Success Stories
"Holistic nurses may integrate complementary/alternative modalities (CAM) into clinical practice to treat people’s physiological, psychological, and spiritual needs. Doing so does not negate the validity of conventional medical therapies, but serves to complement, broaden, and enrich the scope of nursing practice and to help individuals access their greatest healing potential"
- American Nurses Association
Read some of our case studies that have found success integrating our therapies.
Colitis/IBS-IBD
Client is female mid 40's. Has been suffering since 18years old with diagnosis of colitis, irritable bowl syndrome and irritable bowl disease. Began reflexology treatments to help relax the body, hoping it would decrease spasms in bowels. After initial consultation, energy therapies were added to sessions. Client committed to frequent sessions scheduling appointments once or twice per week for the first two months. In addition to treatments, client was given strategies and self-care techniques to do at home in between of sessions. This client was very good at incorporating self-care activities. After four months of treatments and making some lifestyle adjustments, client has seen an improvement in her symptoms. Reported less spasms, more control of "urgency" and overall better mental state in dealing with a chronic condition.
Anxiety/Fear of sleeping alone (10 year old)
Client is 10 year old boy who has been having fears of sleeping along in his own bed. Client's parents recently divorced.This transition has seemed to prompt his anxiety/fear of sleeping alone. The parents have tried to seek counseling, but the client is resisting. They sought reiki treatments to help relax and decrease the client's anxiety. The hope was also to him with this life transition and calm his mind to open him up to express his feelings as well as participate in couseling. The client loved the treatment and asked to come back for another. He stated that it made him feel relaxed. Within a few days of the intial treatment, the client has been sleeping in his own bed. For the last six weeks, the client continues to sleep in his own bed and anxiety/fear level is decreased significantly.
Rotator Cuff Surgery Rehab (and pain management)
Client is a female, age 64. She was about 4 weeks post rotator cuff surgery. She asked to schedule a reflexology appointment "to simply relax". She has been dealing with high level of discomfot, pain and limited range of motion. I provided her lots of relaxations techniques as I gave her foot reflexology. I also concentrated on her shoulder reflex on the foot to enahnce healing. The client was engaged in conversation during her treatment. During this time, she tearfully expressed the stress and frustration she endures due to the iinjury. Intuitively, I felt she also needed reiki. She need healing more than physicial! I suggested that she consider adding weekly reiki and reflexology sessions along with her physical therapy sessions. Client agreed to participate in sessions 3 times a week. Her pain level was initially assessed at a level 6 out 10. Within the first three treatments the pain decreased to a level 1-2 on most days. By the third week, on most days her pain level was rated at 0-1. Client stated that she felt she was able to "push more" during her physical therapy session.
One day the client arrived at the office upset about her recent appointment with her surgeon. He was concered about her progress and indicated that he may need to schedule another procedure to break up scar tissue to improve stiffness and mobility. Although this is a common procedure many have undergone following rotator cuff surgery, the client didn't want to go through another procedure which she needed anethesia. I suggested to become a little more aggressive and schedule treatments 4-5 times a week. In addition, I had just been trained in new healing touch techniques which were included in her sessions. On day 3 of using the healing touch treatments, her physical therapist asked "did Jeannine do something different", when client asked why, therapist stated that her range of motion seemed better.
Four weeks later, she had her appointment with the surgeron to discuss her progress. She had accepted the possibilty that the additional procedure would be scheduled. To her delight, the physician indicated that there was some progress and he was willing to postponed the procedure and re-evaluate in 30 days to see if it is necessary. Along with her physical therapy sessions, our treatments continued 4-5 days a week. Client has said that not only has our treatments helped her physicially, but it has also helped her better manage the stress of treatment and recovery on a mental and emotional level. The client's re-evaluation showed consistent improvement at each visit. Therefore the surgeon is maintaining his stance on avoiding another surgical procedure and allowing the patient to continue her current treatment plan.
Epilepsy and Sleep Disturbances
Female client, age 37 came for treatments to help relax and reduce stress caused by years of managing chronic condition. Recently her stress was impacted further as she was had to manage the onset of daily seizures, compounded with major life changes and not having a restful night's sleep. Reflexology was her choice of treatment. She experienced her first restful night sleep following the first session. After four sessions, she stated "My seizures have decreased dramatically and I definitly sleep better the night of my reflexology session". Client continues with treatments at least twice a month. She has also incorporated reiki and healing touch therapies to help "calm the mind". She looks forward to her sessions and indicated that it helps her better manage the emotional, mental and physical stress she endures.
Stress Managment and Personal Transformation
Male client, age 23 started coming for Reiki treatments two years ago at age 21. He sought reiki treatments to help manage stress and anxiety associated with his college experience and his transition into "adulthood". Struggling to manage stress and find a passion for a career path, he embraced reiki to help clear his mind and provide him a moment of "relaxation and calmness". Two years have passed and he continues with reiki treatments at least twice a month. He has expressed that he looks forward to his "reiki tune ups" to help him relax and think more clearly. Today he is successfully pursuing a degree within the healthcare field, stating "I LOVE IT!". It has been a wonderful experience for me to see this young man transition over the last two years from a person who struggled to manage stress and find his passion; to a young man that can navigate life's challenges, manage stress more effectively and is pursuing a career that brings him excitement and purpose. This is a wonderful example of the power of reiki helping sharpen clarity and self-awareness, leading to personal empowerment and transformation!
Surgical Wound Healing
This female client age 59 embraced the healing benefits of reiki and healing touch as she underwent upper and lower eyelid surgery to remove several cysts. She actively engaged in pre-operative reiki treatments to prepare her body for the surgery, as well as post-operative treatments for accelerate wound healing. At the time the client went for her follow-up and suture removal, the surgeon indicated that the client looked good for 11 days post op. When the client stated that it's only been seven days, the physician double checked the chart and confirmed yes it was only seven days. At this moment the surgeon indicated that she was amazed at the progress of her healing, indicating that she was four days ahead of the expected stage of healing. The client proceeded to tell the physician of the therapies she integrated into her post-operative care. The surgeon was intrigued, stating that she acknowledges that there is validity to the healing powers of these holistic therapies.
Fractured Wrist and Pain Management
Female client 37 years old chose to integrate therapies to heal her broken wrist and manage pain. Client wished to avoid surgical intervention. The orthopedic agreed to proceed conservatively as long as the bones stayed in proper alignment and did not "settle and shift". She opted for setting and casting the arm for eight weeks. When she indicated that she was going to integrate reiki to help the bones heal without settling to avoid surgery, the physician chuckled and said "OK, do alot of praying, I still think surgery is your best option, but I will support what you want to do". Her pain level initially was rated at a 9 out of 10. After four reiki treatments her pain was rated at a 2-3. Client only used prescribed pain medication during bedtime for a restful night's sleep. Ongoing evaluations with physician indicated that her bones were healing appropriately. Within seven weeks of injury, her cast was removed and physical therapy (PT) was initiated.
During the initial days of PT, client's pain level increased, rated at a level 7 out of 10. After the first week of PT and ongoing Reiki Therapy, client's pain was rated a 4 during the initial hours follow PT and a 1 or 2 the rest of the time. Function, strength and range of motion improved ahead of schedule. Three months after the injury client had 80% functioning of arm and wrist with pain level rated at 1 on most days. Eight months post injury she was functioning at 95% and pain level 0. Although this is a great success story of the healing power of reiki, the role of "HAVING PATIENTS" rather than just being a "PATIENT" during the healing process must be addressed. The client chose to take a conservative approach (with guidance and support from her MD), allowing the body time to access its natural healing potential. By integrating reiki with physical therapy exercises (client also made sure she received plenty of rest and consumed nutrient dense foods), the body's intrinisc healing ability was supported and an invasive surgical procedure was surgery.
Chronic Back Pain
Female client, age 37 employed services for help with chronic back pain. The source of her pain was several degenerative disc problems. She participates in massage and physical therapy to help increase her functionality and pain. Although these therapies have improved her daily functioning, her pain level still persisted. She had schedule an appointment with our massage therapist. Trying to support her pain managment needs, I suggested after she completed her therapeutic massage session, I would end her session with a healing touch therapy technique. Before I began, the client indicated that she was very relaxed but her back pain persisted. I concentrated on the specific area of pain, utilizing my healing touch techique to "drain the pain". At the conclusion of the therapy session, the client indicated that there was a noticable difference in her pain level. The following day, she emailed me to say that evening and the following morning she had not experienced any pain.
There is no magic performed here. I knew that the massage therapy was a benefit to the client. However, adding the healing touch technique and rebalancing the energy centers, brought harmony to the energy flow within the body. Folowing the treatment, the body's energy centers were not as compromised, thus enhancing the benefits of both massage and physical therapy; allowing the body's intrinsic healing abilities to work.
Sluggish Kidney (bonus: avoided an invasive procedure)
Client is a female, 83 years of age. She comes for reflexology to relax and states "it feels so good to have my feet worked on". This client was anxious because she had to go for an endoscopy procedure. There was a suspicion of a GI bleeding as the cause to her worsening anemia. As I performed reflexology, there was an area of sensitivity in her foot that was associated with the kidney. The client rated this area of tenderness a 6 out of 10. I proceeded to ask the client several questions (aka: a "nursing assessment") about her recent urniary output, water consumption and lab values. I began to feel that perhaps the procedure could be avoided. That was an educated guess based on both her response to my questions and the tenderness surrounding her kidney reflex.
It's important to state that the client had never had a history (or symptoms) of kidney issues, but had a history of ulcers, therefore I understood the procedured ordered. However, based on the tenderness over the "kidney reflex", and answers to my questions, I was further convinced that her current condition might be a sluggish kidney. This could simply be confirmed by some simple medical testes. I suggested the client speak with her physician about the my suggestions. I also offered to speak to the physician. Fortuantley, the physician embraced the client's so-called "reflexology findings" and was open to discussion. Conclusion: client was diagnosed with a sluggish kidney, was prescribed pharmeceutical therapy, her anemia improved and the procedure was avoided. This is a great example that although reflexology is NOT to be used as a diagnostic tool, it gave important information that supported a possible root cause to investigate and re-evaluate the client's condition and avoid an uneccessary invasive procedure.
Cholesterol Management and Preventing Cardiac Problems
This case is not so much of what our holistic therapies helped, rather what it helped to find!
Client is a 69 year old female that came for reflexology for as she stated "funny sensations" in her feet. Over the course of several sessions, she had indicated that the sessions seem to have helped suspend the sensations from progressing up the ankle. However, the help that was gained from our session was unexpected. During one of her reflexology treatment, I had felt a change (since her last session) in the texture of skin/tissue over the area of the foot which is known as the liver reflex. Based on the medical information the client provided in her intake form, I had suggested her to talk to her physician about her latest blood work evaluating her liver function or perhaps needing to change her cholesterol medication. Since the liver is the organ for detoxification and cholesterol production and managment, I thought perhaps the medication might have be putting too much stress on the liver and needed to be adjusted. A few weeks later, the client informed me that she spoke with her medical doctor and lab values were monitored regularly and are normal.
Although the physician didn't dismiss the client's interest in discussing what her "holistic nurse/reflexologist" suggested. The client was still interested in perhaps changing medications.The physician stated that he would not make any changes to without evaluating further her cardiac health. This resulted in ordering an out of pocket diagnsotic imagining scan. The client was diagnosed with plaque in her cornary arteries, thus lifestyle changes and medication therapy were crucial to prevent further progression and manage condition. When the client returned for her scheduled reflexology session, she stated that her liver is fine, however if it wasn't for that session and suggesting to speak to her physician, she would not have found this current condition. Knowing what she knows now, she can now be proactive ito improve her health and prevent further progression.
Weight Loss and Self-Empowerment
Client is a 43 year old female who employed coaching services to help with weight loss. When facilitating a coaching session, it's important to emphasize the primary role the client plays. Our therapies are a great resource to help nurture, support and facilitate a healing process, but it is not a "magic wand". I invited this client to view her goal to lose weight as a process to change lifestyle habits, rather than simply following a diet plan. Part of that was understanding the relationship to food, the habits that were formed and of course the heallth value in consuming quality-nutrient dense foods. I also emphasized that this was a healing process, and there is no quick fix. At times it may get frustrating, but internal changes may be happening before any external changes may be noticed. We began with an eight week committment meeting once a week. In addition to coaching sesssions, holistic therapies were incorporated to help relax, re-energize and rebalance her energy system as she navigates the journey towards personal transformation. After eight weeks the client has felt more empowered, more self-control, indicated she making healthier choices and has lost 20lbs!
Please check back frequently to read our latest success stories!
Read about what client's are saying
Client is female mid 40's. Has been suffering since 18years old with diagnosis of colitis, irritable bowl syndrome and irritable bowl disease. Began reflexology treatments to help relax the body, hoping it would decrease spasms in bowels. After initial consultation, energy therapies were added to sessions. Client committed to frequent sessions scheduling appointments once or twice per week for the first two months. In addition to treatments, client was given strategies and self-care techniques to do at home in between of sessions. This client was very good at incorporating self-care activities. After four months of treatments and making some lifestyle adjustments, client has seen an improvement in her symptoms. Reported less spasms, more control of "urgency" and overall better mental state in dealing with a chronic condition.
Anxiety/Fear of sleeping alone (10 year old)
Client is 10 year old boy who has been having fears of sleeping along in his own bed. Client's parents recently divorced.This transition has seemed to prompt his anxiety/fear of sleeping alone. The parents have tried to seek counseling, but the client is resisting. They sought reiki treatments to help relax and decrease the client's anxiety. The hope was also to him with this life transition and calm his mind to open him up to express his feelings as well as participate in couseling. The client loved the treatment and asked to come back for another. He stated that it made him feel relaxed. Within a few days of the intial treatment, the client has been sleeping in his own bed. For the last six weeks, the client continues to sleep in his own bed and anxiety/fear level is decreased significantly.
Rotator Cuff Surgery Rehab (and pain management)
Client is a female, age 64. She was about 4 weeks post rotator cuff surgery. She asked to schedule a reflexology appointment "to simply relax". She has been dealing with high level of discomfot, pain and limited range of motion. I provided her lots of relaxations techniques as I gave her foot reflexology. I also concentrated on her shoulder reflex on the foot to enahnce healing. The client was engaged in conversation during her treatment. During this time, she tearfully expressed the stress and frustration she endures due to the iinjury. Intuitively, I felt she also needed reiki. She need healing more than physicial! I suggested that she consider adding weekly reiki and reflexology sessions along with her physical therapy sessions. Client agreed to participate in sessions 3 times a week. Her pain level was initially assessed at a level 6 out 10. Within the first three treatments the pain decreased to a level 1-2 on most days. By the third week, on most days her pain level was rated at 0-1. Client stated that she felt she was able to "push more" during her physical therapy session.
One day the client arrived at the office upset about her recent appointment with her surgeon. He was concered about her progress and indicated that he may need to schedule another procedure to break up scar tissue to improve stiffness and mobility. Although this is a common procedure many have undergone following rotator cuff surgery, the client didn't want to go through another procedure which she needed anethesia. I suggested to become a little more aggressive and schedule treatments 4-5 times a week. In addition, I had just been trained in new healing touch techniques which were included in her sessions. On day 3 of using the healing touch treatments, her physical therapist asked "did Jeannine do something different", when client asked why, therapist stated that her range of motion seemed better.
Four weeks later, she had her appointment with the surgeron to discuss her progress. She had accepted the possibilty that the additional procedure would be scheduled. To her delight, the physician indicated that there was some progress and he was willing to postponed the procedure and re-evaluate in 30 days to see if it is necessary. Along with her physical therapy sessions, our treatments continued 4-5 days a week. Client has said that not only has our treatments helped her physicially, but it has also helped her better manage the stress of treatment and recovery on a mental and emotional level. The client's re-evaluation showed consistent improvement at each visit. Therefore the surgeon is maintaining his stance on avoiding another surgical procedure and allowing the patient to continue her current treatment plan.
Epilepsy and Sleep Disturbances
Female client, age 37 came for treatments to help relax and reduce stress caused by years of managing chronic condition. Recently her stress was impacted further as she was had to manage the onset of daily seizures, compounded with major life changes and not having a restful night's sleep. Reflexology was her choice of treatment. She experienced her first restful night sleep following the first session. After four sessions, she stated "My seizures have decreased dramatically and I definitly sleep better the night of my reflexology session". Client continues with treatments at least twice a month. She has also incorporated reiki and healing touch therapies to help "calm the mind". She looks forward to her sessions and indicated that it helps her better manage the emotional, mental and physical stress she endures.
Stress Managment and Personal Transformation
Male client, age 23 started coming for Reiki treatments two years ago at age 21. He sought reiki treatments to help manage stress and anxiety associated with his college experience and his transition into "adulthood". Struggling to manage stress and find a passion for a career path, he embraced reiki to help clear his mind and provide him a moment of "relaxation and calmness". Two years have passed and he continues with reiki treatments at least twice a month. He has expressed that he looks forward to his "reiki tune ups" to help him relax and think more clearly. Today he is successfully pursuing a degree within the healthcare field, stating "I LOVE IT!". It has been a wonderful experience for me to see this young man transition over the last two years from a person who struggled to manage stress and find his passion; to a young man that can navigate life's challenges, manage stress more effectively and is pursuing a career that brings him excitement and purpose. This is a wonderful example of the power of reiki helping sharpen clarity and self-awareness, leading to personal empowerment and transformation!
Surgical Wound Healing
This female client age 59 embraced the healing benefits of reiki and healing touch as she underwent upper and lower eyelid surgery to remove several cysts. She actively engaged in pre-operative reiki treatments to prepare her body for the surgery, as well as post-operative treatments for accelerate wound healing. At the time the client went for her follow-up and suture removal, the surgeon indicated that the client looked good for 11 days post op. When the client stated that it's only been seven days, the physician double checked the chart and confirmed yes it was only seven days. At this moment the surgeon indicated that she was amazed at the progress of her healing, indicating that she was four days ahead of the expected stage of healing. The client proceeded to tell the physician of the therapies she integrated into her post-operative care. The surgeon was intrigued, stating that she acknowledges that there is validity to the healing powers of these holistic therapies.
Fractured Wrist and Pain Management
Female client 37 years old chose to integrate therapies to heal her broken wrist and manage pain. Client wished to avoid surgical intervention. The orthopedic agreed to proceed conservatively as long as the bones stayed in proper alignment and did not "settle and shift". She opted for setting and casting the arm for eight weeks. When she indicated that she was going to integrate reiki to help the bones heal without settling to avoid surgery, the physician chuckled and said "OK, do alot of praying, I still think surgery is your best option, but I will support what you want to do". Her pain level initially was rated at a 9 out of 10. After four reiki treatments her pain was rated at a 2-3. Client only used prescribed pain medication during bedtime for a restful night's sleep. Ongoing evaluations with physician indicated that her bones were healing appropriately. Within seven weeks of injury, her cast was removed and physical therapy (PT) was initiated.
During the initial days of PT, client's pain level increased, rated at a level 7 out of 10. After the first week of PT and ongoing Reiki Therapy, client's pain was rated a 4 during the initial hours follow PT and a 1 or 2 the rest of the time. Function, strength and range of motion improved ahead of schedule. Three months after the injury client had 80% functioning of arm and wrist with pain level rated at 1 on most days. Eight months post injury she was functioning at 95% and pain level 0. Although this is a great success story of the healing power of reiki, the role of "HAVING PATIENTS" rather than just being a "PATIENT" during the healing process must be addressed. The client chose to take a conservative approach (with guidance and support from her MD), allowing the body time to access its natural healing potential. By integrating reiki with physical therapy exercises (client also made sure she received plenty of rest and consumed nutrient dense foods), the body's intrinisc healing ability was supported and an invasive surgical procedure was surgery.
Chronic Back Pain
Female client, age 37 employed services for help with chronic back pain. The source of her pain was several degenerative disc problems. She participates in massage and physical therapy to help increase her functionality and pain. Although these therapies have improved her daily functioning, her pain level still persisted. She had schedule an appointment with our massage therapist. Trying to support her pain managment needs, I suggested after she completed her therapeutic massage session, I would end her session with a healing touch therapy technique. Before I began, the client indicated that she was very relaxed but her back pain persisted. I concentrated on the specific area of pain, utilizing my healing touch techique to "drain the pain". At the conclusion of the therapy session, the client indicated that there was a noticable difference in her pain level. The following day, she emailed me to say that evening and the following morning she had not experienced any pain.
There is no magic performed here. I knew that the massage therapy was a benefit to the client. However, adding the healing touch technique and rebalancing the energy centers, brought harmony to the energy flow within the body. Folowing the treatment, the body's energy centers were not as compromised, thus enhancing the benefits of both massage and physical therapy; allowing the body's intrinsic healing abilities to work.
Sluggish Kidney (bonus: avoided an invasive procedure)
Client is a female, 83 years of age. She comes for reflexology to relax and states "it feels so good to have my feet worked on". This client was anxious because she had to go for an endoscopy procedure. There was a suspicion of a GI bleeding as the cause to her worsening anemia. As I performed reflexology, there was an area of sensitivity in her foot that was associated with the kidney. The client rated this area of tenderness a 6 out of 10. I proceeded to ask the client several questions (aka: a "nursing assessment") about her recent urniary output, water consumption and lab values. I began to feel that perhaps the procedure could be avoided. That was an educated guess based on both her response to my questions and the tenderness surrounding her kidney reflex.
It's important to state that the client had never had a history (or symptoms) of kidney issues, but had a history of ulcers, therefore I understood the procedured ordered. However, based on the tenderness over the "kidney reflex", and answers to my questions, I was further convinced that her current condition might be a sluggish kidney. This could simply be confirmed by some simple medical testes. I suggested the client speak with her physician about the my suggestions. I also offered to speak to the physician. Fortuantley, the physician embraced the client's so-called "reflexology findings" and was open to discussion. Conclusion: client was diagnosed with a sluggish kidney, was prescribed pharmeceutical therapy, her anemia improved and the procedure was avoided. This is a great example that although reflexology is NOT to be used as a diagnostic tool, it gave important information that supported a possible root cause to investigate and re-evaluate the client's condition and avoid an uneccessary invasive procedure.
Cholesterol Management and Preventing Cardiac Problems
This case is not so much of what our holistic therapies helped, rather what it helped to find!
Client is a 69 year old female that came for reflexology for as she stated "funny sensations" in her feet. Over the course of several sessions, she had indicated that the sessions seem to have helped suspend the sensations from progressing up the ankle. However, the help that was gained from our session was unexpected. During one of her reflexology treatment, I had felt a change (since her last session) in the texture of skin/tissue over the area of the foot which is known as the liver reflex. Based on the medical information the client provided in her intake form, I had suggested her to talk to her physician about her latest blood work evaluating her liver function or perhaps needing to change her cholesterol medication. Since the liver is the organ for detoxification and cholesterol production and managment, I thought perhaps the medication might have be putting too much stress on the liver and needed to be adjusted. A few weeks later, the client informed me that she spoke with her medical doctor and lab values were monitored regularly and are normal.
Although the physician didn't dismiss the client's interest in discussing what her "holistic nurse/reflexologist" suggested. The client was still interested in perhaps changing medications.The physician stated that he would not make any changes to without evaluating further her cardiac health. This resulted in ordering an out of pocket diagnsotic imagining scan. The client was diagnosed with plaque in her cornary arteries, thus lifestyle changes and medication therapy were crucial to prevent further progression and manage condition. When the client returned for her scheduled reflexology session, she stated that her liver is fine, however if it wasn't for that session and suggesting to speak to her physician, she would not have found this current condition. Knowing what she knows now, she can now be proactive ito improve her health and prevent further progression.
Weight Loss and Self-Empowerment
Client is a 43 year old female who employed coaching services to help with weight loss. When facilitating a coaching session, it's important to emphasize the primary role the client plays. Our therapies are a great resource to help nurture, support and facilitate a healing process, but it is not a "magic wand". I invited this client to view her goal to lose weight as a process to change lifestyle habits, rather than simply following a diet plan. Part of that was understanding the relationship to food, the habits that were formed and of course the heallth value in consuming quality-nutrient dense foods. I also emphasized that this was a healing process, and there is no quick fix. At times it may get frustrating, but internal changes may be happening before any external changes may be noticed. We began with an eight week committment meeting once a week. In addition to coaching sesssions, holistic therapies were incorporated to help relax, re-energize and rebalance her energy system as she navigates the journey towards personal transformation. After eight weeks the client has felt more empowered, more self-control, indicated she making healthier choices and has lost 20lbs!
Please check back frequently to read our latest success stories!
Read about what client's are saying
