The United Kingdom recognizes the effects of spiritual healing and has instituted a Code of Conduct with the approval of the Royal Colleges of Medicine, Surgery, Nursing, and Midwifery.  It may come as a surprise to Americans, but spiritual healers have been allowed in hospitals covered by the National Health Service since the 1970's. This means the National Health Services pay the fees charged by the spiritual healers.

Initially, patients had to request that their healers be allowed into their hospital room. Now, hospitals have invited the healers to be a part of their staff and have placed them in many wards. They are often used in the cardiac unit, hospice center, and pain control area of the hospital.

Doctors in the United Kingdom have been sending patients to spiritual healers for many years. Today, some doctors in the United States are using also healers.  These healers do not to take the place of medical intervention but are used along with regular medical treatment. In some locations, doctors and nurses are offered approved courses to help them develop their own healing gifts.

Hospitals and doctors in the United Kingdom claim the use of trained healers is cost effective. They indicate a significant savings on medical care when a healer treats a patient. Studies indicate patients' need less medicine and fewer visits to the doctor's office when a healer also treats them.

A doctor-healer network holds regular meetings in cities throughout the United Kingdom. They meet with each other, and other spiritual healers to discuss treatments and ways they can effectively work together for the patient's good. Opening dialogue between doctors and healers can be an important part of the patient's healing. When the doctors and healers are working in harmony the patient has a much better chance of a faster recovery time.

How do you find a healer?  The best way to find a spiritual healer is to ask friends and family for recommendations. Your doctor may also have the names of healers in your area. The first healer you find may not be effective if there is no spiritual connection between you and the healer. It is possible that another healer could produce results when the first one did not. You should ask questions about the healer you chose before your first visit. Does he or she have experience with the particular problem you are facing? Often a patient will report an immediate improvement in other areas that were not specifically targeted by the healer. Results will be different for each patient and healers that are effective for one person may not be effective for another one.

Spiritual healing sessions typically last between five minutes and one hour in length. It may take regular visits to the healer before maximum treatment is accomplished. You will find healers will sometimes charge a small fee, but others will work for free or for a small donation.

Remember, spiritual healing sessions should not take the place of regular and customary medical treatment!