Reiki in Hospital

I spent some of this week providing Reiki sessions to children and parents on wards at the Royal Alexandra hospital. Hospitals are by default, stressful environments, but the wisdom of the doctors who have seen the benefits of Reiki and given time to volunteer practitioners to allow the service on the wards is to be applauded.

Reiki is soothing, comforting and provides connection and reassurance. It is a healing practice, and though this is not emphasised in the hospital setting, its relaxation properties are wonderful to observe. Babies’ hearts rates slow, children drift off to sleep, parents allow themselves a moment to unwind and and generally Reiki allows an atmosphere of tranquility to enter into what can be a very hectic and anxious environment.

The bonus is that as a practitioner, we also get all the benefits of the Reiki flowing through us, and so it is very much a shared experience, something that is entered into by those within its realm. Reiki brings you into the present, it soothes your mind and your body and provides new energy to a situation. It is a pair of arms around you and a sense that you are supported from the inside.

Another reason giving Reiki to children in hospital is so wonderful is that you don’t need words, you don’t need explanations, you don’t even need a child to be awake, and you can still can provide them with nourishment and warmth and soothing, at a time when they and their parents need it most.