Healing spaces in medicine

Abstract

he word "healing" comes from the Anglo-Saxon word haelen, which means to make whole. Healing spaces can promote harmony of mind, body, and spirit. I invite you to allow an image of a healing space to emerge. What do you see, hear, smell? How do you feel? Can you venture there when the need arises? Next, I ask you to picture being an inpatient in a modern hospital. If you could create the ideal environment for healing, what would it be? A single room with a view and plenty of light? Quiet? Providing an aroma, such as lavender, to offset medicinal odours or toxic cleaning products. How about adding a plant and pictures of loved ones? What else could enhance your recovery? If you are a physician, nurse, or allied health care professional what do you need to heal yourself in such a high stake, stressful workplace? Would you enjoy strolling in gardens nearby on your lunch break? Perhaps spending time in a lounge where you can relax or debrief with colleagues. Having healthy food and snacks available may propel you through long shifts. Would you choose to attend onsite meditation sessions for hospital staff? Healing can be an internal experience that does not depend on how the room is arranged or seeking refuge in a hospital chapel. Some patients find peace through prayer, meditation or simply being fully in the moment. While this may seem unrealistic in a busy, crowded hospital, it may be facilitated by providing periods when the patient is not disturbed by staff or visitors entering their room unexpectedly. T