Reiki and Healing Touch are increasingly being used in hospitals nationwide to support patients.
Prestigious institutions like Duke University Hospital, Columbia University Hospital, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, and Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital have integrated these therapies into their care offerings. Many of these programs, similar to LifeSpark, provide services at no cost, while others include them in their Integrative Medicine Programs for a fee.
According to a study by the International Association of Reiki Professionals (IARP), 60% of “America’s Best Hospitals” have formal or informal Reiki programs. Among these, 67% of hospitals rated Reiki as “highly beneficial” for patients, with all reporting it as at least “somewhat beneficial.”
A recent study conducted by the Cleveland Clinic, published in the Journal of Pain and Symptom Management, evaluated the impact of Reiki on cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. The study involved 392 Reiki sessions with 268 patients, who reported significant improvements in pain, fatigue, anxiety, nausea, and overall well-being. Participants also expressed high levels of satisfaction and experienced enhanced relaxation.
These findings align with the feedback we receive from LifeSpark sessions, which are offered at several hospital cancer centers across the Colorado front range. Our Reiki and Healing Touch sessions help reduce stress and promote healing, reinforcing the growing recognition of complementary therapies in cancer care.
Denise, an oncology nurse at UCHealth, beautifully captures the essence of this work: “What a gift this therapy is to our patients! Either for first-time-to-chemo patients or for seasoned veterans of chemo, the treatment generally offers a respite of relaxation for our willing patients…physically, mentally and emotionally.”
Patients themselves have shared their experiences, highlighting the profound impact of these therapies. One patient described it as “a lovely service, very relaxing and gentle. A nice break for the mind at a time of high stress and dark thoughts, thank you!” Another noted, “Reiki makes the neuropathy in my feet go away. Very good experience.”
For two decades, LifeSpark has provided wellness sessions in hospitals, delivering over 5,000 sessions to approximately 1,800 cancer patients. Our free sessions are currently available at UCHealth hospital infusion centers in Aurora, Highlands Ranch, and Fort Collins.
In 2019, LifeSpark conducted an informal survey of 35 cancer patients at the Anschutz Cancer Center. It revealed that after just one 20-minute session, anxiety and stress decreased by about two-thirds, and pain reduced by one-third on average.
We cherish these therapies for their non-invasive support and their ability to foster peace and well-being. Our goal is to create a nurturing environment where patients can find comfort during their treatment journey.
Thank you for being part of the LifeSpark family. Your support and belief in our mission make a difference every day. If you have any questions or would like to learn more about our program, please feel free to reach out.