Aside from synthetic medication, the volunteer nurse who was allegedly gang-raped in a town in Maguindanao is undergoing a different “kind of healing.”“Florence,” not her real name, is into “reiki” healing, a form of spiritual healing, “which uses universal life energy channeled through the healer to the patient.”

A reiki healer started his sessions on October 6, days after the rape victim was transferred to the Davao Medical Center in Davao City. The healer who identified himself as “Thelonnius,” named after the jazz pianist Thelonnius monk, said Florence, when he first saw her, “was in a state of shock, have low energy, and her body and mind in disorientation.

But after four healing sessions, the patient is now on her way to healing, according to the healer, adding “the mind is starting to connect with the physical body.” Aside from Florence, other members of the family, including friends, have undergone “reiki” healing.

“This energy healing harmonizes the flow of chi in a being. It releases blocked energies and energizes depletions,” the healer explained.

A “chi” is defined as the life force which permeates the world. In addition to being in all living beings, chi is also found in spaces such as homes and garden.

Belief in chi is widespread in many Asian nations and disciplines including traditional Chinese medicine, martial arts, and Feng Shui, a Chinese art which involves balancing objects within their environment.

“It’s perfect for traumatized beings, like Florence. Reiki healing addresses physical, emotional, and spiritual needs,” Thelonnius said. Reiki, as explained, is a Japanese name which consists of two words – Rei and Ki, meaning “spiritually life energy,” which animates us all and is found all around us.

Florence, according to the healer, is going through a “holistic healing therapy,” which would bring “balance” and “wellness.”The outpouring of support from friends and other groups is helping Florence and her family survived from the trauma.

On Friday, Justice Secretary Leila de Lima visited Florence while undergoing treatment at the Southern Philippines Medical Center for paralyzing injuries which she sustained during the brutal attack. De Lima, after a short visit, told media that the volunteer nurse is showing signs of improvement. Thelonnius said it will take a week before the rape survivor could take a look at the photos of the suspects.