A Simple Description Of Reiki

by Don Brennan 

We were asked by the staff at Crouse Hospital if we could provide a simple description of Reiki. The staff wanted to easily convey to patients a simple understanding of Reiki in order to decide if they’d like to try it.

 Many patients have little background in alternative healing or energy work. So we wanted to avoid the use of concepts like energy and any terminology that might be alienating in any way. We even considered avoiding using the name Reiki until people had experienced it. The goal was to get people to try it so they could experience the benefits firsthand. And then people could learn more details about Reiki if they chose to do so.

Many patients are also on heavy medication so descriptions have to be short and to the point. So we had to streamline our efforts for that purpose. We wanted to keep the language neutral and the tone safe and nurturing without seeming patronizing.

We thought we would share this with our readers to use in situations where it might be appropriate. After all, the population is aging and we all have family and friends who might be open to Reiki if approached in the right way.

Here is a simple, succint, and very neutral description of Reiki. You can even avoid using the name Reiki until later. This should be enough to get people interested. Try to keep it simple. If they have more questions, you can go into more detail, but try to use neutral terminology.

Don’t forget to play quiet, peaceful, healing music during sessions!

• Take a few minutes to introduce yourself and to get  

  to know the patient, then explain Reiki.

• “Reiki is (or we or I practice) a gentle form of 

   natural healing that promotes peace and relaxation,

   reduces pain and helps your body’s natural ability to

   heal itself.”  (or natural healing processes, natural

   healing ability, etc.)

• “The nurse simply places her or his hands (or we or  

   I simply place our or my hands) on different areas of

  the body and it feels warm and soothing and very

  relaxing.”

• “It helps to reduce pain, anxiety and stress; helps to

    increase appetite and vitality; and helps you to sleep

   better at night.”  (You might want to add: “A lot of

   patients really enjoy it!”)

• “Does this sound like something you’d like to try?”  

  (If you sense any hesitation or reluctance,

  tell them they don’t have to decide now. They can

  think about it and see how they feel later on.)

• HOW IT WORKS:  “We all have healing energy in

   our bodies, which keeps everything in balance. That 

   energy is low when we’re sick. This process helps to

   increase your energy supply and brings everything

   back into balance again.”

• IN RESPONSE TO MORE QUESTIONS: 

  Reassure them that the process is safe, gentle and

  noninvasive; doesn’t interfere with any medication

   or therapy; and can only help them to feel better.

• “The best way get an understanding of Reiki, is to

    experience it!”

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