Reiki 'In Touch' with Hospitals

Did you know that Reiki Australia is proud to announce that one of our very own Reiki Australia ARTP members and newest board member Lainey Bowler was providing Reiki treatments in a medical setting?

From September - December 2023, the Ballarat Regional Integrated Cancer Care (BRICC Wellness Centre) at Grampians Health Ballarat,  recommenced offering Reiki Treatments to its patients on Thursday afternoons each week.

"The gentle nurturing Reiki energy Clients receive from a single Reiki treatment session has a tremendous positive effect on their physical, mental, emotional and Spiritual well-being.”

Recent research studies into the effectiveness of Reiki treatments as part of medical care plans, is showing that Reiki treatments can have an important part in improving patient outcomes, particularly for oncology patients; improving quality of life for those with life-limiting illness, reduction of pain, reduction of side effects of chemotherapy & or radiation, reduction of stress and anxiety, and supporting Spiritual and Pastoral Care.

A few months ago, I ran into a friend at the supermarket who mentioned that there was a vacancy at the local hospital Oncology Wellness Centre for a volunteer Reiki Practitioner, so I applied. I was invited for an interview, demonstrated a short Reiki session for the manager while we chatted, and I was hired on the spot! Thank you Reiki.

My first shift included an induction of the wellness clinic, the various rooms for various events, meeting some of the other volunteers and staff, and explanations of all the other services, therapies, and support programs running at the centre.

I also was introduced to some of the patients and clients in the Cuppa & Chat social room.

The majority of clients that I have met have chosen to seek additional holistic support such as Reiki treatments to help reduce the stress and anxiety, and other symptoms associated with coping with their medical treatment plans.

Each BRICC Wellness centre client has also commented to me that after receiving their Reiki treatment, they feel much calmer and relaxed, and look forward to their next Reiki appointment.

One client experienced Reiki for the first time and was pleasantly surprised how calm he felt and said “the Reiki treatment felt like a warm & fuzzy massage for his soul”.

Another client told me that she found the session incredibly nurturing and soothing, felt calmer, and her headache and upset tummy had subsided considerably.

Several first-time clients took the opportunity to experience a Reiki treatment, and all said they enjoyed the calming peaceful energy, and were pleasantly surprised. Many 'newbies' came back for further treatments because they enjoyed it so much, and others took a brochure to share with friends..

Each Reiki treatment session approximately 30 - 45 minutes of Reiki treatment per client, to allow for cleaning between clients, infection control procedures and practising spiritual hygiene.

Sessions are at hourly intervals allowing time for clients to fill out an Intake & consent form, and time for discussion. 

The BRICC welIness centre is funded by community donations and is run almost entirely by volunteers who freely offer their valuable time and skills.

I am grateful for the opportunity to have connected with so many lovely people through my volunteer experience.

I hope our path cross again some day, but until then thank you for allowing me the privilege to hold sacred reiki space for your healing session. Each experience was a blessing, Thank You.

May you be well, May you be blessed, Reiki Blessings.

Shine Bright Be-You-tiful Souls, Lainey xxx