Reiki Touching Lives
First National Reiki Conference, Feb 4th, 2007
Article by Patricia Sheehan

The First National Reiki Conference "Reiki Touching Lives was held on Sunday 4^th February 2007. Over 200 people attended. Nineteen per cent of the attendees were from Mainstream Health which shows a growing interest in Reiki as a supporting complementary therapy.

Our Chairperson Brigid Maher welcomed everyone and then Dr Mary Upton (TD) opened the event.  She was followed by Dr Brendan Fitzpatrick who spoke about how Mainstream Health and Complementary Health do not have all the answers. By knowing the boundaries, scope and limitations of each practice, we can provide a much better service for patient care.

Lua McIlwraith spoke about how she facilitated a series of Reflexology Complementary Health lectures in the Royal College of Surgeons, again showing an interest in Mainstream Health and Complementary Health working in partnership.

Ann Hayes,Director of Services, Lios Aoibhinn Cancer Support Centre, St Vincents Hospital gave a very interesting presentation on how they have integrated Touch Therapies into their Health Care system and the differences between "To Cure from the outside" and "To Heal from the inside".

Deirdre Ruane, Clinical Nurse from the Hospice in Raheny has started some research and also presented preliminary findings.

Maura Mc Ginley,   Registered Nurse and Reiki Teacher presented recent research in the area of Energy work. However, there is a need to complete larger studies to support the requirements of Mainstream Health. It would be beneficial for us all to look at what we record and maybe in the future collate our own data as RFI.

Rachael Conlon and Deirdre Dolan gave an informative demonstration of a Reiki Treatment. Before lunch approximately 100 people received a mini Reiki chair treatment.

After lunch Mary Kennedy presented a lively talk on how Reiki Works For You and your Animal Friends. 

Patricia Sheehan outlined how Reiki has been taught in schools highlighting how it helps students cope with stress.

Cathriona Duffy shared her involvement with 'Heart Children Ireland'. Her story touched the hearts of many.

Mari Roddy talked about how she uses Reiki with Acupuncture and then Catherine Smyth talked about using Reiki with Reflexology.

The diversity of speakers shows the versatility of Reiki and its' uses.

Maura Mc Ginley gave an informative update on the Regulation Process of Complementary therapies.

Kelley Birmingham kept the whole day flowing with her wonderful humour, lightness and confidence introducing our speakers.

The day concluded with more Reiki treatments.

The RFI Working Committee lead by RFI's outgoing PRO Patricia Sheehan organised this event.

What Participants have said:  

'Blown away by the Day', 'Brilliant Day', 'Inspiring Speakers', 'Brilliantly organised', 'Great Variety of Speakers', 'Very Professional', 'I have a more informed view of Reiki and am excited about the regulatory body', 'Concrete information on Reiki and Great Atmosphere'.

Numbers: 211 attended

13 general Public
41 Health Professionals
91 Reiki (Non RFI members)
66 RFI Members

Patricia Sheehan and the RFI committee would especially like to thank the Working Committee for their energy, enthusiasm in giving freely of their time to organise this event.

Cliona Farrell (Hon Treasurer RFI), Rachel Conlon (Sub Editor RFI), Kelly Bermingham(Assistant Membership Secretary RFI), Patricia Sheehan(PRO RFI),

Marie Guilfoyle (RFI Mem), Audrey Donnolly (RFI Mem), Maria O'Leary (RFI Mem), Deirdre Dolan (RFI Mem), Bridget Walshe (RFI Mem), Aine O'Dea (RFI Mem), Mairead Walsh (RFI Mem)