Is there A Safe way

There are a number of ways depending on your situation and reasons for doing so. It's hard to say what would be best without more info from you. It is safest to change pH without fish since initial 'experiments' with pH (and other ensuing changes in water chemistry) can be uncertain and require regular and consistent testing.
Cichlids may take better to pH changes brought on by the gradual addition of calcium bearing rocks...

Using crushed coral as a substrate will rise your ph and buffer it well. To get your ph up though, I'm put a bag of crushed coral in the filter before switching your substrate over. Too much at once might cause a ph jump. Adding limestone will help too. Having those two in your tank should keep your ph high and steady.

I use sea shells. You just have to replace them every once in awhile because their effect tends to decrease over time. Don't use craft store shells though because they are coated with varnish or something.