Reiki
What is Reiki
The term Reiki means "universal life energy" or more simply, the life force. Western traditions often call this life force "spirit" while in India it is called "prana" and in China, "Chi" or "Qi". According to the principals of traditional Chinese medicine, it is what animates us—the energy we feel when we sense the pres ence of another person but cannot see them. It is the same energy that makes us sense a person is intense or relaxed. Reiki practitioners believe each of us has our own unique energy pattern that is affected by how well or ill or stressed we feel.
What is a Reiki Treatment?
A Reiki treatment is a gentle, non-intrusive therapy, which provides deep relaxation and evokes a sense of peace and well- being. With your permission for a treatment, your Reiki practitioner will explain what will be done. You may be sitting up or lying down and you remain fully clothed. Soothing background music may be played. The practitioner's hands are held over or in light contact with your body in a sequence of standard positions. Through this laying on of hands a peace ful, healing interaction is shared with you. In the hospital, we offer an abbreviated Reiki treatment that takes about 10-15 minutes. Reiki is offered in addition to other treatments and is not a substitute for medical care.
What Does Reiki feel like?
For most people, a Reiki treatment is calming and deeply relaxing. Some report a sense of warmth as well as peacefulness. Others describe a mild tingling sensation in different parts of their body. Some fall asleep during a Reiki treatment.
How does Reiki work?
Although scientists have not carefully studied the way Reiki works, there are many possibilities. For example, being in the hospital is not something most people chose; the setting is unfamiliar and patients feel a lack of control. Being ill or worried results in sleep disturbances and high levels of harmful stress hormones. Reiki reduces anxiety and counters the isolation and helplessness many of us feel when hospitalized. This may improve hormonal and neurological function, benefiting the natural healing process.
Is there a fee and how can I get a treatment?
There is no fee for Reiki if you are a patient at Wentworth-Douglass Hospital. Simply tell your nurse or physician you are interested; if appropriate, a Reiki treat ment will be included in your overall plan of care.
Reiki treatments are scheduled based on the availability of an approved practitioner.
