JoAnn Inserra Duncan, MS, RMT of Turning Point Reiki approached the staff at Norwalk Hospital’s Cancer Center about starting a Reiki Program in the spring and fall of 2004. The program began in January of 2005 and has been received enthusiastically by patients, oncologists and staff at the Whittingham Cancer Center. JoAnn, a Reiki Master Teacher, sees clients on Mondays at the center. The clients must be patients at the Center. Many are having chemotherapy and /or radiation at the time they are referred and some have finished their conventional treatments. Questionnaires are given to each person receiving a Reiki session before and after the session. The data from the questionnaires shows that Reiki helps reduce pain, nausea, and fatigue and increase a sense of well being. It helps most feel more positive and less anxious about their situation.
The program has been so successful that it has expanded its offerings. There are now three Reiki Masters at the Whittingham Cancer Center providing Reiki sessions to clients. The Complementary Medicine Program at the Center also includes massage, art therapy, a Tai Chi type of exercise class and nutritional counseling. We are continuing to find ways to expand this beneficial program at the Center. Those receiving these services are very thankful to have modalities that they can do in conjunction with their conventional therapies that can assist their recovery and give them a more positive outlook and a sense of hope. If you feel better after a session, that is such a powerful tool to carry with you on your healing journey.
For more information about Reiki at the Cancer Center, private sessions or Reiki Level I, II and Master Level training, please contact JoAnn, Duncan, MS, RMT of Turning Point Reiki at 203-438-3050.