April 20, 2020 by Karen Pischke BSN, RN

Preventing the Spread of Disease and Boosting Your Immune System

To stay ‘healthy and safe’ during this national/global health crisis, it is important to be aware of and follow the advice of local, state, national and international government and public health departments guidelines.

Depending on where you live in the world, those recommendations vary as well as can change daily. Sources to find up-to-date, accurate, evidence-based information include: the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), National Institutes of Health (NIH), World Health Organziation (WHO), and the United Nations (UN), as well as state and local Public Health Departments.

Take care of yourself and doing everything you can to stay healthy and boost your immunity:

Rigorous hand washing,
Keep a healthy environment,
Eat healthy balanced, nutritious meals,
Avoid drugs, smoking, excess drinking,
Spend time in nature,
Minimize stress,
Get adequate sleep.

Follow the Department of Public Health (DPH) Guidelines for ‘Social Distancing,’ ‘Stay at Home’ and ‘Face Covering‘ Guidelines from the CDC, Gloucester DPH and MA DPH.

‘Preparation and Prevention’ Information from the CDC:

Foods that support a healthy immune system, from Mayo Clinic

Boosting Immunity from Harvard Health

Managing St ress and Anxiety in the Midst for a Crisis from the CDC –

Things you can do to support yourself during a crisis –

Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories, including social media. Hearing about the pandemic repeatedly can be upsetting.
Take care of your body. Take deep breaths, stretch, or meditate. Eat healthy, well-balanced meals. Exercise regularly. Get plenty of sleep. Avoid alcohol and drugs.
Spend time in nature (while wearing face covering and maintaining 6 foot distance).
Make time to unwind. Do some activities or hobbies you enjoy.
Music is healing: listening to or playing. (Try Live streaming, you-tube and facebook house parties).
Connect with others. Talk with people you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling.
Connect with other ‘virtually’ via phone, on-line webinars, FaceTime.

If stress gets in the way of your daily activities for several days in a row, call your healthcare provider.

At Dreamtime Wellness we are offering Free 20-minute Phone Consultations (one per person) for those in need of support, stress relief, pain management and smoking cessation. During this health crisis, all our services and products for relaxation, stress management and smoking cessation are offered ‘virtually’ at discounted prices, ‘sliding scale,’ ‘by donation’ or some for free (one per person), depending on your individual circumstances and needs. Contact us for details and to schedule a consultation or session.

Our hours for ‘virtual’ sessions are Monday through Thursday. 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Some evening and weekend sessions will be available for ‘essential workers’ who work during the day and, any front-line workers.

~ We are all in this together, and together we will all get through this. ~

Karen Pischke BSN, RN, Alumnus CCRN, Nurse Researcher, Integrative Nurse Consultant, Author, Speaker, Photographer. Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist, Tobacco Treatment Specialist, Usui Reiki Teacher/Komyo Shihan. Owner/Founder of Dreamtime Wellness LLC. Your Bridge to Health: Promoting Optimal Wellness for Mind, Body and Spirit. Karen is a registered nurse with a background in critical care nursing, cardiac rehabilitation, cardiac risk factor reduction, wellness and integrative healthcare. Incorporating a collaborative, integrative approach, Karen strives to educate, advocate for, and empower you in your healthcare goals. Providing evidence-based integrative healthcare services and self-care tools that are safe as well as effective at improving overall health, happiness and wellbeing. www.DreamtimeWellness.com. 978.283.4258. Email: dreamtimewellness@gmail.com. Find us on Instagram and Facebook

Disclaimer: This blog provides general information and discussion about health and related subjects. The words and other content provided in this blog, and in any linked materials, are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice. If the reader or any other person has a medical concern, he or she should consult with an appropriately licensed physician or other health care worker. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this blog or in any linked materials. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately. The views expressed on this blog and website have no relation to those of any academic, hospital, practice or other institution with which the authors are affiliated.

April 2, 2020 by Karen Pischke BSN, RN

Dreamtime Wellness is Offering ‘Virtual’ Sessions: #StayHomeStaySafeSaveLives

During the International Pandemic Emergency, We REMAIN OPEN, offering emotional support, products and ‘virtual’ sessions for Healthy Coping, Relaxation, Stress Relief and Pain Management.

In consideration for your and everyone’s safety, we are following the MA Department of Public Health’s Directive to ‘Stay Home’

Though we are temporarily unable to offer ‘in-person,’ office, home, hospice or hospital sessions, we continue to support you and your good health and promote optimal well being, in the best and safest way possible – ‘Virtual’ Sessions and Products Offered at *Discounted Prices.

Including but not limited to: Instruction in and sessions of breathing relaxation (variety of techniques), guided imagery, visualization, hypnotherapy/self-hypnosis, meditation (variety of techniques), reiki (variety of techniques), tobacco treatment/smoking cessation, and more.

*Offering ‘Virtual’ Sessions: ‘Discounted’, ‘sliding scale,’ ‘by donation,’ and in some cases, ‘free.’ (Per person limits) Cost varies by type of session/product, and individual needs. Contact us for details and/or to set up your ‘virtual’ session. Email: dreamtimewellness@gmail.com.

FREE 20-minute Phone Consultations/Sessions for ‘Breathing Relaxation and Support. (one per person). Email to schedule.

~ We are all in this together …, and together, we will all get through this, especially when we all follow the guidelines and recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the MA Department of Public Health. ~

#StayHomeStaySafeSaveLives #LoveYourNeighborFromADistance

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August 5, 2019 by Karen Pischke BSN, RN

September 21 and 22; 1st Degree Reiki Training. 15 CE’s for Nurses, Case Managers and Social Workers

Begin Your Reiki Journey With Thorough, Supportive Training Steeped in Japanese Tradition

First Degree/Shoden (Beginning Teaching) – 2 day, 15-hour training.**

When: Saturday, Sunday. September 21 and 22, 2019

Where: Peabody MA

No pre-requisite necessary. Come with an open-mind and open-heart!

Contact Us for Details and to Register – 978-283-4258 or Email: info@dreamtimewellness.com

Usui Reiki Ryoho – a Japanese Healing Art/Method that originated in 1922 with Founder USUI Mikao Sensei of Japan. Komyo Reiki System: A Keep It Simple system of reiki as taught by Buddhist monk INAMOTO Hyakuten Sensei, based on Japanese aesthetic – Less is More.

Learn Reiki (ray-kee) in this traditional apprentice-style training. Class is offered in beautiful, peaceful settings surrounded by nature. Includes instruction, discussion, practice, meditation, attunements (Reiju,) manual, ongoing mentoring and much more. Learn the history of Reiki Ryoho, techniques for self-reiki and self-care, potential benefits and use of reiki, reiki research, ethics and boundaries, and the reiki precepts (gokai) that guide our daily practice.

‘Self-Reiki for Self-Care’ – Self-reiki offers a quick and easy way to relax, improve comfort and increase calm. Self-reiki also can help those wanting to make positive lifestyle changes and or enhance their meditation practice.

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May 26, 2019 by Karen Pischke BSN, RN

Home of the Free, Because of the Brave

~ Remembering those we have loved and lost, with gratitude. ~

Dreamtime Wellness™ Offers Discounted Sessions for Stress and Pain Management to Veterans and Emergency Responders, who bravely assist others every day.

~ We Thank You for Your Service. ~

Photos for Inspiration and Meditation – Available in various sizes and media, framed or unframed and as PhotoArt Cards at the Bookstore of Gloucester, 61 Main Street. Gloucester MA. COMING SOON to Cape Ann Giclee On-Line Shop.

Enjoy a Healthy and Safe Memorial Weekend.

~ From Dreamtime Wellness™

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March 7, 2019 by Karen Pischke BSN, RN

First Degree Reiki Training: CE’s for Nurses, Case Managers and (applied for) Social Workers

Begin Your Reiki Journey With Thorough, Supportive Training Steeped in Japanese Tradition

First Degree/Shoden (Beginning Teaching) – 2 day, 15-hour training.**

2 Upcoming Opportunities:

When: Saturday, Sunday. March 23 and 24 and May 18 and 19

Where: Peabody MA

No pre-requisite necessary. Come with an open-mind and open-heart!

Contact Us for Details and to Register – 978-283-4258 or Email: info@dreamtimewellness.com

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November 12, 2017 by Karen Pischke BSN, RN

Reiki at Gloucester Healthcare and Senior Center This Week

Your Bridge to Health; Promoting Optimal Wellness for Mind, Body and Spirit

Reiki for Relaxation, Comfort and Calm – Reiki (ray-kee) will offered to residents at Gloucester Healthcare (Formerly Golden Living Gloucester.) Monday, November 13. 2 pm – 3:30 pm.

Gloucester Healthcare Residents can sign up through the Activities Department. Family members and health care agents can sign up loved ones unable to sign themselves up (Alzheimer’s, dementia, post-stroke, or other cognitive issues.) Family members and staff may also participate as time allows. Attention is paid to comfort, safety, hygiene and confidentiality.

Reiki for Seniors at the Rose Baker Senior Center – Friday, November 17. 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Suzanne Sweeney, 3rd Degree Reiki Practitioner and I will be there offering Chair Reiki Sessions. Pre-Register: 978- 281-9765. $5 Donation.

*Active Duty Military and Veterans – Contact us to ask about our discounted Reiki Sessions during the month of November.

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Reiki is considered generally safe and has the potential benefits of relief of stress and anxiety, improved comfort and increased calm.

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November 11, 2017 by Karen Pischke BSN, RN

Reiki for Veterans: Healing the Wounds of War

Photo © Jay Alpert. Reprinted with permission.

Thank You for Your Service!

Dreamtime Wellnesses™ is ‘Giving Back’ to Veterans throughout the month of November.

A Chance Meeting With a Word War II Veteran – A couple of days ago, I rode the elevator at the medical building where I have an office. A man riding the elevator with me mentioned, “I don’t care much for elevators.” Since I work with people in my professional practice to help them overcome fear including ‘fear of elevators,’ his mentioning this led to a conversation we may not otherwise have had.

Turned out Jack, (not his real name) is also afraid of other closed-in spaces, crowds, and fireworks that he related began while on active duty. I asked ‘Which war did you serve in?’ and was shocked to hear “World War 2.” He looked much younger than his stated age of “92.”

We spent the next twenty minutes in the freezing cold as Jack shared his experiences, then and now. Jack said, “four soldiers were from one street in Peabody. I was the only one that made it home.” Jack kept apologizing for “taking up my time.” What he didn’t know is that I so loved talking to him and could have spent hours listening to his story.

Back then, the veterans of WWII and even Korean and Vietnam Wars had little support for what is now diagnosed as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD.) Most of the returning soldiers never spoke about their experiences, not even with their families.

Remembering My Uncles That Served in WWII.

My Four Uncles Serving in World War II – Four out of my eight uncles saw combat in World War 2. My cousin Cindy recently gifted me a beautiful book (*excerpts from her book) about our family’s WWII history, for which am most grateful.

Cindy’s father (Uncle Mike) was on the European front. My other three uncles from our mother’s side all saw combat in the Pacific. “They all participated in key battles in the war and were awarded numerous wards for their participation and bravery.”(*) Cindy had two other uncles on her father’s side that served, ‘Babe’ and Anthony who were also on the European front. All of our relatives survived the war.

Uncle Warren – Warren was our remaining WWII family survivor, until this past January when he died at the age of 96. He started off in the Navy but was transferred to the Marines as a Corpsmen. “Warren saw about 25 days of constant battle on Iwo Jima.” (*)

Soft-spoken and mild-mannered, I could never imagine my Uncle Warren (or any of my uncles) being in combat. Warren came home from the war with permanent hand-tremors, his only visible ‘scars.’ Many years later, Uncle Warren had the opportunity to return to Pearl Harbor on a U.S. carrier, along with his grandson Michael. There he told me he had the opportunity to “speak with and shake the hands” of former soldiers from Japan, which seemed to be very healing for him.

Uncle Al – Of all my uncles, Al spoke the most about his experiences in WWII, sometimes choking up and with tears in their eyes. He was in the Philippines and Papua New Guinea. I loved looking at his photo albums, which reminded me of National Geographic. Al, a medic received an individual Bronze Star for rescuing and saving some wounded soldiers. “Al had a distant cousin from New Hampshire that was one of the men that assisted in raising the flag on Iwo Jima.” (*)

Uncle Stan – Stan received 3 Bronze Stars while in WWII. He also rarely spoke about WWII. He returned from the Philippines with a pair of bamboo sandals which he gave to his mother, but which have since returned to the Philippines and are now on display there in a museum. (*)

Uncle Mike – Mike was in Germany and the only one physically wounded but refused his Purple Heart because “my mother would have a heart attack if she received a letter stating I had been wounded. He was awarded 5 Bronze Stars, later replaced by a Silver Star.” (*) Prior to enlisting, he worked at Sentinel TV and was responsible for the radio communications equipment.” (*) Uncle Mike was a man of few words, and I don’t recall him ever talking about the war. He died (too) young at the age of 59 of a heart attack, taking his ‘wounds’ to his grave.

My Mother and Aunt’s Role in WWII – My mother and her twin sister (Cindy’s mother) both now 90 years old, worked in a factory that made raincoats for the military. Mom relates a story where she slipped a piece of paper with a note into a pocket of one of the raincoat.

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September 1, 2017 by Karen Pischke BSN, RN

Reiki Lecture at Brigham and Women’s and Reiki Share

FREE Lecture: The Benefits and Science Behind Reiki for Cancer Patients. Monday. September 11. 6:30 pm. Brigham and Women’s Lung Cancer Forum. Brookline MA. Contact us for details.

Reiki (ray-kee) is a gentle Japanese healing art that promotes relaxation and potentially improve comfort and calm, offering emotional and physical benefits while undergoing treatment for cancer. Reiki sessions are offered with the client/patient fully clothed, either lying or seated, often with light touch, but no manipulation.

Gentle and generally relaxing, reiki sessions are often viewed as supportive care by patients receiving them.Though the science is still out about the effectiveness of reiki, a number of hospitals and healthcare settings are incorporating reiki as adjunctive support for stress and pain management. (Contact me for current research studies related to reiki in the oncology setting.)

Reiki Sessions are offered in a variety of cancer centers throughout the U.S. including Brigham and Women’s, Dana Farber, Beth Israel Deaconess, and Tufts Medical Center.

Note: Talk to your doctor about reiki and other complementary and integrative therapies you are or thinking about receiving. Reiki sessions are not meant to take the place of conventional treatment.

Monthly Community Reiki Share, ‘First Tuesdays’ –

Next Reiki Share – Tuesday. Sept 5th.

At the Manchester Community Center. 40 Beach St. (Harbor Place) in Manchester-by-the-Sea. Every 1st Tuesday of the Month.

5:15 – 8:15 P.M. $20.00 Suggested Donation. (Sliding Scale available at $10.00 for seniors and patients undergoing treatment for cancer.) Water, tea and healthy snacks provided.

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April 29, 2016 by Karen Pischke BSN, RN

Community Reiki Share for a Cause – LungForce for Lung Health

Promoting Optimal Wellness for Body, Mind and Spirit

Next Community Reiki Share – Tuesday. May 3rd. 5:15 – 8:15 P.M. $20.00 Suggested Donation. Portion of monthly proceeds donated to charitable fund-raising, local and abroad. This month’s Reiki Share proceeds to help benefit LungForce.org.

Social Ambassador for Lung Force. Last year, upon hearing about the growing rate of lung cancer diagnosis in young women who have never smoked, I became a Social Ambassador for Lung Force to help educate and increase awareness.

Here are the Facts –

Lung cancer, the #1 cancer killer of women in the United States.
Every five minutes, a woman in the U.S. is told she has lung cancer.
The lung cancer death rate in women has more than doubled over the past 35 years.
Anyone can get lung cancer.

Cheryl’s Healing Journey – Through LungForce Day 2015, I connected with a young woman in Pennsylvania.

Married with two young children Cheryl had been diagnosed with Stage 4 Lung Cancer October 2015. When I met Cheryl in November, she expressed wanting “to give up,” discouraged by the diagnosis and harsh chemotherapy treatments. The hospital where she receives treatment offers Integrative Therapies (acupuncture, massage, reiki, etc.) Her medical condition prevented her from having acupuncture or massage, and no one had mentioned reiki. I was able to connect Cheryl with Reiki, which is offered free at the cancer center where she receives treatment. The financial strain of cancer treatment can be devastating. Many hospitals now offer Integrative Therapies in Cancer Centers, free to patients. Our November Community Reiki Share provided needed money to Cheryl and her family. We continue to offer emotional support. Cheryl found her strength and has continued her treatments. Months later, she continues to achieve lifetime milestones. Most recently, Cheryl celebrated her son Daniel’s 1st Birthday.

Cheryl and her family express their “thanks for donations, prayer and healing energy.”

LungForce.org works to advance lung health—a life free of lung disease—for everyone who suffers from asthma, COPD and other lung diseases, or has someone in their life who does.

How You Can Help Support Lung Force –

Attend our Community Reiki Share May 3rd.
Make a Donation to Lung Force.
Join me to Walk – LungForce Walk Boston. Thursday. May 12. 5 – 8 pm. Boston Commons.

Monthly ‘Community Reiki Shares’ are offered ‘First Tuesdays.’ Held at the Manchester Community Center. 40 Beach St. Manchester-by-the-Sea. An affordable way to enjoy a Reiki Session while supporting charitable organizations. Contact us if you have a charitable organization or fundraiser and would like to partner with us.

Reiki Ryoho- a Japanese Healing Method/Art – Schedule: 5:30 pm – Meditation, Japanese mawashi (circle) and Komyo open reiju (attunement.) Pre-register for a session of Reiki between 6 and 8 pm.

Attend part or the entire evening. Enjoy the sense of peace, comfort and calm Reiki provides.

Healthy snacks and tea are available. You don’t have to be a Reiki practitioner to join in. Those attending often comment on “how welcomed” and “relaxed” they feel, and how much they “enjoy the peace” of the evening. Some express “relief of pain” and “improved comfort.”

Where – Manchester Community Center. 40 Beach St. (Harbor Place) in Manchester-by-the-Sea. Every 1st Tuesday of the Month.

Register in Advance – info@DreamtimeWellness.com or call 978-283-4258. Walk-ins accommodated as we are able. Wheelchair accessible. Convenient, free parking.

As one woman says, “I always leave (the Reiki Share) feeling relaxed, and happy.

~ Join us and experience a relaxing, peaceful evening. ~ Karen

Offering Reiki therapy in hospitals responds to patients’ physical and emotional needs. (1) More study is needed, but in preliminary studies ‘there is evidence to suggest that Reiki therapy may be effective for pain and anxiety.” (2)

Reiki sessions are intended as adjunctive, supportive care and are not meant to be used ‘in place of” conventional medical care. If you are having medical issues, do not delay treatment. An accurate diagnosis is important for ‘best care’ and ‘best outcomes.’ for For safe, collaborative care, report the use of all complementary therapies, herbs and supplements to physician. Some complementary therapies, supplements, herbal and over-the-counter products may negatively interfere with your care; discuss use of these with your doctor.

For more information and a list of resources –

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October 25, 2015 by Karen Pischke BSN, RN

Complementary and Integrative Therapies for Supportive Cancer Care

Promoting Optimal Wellness for Body, Mind and Spirit

Hospitals around the country are offering integrative therapies as part of comprehensive, collaborative cancer treatment. According to the National Center Complementary and Integrative Health Integrative Medicine is a total approach to healthcare combining standard (conventional) medicine with complementary therapies that have been studied and shown to be safe and effective.

Integrative Therapies for Cancer Care

Complementary and Integrative Therapies – (include but are not limited to) – Acupuncture, Expressive Art, Hypnosis, Massage, Mediation, Mindfulness, Music Therapy, Reiki, Tai Chi, Yoga and Qi Gong.

Complementary and Integrative Approaches for Cancer Symptoms and Treatment Side Effects –

“NCCIH-funded research has suggested that:

Cancer patients who receive integrative therapies while in the hospital have less pain and anxiety.
Massage therapy may lead to short-term improvements in pain and mood in patients with advanced cancer.
Yoga may relieve the persistent fatigue that some women experience after breast cancer treatment.”

(Source: https://nccih.nih.gov/health/integrative-health)

A study by Birocco et al. found that Reiki (ray-kee) sessions (one to four half-hour sessions in this study) provided to 118 patients receiving chemotherapy in an outpatient infusion clinic were helpful in improving well-being, relaxation, pain relief, sleep quality and reducing anxiety. Those that received the full 4 sessions had a significant (P <.000001) reduction in anxiety. (Source: The effects of Reiki therapy on pain and anxiety in patients attended a day oncology and infusion services unit. Am J Hosp Palliat Care. 2012 Jun;29(4):290-4.)

Reiki Sessions Promote a Relaxed State of Mind and Body

Reiki Promotes a Relaxed State of Mind and Body

Self-Hypnotic induction decreased pain and anxiety in women undergoing large core breast biopsy (Source: Adjunctive Self-hypnotic Relaxation for Outpatient Medical Procedures: A Prospective Randomized Trial with Women Undergoing Large Core Breast Biopsy. Lang, E., et al. Pain. 2006 December 15; 126(1-3): 155–164.
Acupuncture has been shown to be an effective and safe adjunct therapy for cancer care for: chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. Studies also suggest acupuncture may be helpful in managing cancer-related pain, chemotherapy-related neutropenia, chemotherapy-induced neutropenia, cancer fatigue, and radiation-induced dry mouth (xerostomia.) (Source: The Value of Acupuncture in Cancer Care. weeding, L. et al. Hematol Oncol Clin North Am. 2008 Aug; 22(4) 631-viii. NIHMSID: NIHMS65572

Auricular Acupuncture

Hospitals offering Integrative Therapies – in Boston include – Beth Israel-Deaconness, Boston Medical Center, Dana Farber, Mass General, and Tufts Medical Center. North of Boston – Lahey Healthcare (Beverly, Burlington, Danvers, Peabody, Winchester,) North Shore Medical Center (Lynn, Salem) and Mass General North (Danvers.)

Communicate with your oncology doctors and nurses about your use of integrative therapies for supportive care during treatment. Tell all your health care providers about any complementary health approaches you use to ensure coordinated, effective and safe care.

Important to Note: Some integrative therapies, over-the-counter medications, herbs and supplements may not be warranted or even be contraindicated because they may negatively impact your care during treatment for cancer. Check with you doctor, oncologist, and oncology nurse prior to using to assure safe, effective care.

What You Need to Know About Complementary and Integrative Therapies and Cancer Care – the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Therapies conducts and supports research, and provides information about complementary health products and practices. Rigorous studies are conducted to determine the safety and effectiveness of therapies, herbs and supplements. For More Information – https://nccih.nih.gov/health/tips/cancer

6 Things You Need to Know About Complementary Therapies – https://nccih.nih.gov/health/tips/cancer

How to Find a Complementary and Integrative Practitioner –https://nccih.nih.gov/health/howtofind.htm

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