Epigenetics, Ancestral Healing and Reiki

Reiki is a Japanese energy healing practice that emerged in the early 20th century and spread globally by the 1980s. Even as Western medicine prioritized cellular science and often sidelined traditional and alternative healing, practices like Reiki quietly flourished in the periphery. Today, millions have learned to balance the body’s energy flows through Reiki and related spiritual healing techniques. While scientists have yet to fully understand the mechanisms behind Reiki, research consistently shows that it can reduce anxiety, depression, and pain while improving relaxation and self esteem. Reiki activates the parasympathetic nervous system, leading to measurable physiological changes such as decreased heart rate, increased heart rate variability (vagal tone), and reduced blood pressure.

We know we are more than just blood chemistry, arteries, organs and heartbeats. A new generation of doctors and healers is recognizing the value of integrative mind-body approaches that honor all perspectives on health and wellness. As our traditional healing practices re-emerge, I find much conceptual overlap with Reiki. These systems such as Hilot, the practices of the CHamoru yo’ åmte, traditional Hawaiian healing, Curanderismo, Chinese medicine and Ayurveda all recognize not only the physical aspects of illness but also the psychospiritual, social and energetic dimensions. Indigenous healing systems see the person as a whole being with a soul existing in community and in harmony with nature.

While science catches up to holistic understandings of wellness, one exciting advancement is the field of epigenetics. Epigenetics studies how environmental factors and life experiences can affect gene expression without altering the underlying DNA sequence itself. Remarkably, some of these changes in gene expression can be passed down through generations through a process known as transgenerational epigenetic inheritance. This means that the experiences of our ancestors - such as trauma, stress or resilience - can leave chemical traces in their DNA that influence how genes are expressed in their descendants.

For instance:

• Trauma experienced by ancestors, such as war, famine, or persecution, can lead to epigenetic changes that affect stress responses, anxiety or depression in future generations, even if their descendants never directly experienced that trauma.

• Positive experiences, such as overcoming adversity, might also be passed down, potentially influencing resilience or coping mechanisms.

• Healthy diets rich in methyl donors, polyphenols and antioxidants may  positively influence epigenetic inheritance related to trauma.

Epigenetics provides a biological link between the emotional lives of our ancestors and our own behaviors and feelings today. These influences are not fixed; they are markers that can be changed, especially as we become more aware of them. Traditional healing practices often include rituals that honor and acknowledge the ongoing role our ancestors play in our lives. Science is beginning to recognize the value of these practices.

At Mind-Body Energy Medicine, we honor the context of ancestral trauma and epigenetics, learning to approach our life experiences and survival traits with greater compassion. This perspective also inspires us to eat well, take our vitamins, and care for ourselves in holistic ways.

Many of my patients tend to be the sensitive intuitive ones in their families, the deep and reflective ones who carry the blessing and challenge of transforming their health, not just for themselves but for future generations.

The opening affirmation, which acknowledges how our survival responses to the challenges we face have often been shaped by our parents and ancestors, helps many to release fear-based patterns that no longer serve, making space for softening, openness, curiosity and compassion. By embracing both our light and our darkness, we can cultivate deeper understanding and bring more peace to ourselves, our families, and the world.