LifeSpark, a Colorado non-profit that works with cancer patients, is training Reiki and Healing Touch providers as volunteers. The New Providers Seminar, for energy therapists joining LifeSpark's program, will take place Oct 17-19 at the LorettoSpiritualityCenter in Littleton. LifeSpark matches Reiki and Healing Touch volunteers with individuals with cancer for weekly sessions in Boulder, Denver, Lakewood, and Englewood.

Individuals with cancer find relief from may side-effects of cancer treatment including fatigue, and report feeling peaceful and cared for after a Reiki or Healing Touch session.Volunteer providers develop close relationships with their "participant" while increasing their skills in working with cancer patients.

The 18 hour seminar covers professionalism, ethics, energetic issues with cancer, and interpersonal relationships with the cancer participant. This seminar helps develop skills in areas typically not covered in energy therapy classes such as boundary issues that can develop between the energy therapist and the participant, and LifeSpark emphasizes self-care for the volunteer while in the program. The seminar is offered twice a year in the spring and fall, and includes a 100 page manual and lunch both days.

LifeSpark Cancer Resources (www.LifeSparkNoworg) is a non-profit organization that provides comfort and support to individuals with cancer. Volunteer Reiki and Healing Touch providers are matched with individuals with cancer, and sessions are held weekly for a period of three to six months. Sessions occur at the following facilities: DenverHealthMedicalCenter in Denver, St Barnabas Episcopal Church in Denver, GreenMountainUnitedMethodistChurch in Lakewood, Swedish Radiation Oncology in Englewood, FoothillsHospitalTeboCenter in Boulder, and HealthLinks Clinic in Boulder.

Research indicates that Reiki and Healing Touch, two forms of energy therapy, have been effective in reducing side-effects of cancer treatment such as fatigue, sleeplessness, and pain, and are also widely acclaimed for their ability to reduce stress while supporting peace and well-being. The individual receiving the therapy lies fully clothed on a massage table and the provider gently places their hands on or above the body. Participants report feeling deeply relaxed, and a feeling of being nurtured and cared for. Benefits generally last from one to five days and are cumulative over time.

Reiki and Healing Touch volunteers must meet minimum training and experience levels and also attend the 18 hour New Provider Seminar before being matched in the program. To register for the training visit www.LifeSparkNow.org and click on Volunteer, or call 303-425-5670.

For more information about LifeSpark Cancer Resources, call 303-425-670 or visit www.LifeSparkNow.org.

CONTACT Sandy Priester

303-425-5670

Info@LifeSparkNow.org