Providing Reiki in hospitals is one of the most rewarding activities in which I have been involved. I work as a volunteer mostly with patients, but also nurses, aides, and doctors. Not only is it beneficial for each person with whom I work, but the energy also works within me. I am involved with helping others, but I also help myself.
Reiki For Patients
People enter the hospital for many different reasons, all serious. It is a stressful time, often with pain and uncertainty about what is wrong. They are frightened, vulnerable and unhappy that they cannot care for themselves. During their stay, they are inconvenienced by the interruptions that are part of hospital life. An example is taking medications throughout the day and night that break up sleep patterns. Also, food may not taste good, and the need for diagnostic tests can cause worry.
Reiki, and other alternative therapies like meditation and hand massage, offers patients relief from the buildup of stress. Although it has become more mainstream, many people are unaware of Reiki’s benefits. I work as an ambassador to help them understand what this beautiful energy can do. I specifically bring Reiki to patients for the purpose of relaxation and stress reduction. Patients who are relaxed and relieved of stress are happier and heal better. They also focus on their treatment with more clarity. Because of this, they are more capable of making better decisions for themselves. Staff also benefit from Reiki as it relieves the stress of working intensely with patients over long periods of time.
Reiki For The Practitioner
As a Reiki practitioner, I receive benefits, too. First and foremost, I interact with a multitude of beautiful people. Regardless of how sick patients are, when we chat together we become friends. Very few people have actually experienced Reiki, so they are pleasantly surprised at how relaxed they become. Some words people have used to describe how they feel are ‘soothed’, ‘calm’, ‘relaxed’, and ‘amazing’, In the end, they always appreciate the opportunity to experience this energy.
I am blessed to be able to do what I do. It is gratifying to meet, speak, and work with patients. I am thankful for the moments we spend together, Meeting people from all walks of life who are sick and vulnerable is sobering. I appreciate being able to work with them for their benefit. My volunteering helps patients feel better about themselves and their circumstances. They also give me the gift of perspective regarding my own life.
In conclusion, Reiki in hospitals is a benefit for all concerned. The opportunity for this experience is becoming more widespread, so more people will be able to partake of it. Hospital staff mention how much patients enjoy the session. And the practitioners, themselves, have the opportunity to do what they love while being of service. Everybody wins.
