Healthcare News

Reiki Inspirations

“Reflections on Reiki Practice” by Jane Van De Velde, 2024
“Further Reflections on Reiki Practice” by Jane Van De Velde, 2024
“Transformation of a Reiki Practice” by Jane Van De Velde, 2021

Reiki for Healthcare Providers

Healthcare providers were stressed and stretched thin during the Covid-19 pandemic. Edward-Elmhurst Health began to seek ways to provide support and comfort to staff.

In 2021, I volunteered to offer Reiki sessions as part of the Employee Support Program. Staff would sign up for 10–12-minute sessions in the middle of their busy shifts. After these few short minutes, staff described relaxation, feelings of peace and calm, quieting the mind and even dozing off. I visited med-surg units, intensive care, emergency department, and family birthing center. This program was so well received, we were asked to expand it. Other Reiki volunteers joined me to offer these sessions at various locations within the healthcare system. Between 2021 and 2024, we offered 684 sessions to staff working in the hospitals, outpatient clinics, and Corporate Center.

Reiki at Integrative Medicine Clinic

The Integrative Medicine Clinic opened at Elmhurst Hospital in 2016. Reiki is one of the services offered in addition to acupuncture, functional medicine, nutritional counseling, and massage. Clients may be referred for Reiki sessions by other healthcare providers or schedule sessions independently. All sessions are documented and become part of the client’s electronic medical record (EMR). Reiki is increasingly being recognized for its value in healthcare. It is possible to introduce Reiki into healthcare settings using a professional approach, good communication skills as well as persistence. These are some of the key elements for success.

Volunteer News

The Joy of Reiki Sharing

The Reiki Share Project is dedicated to empowering individuals to participate in their own healing process. Hosting Reiki Shares at Wellness House is one way we accomplish this mission.

 TRSP has been hosting in-person Reiki Shares for participants for a number of years. This Share is open to Wellness House participants who have taken Reiki class with TRSP or with other teachers. We set up tables with 3-4 people at each table. Attendees both give and receive 15-minute Reiki sessions. It is such a pleasure to watch newer practitioners gain skill and confidence in offering Reiki to others. By evening’s end,  the energies of joy and healing are almost palpable in the room.

In March 2020, with the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, all in-person programming at Wellness House (WH) was suspended.  WH pivoted to virtual programming and our TRSP Reiki Shares did the same. We began to host monthly Zoom Reiki Shares which include a meditation, a guided self-care practice and a group distant Reiki healing session. With this virtual program, we had attendees from around the country—people who could not join in person but could participate from the comfort of their homes. These virtual Reiki Shares were well attended for over two years. In September 2023, we finally came back together for in-person Reiki Share at WH. Going forward, we have opted to continue both in-person and virtual Reiki Shares alternating each month.

We are grateful to partner with Wellness House in growing this caring and compassionate Reiki community.
September, 2024