In an inspiring interview with MysticMag, Eileen Anderson shares her profound journey from being a critical care nurse to embracing the role of a Reiki Master.
With an illustrious career spanning over three decades in the Cardiac ICU at Yale New Haven Hospital, Eileen’s firsthand experiences with patients facing life-altering health conditions motivated her to explore the holistic approach of Reiki. Her initial foray into Reiki, prompted by a colleague’s class designed to cultivate a serene and therapeutic milieu within their unit, marked the beginning of a harmonious blend of nursing and Reiki practices.
Today, as a Reiki Master, Eileen continues to share her wisdom and compassion through community-based classes, treatments, and events, demonstrating the profound impact of Reiki on healing and personal resilience, as highlighted in her enlightening dialogue with MysticMag.
What inspired you to become a Reiki Master, and how has your background as an RN influenced your Reiki practice?
I have practiced as a critical care nurse for 32 years in the Cardiac ICU at Yale New Haven Hospital. My work with patients recovering from life-threatening situations and awaiting heart transplants and open heart surgery has inspired me to take a holistic approach to health care. In 1999, one of my co-workers, a Reiki Master invited 4 of my co-workers and myself to enroll in her Reiki class. The goal was to create a calming and healing environment within our Unit.
We then offered Reiki treatments to patients, families, and other staff members. The next year we learned to deepen our practice by learning Reiki 2. We found that we had created a healing environment within our unit.
The last 18 years of my nursing career were combined with Reiki practice. It became clear to me upon retirement that I would bring my Reiki practice from my hospital setting into the community, through presentations, classes, fundraising events, and treatment sessions.
In 2018 while offering treatments at Orange Chiropractic Center and the Wallingford Senior Center I decided to become a Reiki Master and teacher to teach Reiki for self-care and treatment of others.
How do you approach Reiki sessions to promote relaxation and healing, particularly for newcomers to Reiki?
They come to my peaceful healing space at Whole Health Natural Family Medicine where I have a massage table set up with calming meditative music playing or no music if preferred. A client lies on a table fully clothed and I offer a blanket if they would like. I explain to them that I will move through a series of hand placements on the head torso, back, and extremities.
During the treatment, they may feel warmth, coolness, or tingling and they may feel very relaxed and fall asleep. I tell them it’s OK to let their emotions out, cry, laugh, etc. I also tell them they might feel tired for a day or two. Allow that to happen because they are releasing toxins. They could also sit in a chair. I offer a glass of water following the session.
Can you describe the benefits clients might experience from Reiki treatments?
People have different individual responses., Better sleep, pain relief, Reduced side effects of chemotherapy, greater relaxation and enhanced well-being, decreased anxiety, easier surgical recovery, increased concentration and focus, stabilized blood pressure and heart rate.
I describe Reiki as a Healing practice originating in Japan. It restores balance to the body physically and emotionally promoting rest, relaxation, resilience, and healthy living.
“We all have the ability to heal ourselves. My Reiki treatments assist you with healing and increasing your resilience”
What are the key elements of your Reiki Classes, and what can students expect to learn?
I teach Reiki as a sole modality. Students will learn how to treat themselves and others. This is the traditional teaching of Reiki the way it was originally taught when brought over by Mrs. Takata from Japan. There is ample time to self-practice and give chair and table treatments. Also, I teach the Benefits of Reiki, History, The Reiki precepts, and how to live by them. We go over how to open a practice, insurance, places to practice, and giving Reiki to animals.
Also, I offer Reiki shares bi-monthly where students and experienced practitioners of different lineages can practice with each other in a safe and educational environment
All my Reiki classes and Reiki shares are at the Buttonwood Tree Performing Arts Center in Middletown, CT.
How do you ensure safety and comfort for clients and students, especially considering current health guidelines?
I follow the current CDC protocols. I was teaching during the pandemic with 2-3 students. We all wore Masks, and gloves, and used paper sheets, and pillowcases. There is a bathroom nearby with plenty of hand washing.
I always wear a mask while treating a client on the table and chair. Wash my hands prior. I always make sure My patient is comfortable on the table or chair.
In your experience, how has Reiki contributed to personal resilience and self-healing?
Reiki taught me self-care and the importance of teaching my students self-care before taking care of others. “If my glass of water is empty, I can’t give you any”. My motto is RELAX, REVIVE, and HEAL.
Reiki also gave me an opportunity to facilitate fund-raisers. I recently facilitated a Wellness Day at Ray of Light Farm, a place for rescue animals. A session of meditation, Reiki treatment, and refreshment for a donation with Benefit for the animals. I have participated in various public clinics including Spa Day for women with Breast and ovarian cancer at the Meyerson JCC in Manhattan and Yale New Haven Health Heart and Vascular Events. Also, I have enjoyed meeting Reiki practitioners and other people globally.
Reiki gives me what I need, not necessarily what I want.
Reiki Blessings,
Eileen
Find out more at: www.reikiwitheileenanderson.com
