found that complementary therapies such as aromatherapy, progressive relaxation exercises, music therapy, acupressure, massage therapy, reflexology, yoga and reiki, which hemodialysis patients use to relieve fatigue, have an effect on symptoms.

Reiki is not an alternative to allopathic medicine; it is a "complementary" therapy that can be applied together with all other medical and therapeutic techniques. It has been reported that the deep relaxation created by Reiki relieves anxiety, stress and pain perception and promotes a feeling of psycho-spiritual well-being.Reiki strengthens the energy pathways and meridians, facilitates the natural process of healing. It regulates the energy systems of the body that are blocked by stress or a negative situation. Reiki, which is applied for various purposes, ensures that blood and lymph circulation continue in a healthy way, stimulates the autonomic nervous system. In this way, reiki facilitates physical and spiritual relaxation and strengthens health.