My Journey
Finding Inspiration in Every Turn
If life were to go as we plan, our future would be limited by our present and the past would not reveal its meaning. From the beautiful rural Punjab, India to charming Avon, Connecticut, every twist and every bump has brought me something special.
Punyapriya (Benu) Gopal
M.D., Radiation Oncology, Christian Medical College, Ludhiana, India. 2001-2004
I completed my residency in Radiation Oncology at Christian Medical College (CMC), a tertiary care missionary hospital in India, where I treated patients with complex diagnoses. Under the guidance of the nation’s top teachers, I learned to master diagnosis through comprehensive history-taking and clinical examination before using lab tests and cutting-edge treatments. This approach honed my holistic patient care skills. By the end of my residency, I realized that while much progress had been made in cancer treatment, there was little support for patients after their medical care ended. After attending a workshop in Palliative Care, I became inspired to address this gap, planting the seed for my future in palliative care.
Full time mom and home maker, CT 2006-2013
I moved to the US for a short stay, but fate had other plans. Despite the beauty and comfort of this country, I found myself at my lowest point. From having a thriving career, I suddenly had no license to practice and few options to continue my path. This challenging period led to intense self-learning—academics, deep introspection, observing people, raising children, traveling, and understanding resilience, human connection, and the effects of coping strategies. These experiences became the foundation for connecting deeply with people from all walks of life. Looking back, this dark phase shaped me into who I needed to be for my future role.
Reiki Volunteer at Yale New Haven Hospital and Hartford Hospital, CT 2013-2017
My experiences over the years revealed that I didn’t need a formal career to make a difference; I could help people simply by listening with intent and using my knowledge and creativity. This realization led me to volunteer at Yale New Haven Hospital’s “Oasis For Healing” program, where I was introduced to Reiki. What began as a way to help others quickly became a profound journey of personal growth. Each Reiki session transformed not just the patients, but also my understanding of health. I contributed to a pilot study there that earned national recognition. Later, I continued my volunteer work at Hartford Hospital, where new opportunities for growth and healing awaited.
Reiki Program Coordinator, Integrative Medicine, Hartford HealthCare, CT 2017-present
In 2017, I began coordinating the Reiki Volunteer Program at Hartford Hospital, the nation’s oldest hospital-based Reiki program. For over 25 years, our volunteers have made a profound impact on patients’ lives. If you’re a Reiki practitioner looking for experience in a dynamic setting, check the links section to join our team.
Reiki Therapist & EMDR Therapist at Infinity Integrated Counseling and Holistic Wellness Center, CT 2018-present
I joined Infinity as a Reiki Therapist, where I began integrating Reiki techniques into active mental health care. In 2021, I completed training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy to better support my clients. Since then, I have practiced EMDR both on its own and alongside Reiki, witnessing firsthand the profound impact the right therapy can have on a person’s quality of life.
Founder, Comprehensive Reiki Solutions LLC., Avon, CT 2019-present
My transformative experiences with Reiki ignited a deep curiosity about its neurophysiological effects. Driven to explore further, I became a Reiki Master/Teacher in 2017. My background in medicine gave me a unique perspective to understand how Reiki works and to see the need for bridging modern, evidence-based science with the timeless wisdom of holistic practices like Reiki. I recognized the versatility of Reiki to adapt to various challenges and wanted to offer a comprehensive range of solutions. This led me to found Comprehensive Reiki Solutions, a space dedicated to empowering individuals to take charge of their life's journey.
Reiki Therapist (Oncology) at Hospital of Central Connecticut & MidState Hospital, CT 2022-present
In 2022, stress and anxiety were riding at a never before high. As lockdowns eased, there was a deluge of stress related problems. The Department of Integrative Medicine at Hartford HealthCare and 'After the Storm' Cancer Support Initiative collaborated to bring Reiki services to outpatients at HOCC and MidState. It has been a raw, but deeply fulfilling journey to share this gift with so many cancer patients.
Future outlook
I aim to integrate seemingly separate disciplines into a cohesive, self-sustaining system of optimal health that aligns with nature’s design. I will continue studying the science behind these practices while deepening my Reiki work.