Gang-rape victim undergoes 'spiritual healing'

KIDAPAWAN CITY -- Aside from medication, a volunteer nurse who was gang-raped in Upi town in Maguindanao province is undergoing a different kind of healing.

Florence (not her real name) is undergoing "reiki" healing, a form of spiritual healing that "uses universal life energy channeled through the healer to the patient."

Timeline: First 100 days of the Aquino presidency

Reiki, as explained, is a Japanese name that consists of two words: Rei and Ki, meaning, "spiritually life energy" that animates the human beings.

The 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, has low energy, with her body and mind in disorientation."

"It's (Reiki) perfect for traumatized beings, like Florence. Reiki healing addresses physical, emotional, and spiritual needs," Thelonnius said.

After four sessions, the patient is now on her way to healing, Thelonnius said, adding that "the mind is starting to connect with the physical body."

Florence, 21, a volunteer nurse at South Upi Municipal District Hospital, was raped by at least 10 suspects who were reportedly scions of influential families in Maguindanao. The suspected mastermind, Boy Beling, admitted to the crime but denied that it was a gang-rape. Six other suspects are now in jail.

Aside from Florence, other members of the family, including friends, have also undergone reiki healing.

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

A "chi" is defined as the life force that 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 that involves balancing objects within their environment.

Florence, according to the healer, is going through a "holistic healing therapy" that would bring "balance" and "wellness."

The outpouring of support from friends and other groups is helping Florence and her family escape from the trauma.

On Friday, Justice Secretary Leila de Lima visited Florence while the victim was undergoing treatment at the Southern Philippines Medical Center in Davao City. Florence sustained paralyzing injuries.

De Lima, who was tasked by President Benigno Aquino III to closely monitor the case, told reporters the volunteer nurse is showing signs of improvement.

The President took interest into the case after learning that some of the suspects are relatives of powerful clans in Maguindanao.

Thelonnius said it will take a week before the rape survivor could take a look at the photos of the suspects.

"Florence is terrorized, in deep pain. But after our first reiki session, she had a deep rest. The air in the room changed when the energies came... less tense, freer," said Thelonnius.

He suggested Florence's room be turned into a sacred space for her healing.

"During sessions, the unseen divine healers were here en masse. Nagparamdaman sila," he said.

Florence's testimony, according to investigators, is very vital in getting a swift and speedy resolution of her case.

De Lima has already ordered investigators to continue with their questioning of all the suspects arrested in the gang-rape.

"We want it swift but we want it right, meaning, we must send the right people to jail," de Lima said. (Malu Cadelina Manar of Sun.Star Davao/Sunnex)