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Reiki is a Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation that also promotes healing. While Reiki is relatively new to many of us, it is an ancient relaxation technique dating back thousands of years.
The technique is based on the idea that everything in the universe is made up of energy and this life force energy flows around us and through us nourishing our cells, organs, and glands. When one’s energy is low, imbalanced, or restricted by stress, injury, or illness, we are more susceptible to discomfort, further illness and disease. When one’s energy is high or balanced, one is more likely to feel relaxed and the body’s own innate healing abilities are awakened and utilized for healing. Reiki has also been called hands-on healing and energy work.
What does it feel like? 
Although Reiki is hands-on, unlike massage, it is administered through a gentle touch. While the patient is seated or lying down and fully clothed, the practitioner’s hands are placed along energy centers and pathways on the head, neck, shoulders and upper chest, abdomen, legs, and feet (similar to those used by acupuncturists). As energy is transferred to the patient, the patient may feel warmth, coolness, gentle tingling, or just deep relaxation. For those in the final stage of life, it can provide a more peaceful “transition.”
What are the benefits?
Research on various types of energy work has shown that, in addition to deep relaxation, Reiki can promote a reduction in anxiety, muscle tension, and pain, can promote accelerated wound healing, and can promote wellness and a greater sense of well-being. It is useful during illness, after injuries, pre- and post-op, as well as for health promotion.
Who can learn?
Anyone can learn – the ability to tap into the universal life-force energy is not dependent on intellectual capacity or spiritual belief and is passed on to the student during the class.
Patient Comments
"I’ve had major surgery before but never with relaxation tapes and your wonderful Reiki healing touch sessions. I was overwhelmed with a sense of peace and gentle calm which helped me immensely during my hospital stay this time."
"I hope Reiki is always available because it helped me a lot in relaxing and healing, giving me energy to think positive and forget the bad things wrong with me. I thank you for Reiki, it really, really helped me!"
"I felt the Reiki program helped me to deepen my breathing patterns which in turn reduced my pain."
"This was a wonderful part of my stay at Hartford Hospital. The Reiki sessions I received were the highlight of my day. It is super that this is being offered to patients. Keep it up!"
Availability
PATIENTS:
Specially trained Reiki Volunteers currently provide Reiki 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.
COMMUNITY:To make an appointment for a Reiki session, please call (860) 545-4444 or e-mail iTherapy@harthosp.org. To register for Reiki classes offered at Hartford Hospital, call Health Referral Services at (860) 545-1888 or by e-mail HRS@harthosp.org.
For information on the Reiki Volunteer Program contact Volunteer Services at (860) 545-2448 or by e-mail eepellet@harthosp.org.
For More Information
Hartford Hospital Reiki Volunteer Program Wins National 2002 Extraordinary Program Award
Hartford Hospital's Reiki Volunteer Program was honored as the recipient of the 2002 Extraordinary Program Award from the American Society of Directors of Volunteer Services (ASDVS), a division of the American Hospital Association.
 Reiki volunteer group with their award
Every year ASDVS identifies two exceptional healthcare volunteer programs that have functioned at least 3 years, are unique and original, and can show substantial benefit to the recipients, the healthcare organization, and the volunteers involved.
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