The Urban Zen is an alternative-holistic initiative founded by Donna Karan on May 14th 2007, to holistically support cancer patients. This program, that includes Reiki Energy Healing, is offered and studied by nurses and doctors in UCLA.
Summary of this outstanding-collaborative effort:
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WHY Under our well-being initiative, we are dedicated to integrating eastern healing techniques with western medicine to treat the patient, their loved ones and caregivers. In 2007, we hosted a Well-Being Forum to stimulate an exchange of ideas between patients, doctors, nurses, yoga instructors and alternative healthcare practitioners. Out of that well-spring of inspiration, the UZIT program was born. |
HOW By creating the Urban Zen Integrative Therapy (UZIT) Program, we have trained members of the healthcare and yoga communities in the healing modalities of yoga therapy, Reiki, essential oil therapy, nutrition and contemplative care. This curriculum is uniquely designed to treat the classic symptoms of illness: PANIC™ (pain, anxiety, nausea, insomnia and constipation) and exhaustion. |
WHERE The objective of the Urban Zen Integrative Therapy program is to provide integrative therapists in hospitals, outpatient care centers, support groups, private practices, corporate environments, nursing and medical schools to transform healthcare to include eastern healing techniques with western medicine. |
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HOW IT WORKS Each modality is introduced separately and then students are taught how to integrate the modalities to address those symptoms the patient or client is experiencing: PANIC™ (pain, anxiety, nausea, insomnia and constipation) and exhaustion. |
CLINICAL EXPERIENCE Once integration has been instructed, students begin their practical experience during the clinical rotation requirement, working with patients, loved ones and caregivers. One hundred hours of such practice is required for certification. |
“When a crisis takes place, whether personal, national or worldwide, one needs to find the optimum way to sustain and maintain one’s center and energy,” says Rodney Yee UZIT Yoga Therapy director. “A crisis often brings chaos, exhaustion, depression and anxiety. This is the time we desperately need the tools of meditation and restoration. Urban Zen Integrative Therapy classes were created to give this very relief. Come and lay your weary bodies down in the best supported relaxing positions while you are guided through deep meditations and soothing breath awareness exercises, all the while, smelling healing essential oils and receiving balancing Reiki energy. Come be part of the solution of bringing ease, balance and peace back.”Give yourself the opportunity to restore and to give to others from a place of clarity.
Donna Karan, Founder of This Holistic Program, Rethinks Healthcare With Urban Zen
***The following article is taken from the UCLA’s http://rehab.ucla.edu/***
About the Urban Zen Integrative Therapy Program
In partnersh ip with the Urban Zen Foundation, UCLA Health System offers a unique Eastern
healing program designed to enhance the care of our patients.
UCLA Health System caregivers are trained in providing the following gentle healing modalities to address the primary symptoms of pain, anxiety, nausea, insomnia, constipation, and exhaustion:
- Yoga – breath awareness, in-bed movement, guided meditation and restorative poses
- Reiki – a Japanese vibrational energy therapy facilitated by light touch, on or slightly off
the body, that balances the human bio-field (electro-magnetic living field) - Essential Oils – volatile liquids distilled from plant materials used to rejuvenate the mind
and body - Contemplative Care – cultivation of mindful awareness, emotional balance, equanimity
and compassion around issues of illness
The services are offered at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, Mattel Children’s Hospitafl UCLA, Jules Stein Eye Institute, Stewart and Lynda Resnick Neuropsychiatric Hospital at UCLA and Santa Monica UCLA Medical Center and Orthopaedic Hospital.
UCLA Health System is the first hospital on the West Coast to adopt the program which was founded in 2007 by fashion designer and humanitarian Donna Karan.
The Urban Zen Integrative Therapists (UZITs)
The UZITs are current patient caregivers who come from a variety of departments throughout the UCLA Health System: Oncology, Nursing, Rehab Services, Massage Therapy, Respiratory Therapy, Social Work, Care Coordination and Radiology. They were chosen for their previous background in alternative therapies and commitment in patient care.