Article originally published at Human Frequencies, on February 26th, 2017
From the Johns Hopkins to several cancer centers, Reiki therapy is steadily gaining presence in top medical facilities. Here is a brief view on some of them.
Up to this day is still unclear how Reiki works, but many theories are on it. At the Reiki Frequencies post is mentioned the research about this elusive healing technique. Despite this, several top medical facilities are realizing the benefits of Reiki, especially in the areas of pain control and cancer complementary care. In 2014, The Washington Post stated that: ”more than 60 U.S. hospitals have adopted Reiki as part of patient services, according to a UCLA study, and Reiki education is offered at 800 hospitals”.
JOHNS HOPKINS
The Johns Hopkins Integrative Medicine & Digestive Center, in Maryland USA, offers Reiki to its patients “to create deep relaxation, to help speed healing, reduce pain, and decrease other symptoms you may be experiencing”. Certainly, they don’t explain its mechanisms but have wisely adopted Reiki among acupuncture, integrative psychotherapy, and therapeutic massage.
MAYO CLINIC
The Mayo Clinic is ranked No. 1 at USNews.com’s Best Hospitals Honor Roll in 2017-18. This is a clear example of an integrative model, where the latest developments and technology are applied, but not neglecting the spiritual and emotional conflicts and needs that might arise during cancer treatment. Therefore, trained and level 2-certified providers of reiki or healing touch provide volunteer services, to patients at both Mayo Clinic Hospital campuses and some outpatient areas.
CLEVELAND CLINIC
This facility is acknowledged as one of the top medical centers in the USA and also the world. According to U.S. News & World Report (USNWR), it is ranked No. 2 in the 2017-18 Best Hospitals Honor Roll. In this hospital, several complementary therapies and treatments are included at the Cleveland Clinic Lyndhurst Campus, such as Acupuncture, Chinese Herbal Therapy, Reiki, Yoga, Chiropractic Services, and many more.
HARTFORD HOSPITAL
Considered the 2nd best hospital in Connecticut, it’s also rated as high performing in 6 adult specialties and in 5 procedures and conditions. It is a general medical and surgical facility, as well as a teaching hospital. Specially trained Reiki Volunteers give free Reiki sessions throughout the main hospital, the Harry Gray Cancer Center, the Dialysis Unit, and the Brownstone Outpatient Clinic. Patients may request a session through their nurse or physician.
ABRAMSON CANCER CENTER
In 1973, the University of Pennsylvania established a cancer center to serve as the focus and stimulus for all cancer-related activities at the University. In 2002 it was renamed as the Abramson Cancer Center of the University of Pennsylvania. Reiki Therapy is available for any type of patient, either for the ones that are given infusions or also for those receiving treatments in the Radiation Oncology department. This therapy is available at the Perelman Center for Advanced Medicine.
WINCHESTER HOSPITAL
This one is a referent in advanced technologies, such as image-guided radiation therapy, intensity-modulated radiation therapy, and shaped-beam radiation. Despite the aggressive technologic approach, the Center for Healthy Living offers a wide selection of complementary therapies and activities like acupuncture, hypnotherapy, massage therapy, reiki, yoga, and much more.
NORTHWEST HOSPITAL AND MEDICAL CENTER
Located in Seattle, this clinical facility published a pdf file in which includes a long list of the cancer care services they provide, the list is a clever combination of top technology at the beginning, and biofield therapies and spiritual needs at the end of it.
REIKI IN AUSTRALIAN HEALTHCARE
The Cancer Council in New South Wales, Australia (which is a ramification of the national council), provides resources, information, and support among cancer patients and relatives. They have displayed a very informative PDF file called Understanding Complementary Therapies, where Reiki is one of several energy therapies displayed.The Solaris Cancer Care is a leading Western Australian cancer support service provider, which promotes the concept of wellness for people at all stages of their cancer experience, this is why they have teamed up with the International Institute for Reiki Training (IIRT) and the Reiki Association (WA), and created the Reiki Community Clinic, in order to provide Reiki as a service to their members.At this point, it is responsible to remember that the Cancer Council (and mainstream medical community) does not recommend the use of alternative therapies as the only therapeutic approach. Therefore, it is recommended the use of complementary therapies that have been proven to be safe to use alongside conventional cancer treatments.Finally, to explain the reason for this trend is that a cornerstone benefit of Reiki is general well-being, which makes you more resilient and joyful, independently of which situation your life is on at this moment. This effect is known asThe Relaxation Response. When suffering a disease, it can reduce pain, shorten recovery or improve the outcome, and could be used along with a specific treatment plan studied by specialists.