Rape victim Florence undergoes ‘spiritual healing’

KIDAPAWAN CITY – Aside from receiving conventional medical treatment, the volunteer nurse who was gang-raped in Maguindanao province is undergoing a different kind of healing. Florence, not her real name, is into reiki healing, a form of spiritual healing that according to the healer uses “universal life energy channeled through the healer to the patient." A reiki healer started his sessions on October 6, after the rape survivor 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 was “in a state of shock, has low energy, and her body and mind in disorientation" when he first met her. But after four healing sessions, the patient is now on her way to healing, according to the healer. “The mind is starting to connect with the physical body," he said. Aside from Florence, other members of the family, including friends, have undergone “reiki healing," Thelonnius said. “This energy healing harmonizes the flow of chi in a being. It releases blocked energies and energizes depletions," the healer explained. Chi or qi, a Chinese word, is a concept of natural energy central to some ancient Asian healing practices. It is often defined as the life force permeating the world through all living things, and can also be 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 he explained, was derived from Japanese 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 also helping Florence and her family survive the trauma. “[The family is] very calm. I think they are a very religious family [and so it’s like] their strength comes from their prayers," added Dr. Teresita Barcelo, president of the Philippine Nurses Association in an interview on Saturday by Claire Delfin of GMA News. On Friday, Justice Secretary Leila de Lima visited Florence while undergoing treatment at the Southern Philippines Medical Center in Davao City 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.
“Florence is terrorized, in deep pain. But after our first reiki session, she had 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 (They are making themselves felt)," he said. It will take a week before the rape survivor could take a look at the photos of the suspects, according to Thelonnius. Florence’s testimony, according to investigators, is very vital in getting a 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/JV, GMANews.TV