Reiki Healing, or, to give the practice its full title - the Usui System of Reiki - is a gentle hands-on healing art in which the practitioner may offer support and compassion to another person through the medium of gentle and caring touch.

The practitioner may also use the practice on a daily basis for self care and treatment. This makes it ideal for mutual support as well as personal stress management and well-being.

Nursing is very much a hands-on profession, in spite of the modern technology that has invaded the hospital scene in recent years. The nurse is the primary carer in that environment and has the principal contact with the patient, offering comfort, solace, and support and satisfying the patient's everyday needs.

In the course of nursing care, touch is used for washing, massage, and general comfort, as well as medical procedures. The person attuned to Reiki Energy can offer this form of care each time the patient is touched.

Reiki is not used to cure anything or replace another form of treatment (though sometimes a cure may happen in the course of treatment), but it often provides powerful healing especially on the emotional and spiritual levels, such as in palliative care situations. Moreover, the practitioner does not offer a promise as to the outcome of a treatment, nor is any diagnosis given.

Reiki Healing may offer both nurse and patient the following:

• Relief from stress, sometimes leading to quite profound relaxation.

• Relief from physical pain or discomfort may often be achieved.

• In emotional situations, solace may be given, often achieving rapid peace and comfort. The experience for some is like meditation.

• Need for medication may sometimes be reduced, such as in situations where some form of sedation may be required.

• Some people find that Reiki Healing may help mitigate unpleasant side-effects of medication (example: chemotherapy).

We invite comment on the content and direction of this paper from practitioners of Reiki who either are already working, or are contemplating working in the professional field, such as in hospital, hospice, or clinic situations.

We are also creating a dossier of case studies dealing with the effects of psychic practice in Reiki - both harmful or otherwise - and will appreciate the receipt in writing of any relevant case studies. We would stress that confidentially will be maintained in these case studies: where appropriate, names of persons involved will be omitted or changed.