Complementary Therapy

 
Reiki Therapy

Reiki is defined as "universal life energy." A living human body radiates warmth and energy. This energy is believed to be our life force. Drawing from this life force, Orange Regional Medical Center is pleased to offer Reiki Therapy to its patients as a natural approach to healing and wellness by channeling energy. This energy is transferred from a licensed practitioner to the patient. Reiki is a complementary healing therapy that, when combined with traditional therapy as prescribed by a physician, promotes relaxation and comfort. Reiki is not a cure. It is a relaxation technique that releases positive energy and restores energy flow, allowing the body's own natural healing ability to work. This form of therapy promotes healing to the mind, body and soul.

Frequently Asked Questions about Reiki Therapy

How does Reiki Therapy work?
Conducted in a quiet environment, the patient falls into a relaxed and meditative state as a Certified Registered Nurse Reiki Practitioner conducts a session, or attunement. Patients sit or lie comfortably, fully clothed. The Reiki Practitioner places his or her hands in various positions lightly or slightly above the patient's head, shoulder or chest, typically corresponding to the body's energy centers, better known as chakras. Positive energy is then transferred through these energy centers and helps restore healing and wellness. Standard positions of the practitioner's hands often include the head, shoulders, stomach, arms, legs and feet. Each position is held for approximately two to five minutes. With this method, the therapy is delivered with the intent to raise, unblock and balance energy in order for the body to heal itself.

Why should I consider Reiki Therapy?
Reiki therapy has been known to decrease pain, ease muscle tension, speed healing, and improve sleep.
  
Is Reiki Therapy safe?
Reiki Therapy is very safe. It is a non-invasive, relaxing technique with little to no physical contact.

Is Reiki Therapy available for all ages?
Yes, Orange Regional offers Reiki Therapy to patients of all ages.

How will I feel after a Reiki Therapy session?
Each person responds to Reiki Therapy individually. Feelings can range from refreshed and relaxed to comfortable and stress free. While there is no scientific data to support Reiki Therapy's effectiveness, some healthcare professionals find it to be useful in helping reduce stress and anxiety which in turn allows the body to heal more quickly.

What are the Benefits of Reiki Therapy?
Patients in the hospital setting experience many stressors that can weaken the function of the immune system and interfere with healing. Reiki Therapy focuses on restoring the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual capacities of each individual while enhancing the healing process.

There are numerous benefits of Reiki Therapy, including:

• Reducing stress and anxiety
• Deep relaxation
• Alleviating pain
• Improving blood circulation
• Accelerating recovery
• Reducing side effects from surgery and long-term illness
• Releasing emotional anguish
• Stimulating functions of the immune system

Is there a fee for Reiki Therapy?
Reiki Therapy is a free service offered by Orange Regional during a patient's hospital stay.

How long is a Reiki session?
Sessions typically last for one hour.

How do I request a session?
Patients should notify their physicians to request a Reiki Therapy session. Upon physician approval, a session will be arranged within 48 hours. Once scheduled, a certified Registered Nurse Reiki Practitioner will conduct your Reiki Therapy session in your room.

Orange Regional's Reiki Therapy program was made possible through funding from the Corinne Feller Memorial Fund for Ovarian Cancer Research and Awareness.
 
Corinne Feller was a life-long Montgomery, New York resident and standout student and athlete at Valley Central High School. Corinne touched many lives with her generosity of spirit, commitment to fairness, and social consciousness. After a 10-month battle, Corinne died of ovarian cancer at age 18 in 1999. Her untimely death brought to light the need for heightened awareness about ovarian cancer and increased funding for research to find a cure. Visit www.corinnefeller.org for more information.
 
For more information about our free Reiki therapy program, please speak with your physician or contact the Reiki Therapy Program Coordinator at 845-333-2105.

Pet Therapy

The Pet Therapy Program at Orange Regional was created to make a positive impact on the health and wellness of our patients on a daily basis. In addition to their wagging tails, happy faces and warm noses, our therapy dogs contribute to the many benefits that pet therapy provides including: diminished pain; lower blood pressure; increased relaxation; stress reduction; increased socialization and reminiscence; encouragement for patients to communicate despite speech or hearing disabilities; companionship; mental stimulation; mood improvement; a welcome distraction from illness and hospitalization and a reduction in boredom.

A visit by a therapy dog and their handler not only helps brighten the day for our patients but also brings joy to our staff and visitors. With the understanding that some patients have health restrictions that prevent them from being visited, the Pet Therapy Program works in collaboration with the hospital’s departments, excluding the Intensive and Progressive Care Units. The Program also includes the Pediatrics Department.

If you or your family would like more information on the Pet Therapy Program, please contact Director of Volunteer Resources, Debbie Linken, at 333-0213 or dlinken@ormc.org.