How and why I integrate Reiki into my Integrative
Medicine Practice
Robert A. Weissberg, MD ©2006
IntegMedRW@aol.com
I have been practicing medicine in some form since 1979,
and I have been publicly calling what I do “Integrative Medicine” since 1999,
which is also when I learned Reiki. My medical practices have spanned
a continuous period of personal and professional evolution. My professional
activity has ranged from emergency medicine, solo, HMO and clinic primary
care practices, and the current Integrative Medicine consultation practice.
My training has included a residency and continuous certification in Family
Practice, training in hypnosis, the intensive course “Applying Functional
Medicine in Clinical Practice,” a two year Associate Fellowship in Integrative
Medicine with the University of Arizona, training and diplomate certification
in Holistic Medicine, training in QiGong, Reiki, and Energy Medicine, with
Master training in Reiki.
Integrative Medicine is healing-oriented medicine that takes account of the
whole person (body, ‘heart’, mind, and spirit), including all aspects of
lifestyle. It emphasizes the therapeutic relationship and makes use
of all appropriate therapies, both conventional and alternative. Integrative
Medicine offers the best of conventional, complementary, and alternative
medicine. It focuses on the body's innate healing response, assumes
an equal partnership between patient and practitioner in the healing process.
Its primary goal is to enhance the level of health, wellness and vitality
of the patient/client. As I often tell new patients, I treat people,
not diseases or diagnoses.
Reiki is a Japanese word meaning Universal Life Force.
It is the science and art of activating, directing and applying this natural
energy (Ki), often thought of as subtle energy, to safely promote healing
and enhance feelings of well-being. The form of Reiki that I offer
was developed in Japan in the early 20th Century, but has roots in a system
of practice dating thousands of years ago. Reiki’s power is the power
of Presence. It does not involve any diagnosis, assessment, doing or
fixing. The practitioner makes direct or indirect contact with the
client, allows the subtle energy to flow, and maintains the intention for
the highest good and benefit of the client. In essence, Reiki is pure
healing, and it will promote and support any healing process.
When I first learned to use Reiki, I saw it as one of
many other techniques that I could offer to help a variety of patients.
But, as I continued offering Reiki to my patients, the practice itself connected
me ever more deeply with the entire process of healing, which is different
from simple repair or treatment. Reiki has acted as a catalyst for my own
healing, growth and evolution, as well as for that of my patients.
I have come to more deeply appreciate that healing is part of the essence
of life, and that that illness, disease, health and wellness are all part
of the multi-dimensional process of unfolding and manifestation that makes
up a person’s life pattern and process. The regular practice of Reiki
enhances my own healing presence, and supports the effectiveness of all of
the great variety of conventional and alternative methods at my disposal.
A truly integrative practice honors and addresses each
person in their uniqueness and wholeness—body, ‘heart’, mind and Spirit.
Rather than seeing a disease or dysfunctional process as an enemy to be fought
with a variety of weapons, we see it as an opportunity to heal, which includes
a deep appreciation for one’s own unique path and purpose in this world.
It is my honor to be present for my patients journey, and to join with them
on their path to healing. I am truly grateful.