EMMC is committed to offering our patients the most innovative services available, and this includes complementary therapies. Since December, a new relaxation therapy has been offered to patients as a pilot program in Rehabilitation. The therapy, called Reiki, is a Japanese technique used for stress reduction and relaxation. It is provided by certified Reiki practitioners who are also registered EMMC volunteers. It has been found to help with many problems including pain relief, immune system support, improved blood flow, and comfort and relief from treatment side effects.
“This is a really nice service to offer to our patients,” explains Paula Ballesteros, RN, BSN, MSB, department head nurse, Rehabilitation PO3. “The concept makes sense and there are many anecdotal stories about how patients have benefited.” During treatment, the patient is clothed and lying on their back. The practitioner uses a light touch to redirect energy to specific parts of the body.
Anja Prestridge, RN, Rehabilitation PO3, was instrumental in bringing the Reiki program to EMMC. “I think the time was right. More and more patients are requesting holistic remedies and staff are becoming more aware of complementary healing,” Anja comments. “The program has been in response to patients wanting the service. It is well integrated into the clinical services we provide,” comments director of Rehabilitation Services, Peter Keebler, MD.
“It’s taken many hours to get the program started,” said Paula. “Much of the credit for starting the program needs to go to Martha Wildman, director, Volunteer Services; Joan Osler, Reiki Volunteer; and Anja. Together they have created a Volunteer Reiki Program that suits the needs of our patients.”
The service has been extremely well-received, with more than 100 sessions provided to patients and their families. Patricia Woell, wife of Rehab patient Fred Woell, has seen the results firsthand. “I’ve seen amazing, interesting things with the treatments,” Patricia notes. “He is definitely benefiting from it. During one of the sessions, Fred got very calm and fell into a deep sleep – something he hadn’t been able to do for a while.”
As of April first, the Reiki program is being offered to all of EMMC inpatients. Volunteers are an integral part of the Reiki program, as they administer 100% of the Reiki sessions. “Without the energy, hours and support of our volunteers we would not have been able to start this program,” Martha says. “We have fabulous volunteers who have put their heart and soul into this project.”
Eighteen volunteers are currently registered to provide the service. In order to ensure Reiki is available to all interested patients, more volunteers are needed. Many of the practitioners are willing to train others to perform Reiki. If you are interested in serving as a Reiki volunteer, please contact Martha Wildman at 973-7851. |
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