Victoria Dalgleish works privately as a Reiki therapist in North London and is employed part time at University College Hospital. She works in a team employed by UCLH NHS Foundation Trust which is funded by charities.  They offer complementary therapies to patients, carers and staff in Cancer Services.  Victoria currently sees an average of 25 people a week at UCLH, who come from different cultural backgrounds and whose ages range from 2-92. Victoria practices in the out-patient radiotherapy department and on four inpatient wards. She treats patients and their relatives’ ailments and side effects from cancer and its treatment. Reiki helps with symptoms such as pain, tension and stress in the body and with the painful emotions and feelings that come up along the journey from diagnosis to the possibility of dying.

Reiki (pronounced Ray-key) is a Japanese name consisting of two words Rei and Ki, which means guided life force energy. Ki or chi animates all of us and is found all around us. Reiki de-stresses the body and mind, creating deep relaxation that many people report never having been achieved before. It is a natural, soothing therapy where the therapist uses her hands with light touch on various points of a clothed body.

Victoria was born with a condition, which took her straight to Great Ormond Street hospital for sick children. She had operations as baby, child and teenager and she has had numerous x-rays, injections and clinic appointments.  As a teenager Victoria was moved into adult services, which meant she had to attend many different hospitals.  In her twenties she had more operations and still has clinic appointments, scans and tests at UCLH.

Victoria found moving into adult services confusing and traumatic much like adolescence itself. A portion of Victoria’s work at UCLH now is giving Reiki to adolescents; she is part of a multidisciplinary team who care for patients also going through the transition from child to adult services. It is a testament to the progress of the NHS and the recognition of people’s emotional and physiological needs that this is supported today 30 years after Victoria’s experience. Victoria is extremely grateful for the NHS and now understands why certain negative experiences had to be the way they were. Medical staff time tends to be at a premium and conditions and treatments were not always clearly explained and this caused her emotional and physical side effects. People were treated in sections, one department for one part, and one department for another so the body was not treated as a whole.  One part of Victoria’s body was dealt with in Leeds and another in London. There was no emotional support available and nurses and doctors had specific functions, which didn’t necessarily address human feelings.

Victoria recalls, “In my late twenties whilst in The Middlesex Hospital, I was in a great deal of pain and recovery seemed slow. Someone on the ward recommended Reiki. A gentleman came in and gave me a treatment, and my life changed from that moment. Instantly I had no pain and a quicker recovery. The session incorporated my whole body, which gave me awareness, where in the past I had felt very disconnected blocking out my body’s needs and after the Reiki I felt connected to my whole wellbeing. Emotionally I was less stressed and more contented. This was something that I hadn’t found anywhere else and was in my opinion the missing link within the NHS.

Already interested in complementary therapies, I knew I needed to find out more. Reiki level one is about working on oneself, so in 1997 I took this level. I used Reiki on myself in waiting rooms, whilst having x-rays, blood tests and on the wards, I can honestly say that my whole hospital experience changed I felt alert and well. My anxious feelings were calmed, my mind was more focused for questions, I felt more informed and clear about my situation and I received the support I needed. Within the past 12 years have had no complications from my condition. I can’t say this is all due to Reiki but it is what I have done differently.

I studied Reiki level two and then the teacher’s level over a three-year period with three teachers. This enabled me to develop the ability to treat and teach others. I have now given thousands of treatments and everyone has been fascinating and different, as all people are.

This is a dream come true for me, working in an NHS hospital and being listed in The NHS Directory.  Having a career as a Reiki therapist who gives treatment that is seen to be beneficial to patients and complements conventional medical treatments is incredible for me.

I also see patients privately completely separately from my hospital patients. I teach Reiki and am a master teacher member of the Reiki Federation. With my background I empathize with people in challenging situations especially medical ones. Reiki transcends all and touches the whole being, creating space, nurturing and a deep sense of relaxation. Every session is a complete privilege for me; I see the benefits several times a day.”

For treatments and teaching with Victoria Dalgleish visit:

http://www.victoriadalgleish.co.uk

NHS Trusts Association

UK Reiki Federation Member