Universal energy has begun to flow at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation.
Yesterday eight nurses, including the hospital matron, all received certificates after completing the first section of a three-part degree on the Japanese Reiki treatment. Other participants are to join next month and complete the process in becoming Reiki Masters.
The programme was taken to GPHC by Rolinda Kirton, managing director of the Centre for Inner Harmony, a Stress Management and Holistic Health Centre. She has given her services to allow nurses at the hospital to be fully qualified in the treatment with the first three sessions of basic training coming free of charge.
Japanese for universal energy, Reiki is one of the simplest forms of natural healing and is similar to therapeutic treatments such as acupuncture and reflexology. The procedure, which cannot be used as a diagnostic tool, involves a series of hand movements on the patient to help relax the body and invigorate the mind. It can be used for all illnesses and diseases and can be dispensed by anyone of any age if qualified.
Yesterday Kirton said that Reiki is internationally recognised, with some doctors and nurses fully-certified overseas. She said it was important for medical practitioners in Guyana to also benefit. "There is a need for people in the medical profession to use Reiki. It is a complementary treatment which focuses on body, spirit, mind and energy levels. Once treated, you can use it for the rest of your life."
Kirton is one of the first locally trained Reiki Masters and her organisation has made courses available to the public. Because it is not an academic procedure, there are no exams involved. Students qualify when the teachers feel they are ready to do so.