** Unfortunately, the Reiki program at BWH is not active at this time (as of June 2020). Reach out to Volunteer Program and Training Coordinator Amy Almeida at aalmeida6@mgb.org to be added to our inquiry list, which we will reach out to if anything changes. **
Brigham and Women’s Hospital’s Reiki Program is one of the largest hospital Reiki programs in the world. Our program consists of over 60 volunteer Reiki practitioners, as well as nurses and other staff members certified to perform Reiki. Over the past eight years, our Reiki volunteers alone have provided over 40,000 Reiki sessions to patients, family members, and hospital staff.
Brigham and Women’s Hospital’s Reiki Program has played a historical role in the development of Reiki in the medical setting. Our caring, compassionate, and committed volunteers serve as leaders, helping to set a bold precedent for the presence of Reiki in the Hospital. Today, many BWH nurses, doctors, social workers, physical therapists, nutritionists, and chaplains request Reiki sessions for their patients, as well as for themselves, on a regular basis. Reiki has become a “go to” therapy to help patients overcome anxiety, physical pain, sleeplessness, and all kinds of stresses.
Our amazing volunteers are helping start a new chapter. Other hospitals in the Boston area, across the nation, and in countries around the world have expressed interest in replicating the BWH Reiki Program. The work done by our BWH Reiki volunteers is a service beyond words.
What is Reiki?
Brigham and Women’s Hospital defines Reiki as a relaxation technique, which involves a Reiki practitioner gently placing hands on a patient’s body, including the head, shoulders, arms, hands, knees, ankles, and feet. This light touch helps facilitate the body’s “relaxation response”. When the body is relaxed, it can more easily get in touch with its own natural ability to attain balance.
Our data, based on feedback from patients, family members, and staff members who received Reiki sessions, as well as outside research show that Reiki promotes relaxation, relieves stress and anxiety, reduces pain and fatigue, and improves overall quality of life.
Our Reiki program welcomes new volunteers who are already certified in Second Degree Reiki or above. Please view the following links to learn more about our programs:
Becoming a BWH Reiki Volunteer (Must be Second Degree Reiki Certified or Above)
Contact Us
