Reiki in Ontario Hospitals

In recent years, reiki has become a much more popular treatment option for patients in Canada, as well as a subject of scientific research. As a result, more people are calling for the inclusion of reiki as a treatment option in a variety of settings, including within Ontario hospitals.

About Reiki

Reiki is an alternative form of healing that comes from Japan and can be used for many different purposes. The word “reiki” means “universal life energy.” This healing technique first appeared in the west in the early 1900s and has been passed down from one generation to the next ever since. The idea behind reiki treatments is that the reiki practitioner will be able to improve the flow and circulation of the client’s spiritual energy through close proximity or gentle touch.

Reiki sessions can take place in any location. During the session, the practitioner will place his or her hands slightly above the patient or in gentle contact with the patient. The hands are placed in specific positions to encourage the proper flow of spiritual energy and resolve any issues with this flow. In most reiki sessions, up to 15 different hand positions will be used, and each position may be held for up to five minutes. Reiki sessions usually last for about an hour.

Benefits of Reiki Treatments

Reiki treatment offers several benefits over other types of therapy that may be used in healing. Some of the benefits of reiki are listed below.

• Reiki is non-invasive.
  Unlike many other treatment options, reiki is non-invasive and does not require any incisions, use of chemicals or other potentially-dangerous actions.
• Reiki is risk free.
  Because reiki is non-invasive and uses no medications, there is no risk of side effects or complications from this treatment.
• Safe for all types of ailments.
  Reiki can be used safely to treat patients with virtually any ailment, from diabetes to cancer.
• Reduction of stress and pain sensations.
  Regardless of what ailment reiki is being used to treat, it may provide the added benefits of reduced stress and lessened sensations of pain. This can be helpful for clients dealing with a wide variety of problems, including those who are receiving reiki treatment in Ontario hospitals.

Popularity in Canada

In recent years, the popularity of alternative treatments as a whole has grown dramatically in Canada. According to research conducted by Insights West, as many as 10 percent of people surveyed reported having tried reiki at some point during their lives. The majority of those Canadians who reported having tried reiki viewed the treatment positively and found it to be effective. This research also shows that more Canadians are calling for the inclusion of alternative treatments like reiki as a standard healthcare option.

Reiki in Canadian Hospitals

Several institutions have conducted studies to determine whether reiki is a beneficial treatment for patients who have been hospitalized. One such study that focused on Canadian hospitals was published in the Journal of Palliative Care in 2013. The study found that providing patients with reiki treatment led to lower levels of discomfort, restlessness, anxiety and pain. Reiki treatment was also associated with mood improvements. The study ultimately concluded that reiki was a valuable addition to the treatment options offered at the hospital.

Other studies conducted at different hospitals produced similar results, with most researchers determining that reiki can help with pain, mood and other issues commonly experienced by hospitalized patients. In fact, one study published in the American Journal of Hospital Palliative Care found that the use of reiki on patients in the oncology and infusion services unit decreased VAS anxiety scores by more than half. The mean VAS pain score of patients in this study dropped from 4.4 to 2.32. In addition, patients showed signs of improved sleep quality, better relaxation, reduced anxiety and enhanced overall well-being.

The Bottom Line

Reiki is an alternative treatment with no side effects and no risks or possible complications, making it a safe option for almost any patient. Many people report positive experiences with reiki, and studies have shown that this alternative therapy can lead to improvements for hospitalized patients. Although reiki is not yet practiced or offered in every Canadian hospital, it stands to reason that this treatment will continue to become more readily available to and popular among patients in Canada.