Reiki in Research
Energy medicine is not a new-age fad, but rather, a centuries-old healing technique harnessing the powerful Universal Life Energy, which encompasses all of us beings (living or inanimate objects). For hundreds of years, energy medicine was practiced regularly, and with great benefit. Over time, as Western medicine’s advances took hold, Eastern and alternative healing practices took a backseat as new, exciting medications and treatments came to fruition. Now, years into our healthcare system being motivated solely by Western philosophies and our love for ‘proof’, we have countless databases filled with research, analyzing statistics, weighing pros/cons, etc. on just about any topic in traditional healthcare one could think of. However, scientific data in the field of energy medicine is limited and only beginning to uncover the vast potential benefits as it gains more popularity.
I created this page, as I’m passionate about sharing knowledge and spreading awareness to help educate others and promote collective health and wellness amongst all. So, check back in periodically as I will do my best to provide up-to-date and easy-to-digest educational tidbits to help enhance your knowledge of this fascinating healing modality.
Love and Light,
Em
A Large-Scale Effectiveness Trial of Reiki for Physical and Psychological Health
Background: The main purpose of this study was to measure the effect of a single session of Reiki on physical and psychological health in a large nonclinical sample. Trained and certified Reiki Masters conducted the Reiki sessions in person, with each session lasting between 45 and 90 min. Reiki practitioners were instructed to give a flyer to each of their Reiki clients that contained information about the study and invited the client to complete a survey before and after their Reiki session. The well-validated 20-item Positive and Negative Affect Schedule was used to assess affect, and brief, single-item self-report measures were used to assess a wide range of physical and psychological variables immediately before (pre) and after (post) the Reiki session.
Results: A total of N = 1411 Reiki sessions were conducted and included in the analysis. Statistically significant improvements were observed for all outcome measures, including positive affect, negative affect, pain, drowsiness, tiredness, nausea, appetite, shortness of breath, anxiety, depression, and overall well-being (all p-values <0.001).
Conclusion:
The results from this large-scale multisite effectiveness trial suggest that a single session of Reiki improves multiple variables related to physical and psychological health.
Dyer, N. L., Baldwin, A. L., & Rand, W. L. (2019). A Large-Scale Effectiveness Trial of Reiki for Physical and Psychological Health. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 25(12), 1156–1162. https://doi.org/10.1089/acm.2019.0022
Effect of Reiki on the stress level of caregivers of patients with cancer: Qualitative and single-blind randomized controlled trial
Background: In this study, 42 women who were primary caregivers of patients with cancer, treated in a university hospital were randomized to Reiki and sham Reiki (non-reiki trained healer who only follows the ritual of the treatment). The Reiki group received Reiki to nine main points for 45 min, once a week for 6 weeks, while the sham Reiki group received the same points during the same period without having the universal energy flow. The study measured Caregiver Strain Index (CSI) scores and salivary cortisol levels at baseline and at the end of the study, whereas blood pressure and pulse rate were evaluated before and after application every week. After the study, the opinions of the Reiki group on Reiki experience were collected by using a questionnaire consisting of semi-structured questions.
Results: Post-intervention CSI scores declined in the Reiki group compared with that in the sham Reiki group (p < 0.05). No significant difference was found between the groups in terms of saliva cortisol levels (p > 0.05). According to the results evaluating the change in systolic and diastolic blood pressure and pulse rate over a 6-week period, the values of these parameters decreased before and after each application compared with the caregivers in the sham Reiki group (p < 0.05). All caregivers stated that they found the caring process less stressful after the Reiki sessions and felt relieved compared with the pre-therapy period, and some of their physical complaints decreased.
Conclusion:
Reiki reduces the stress levels of caregivers, is effective in regulating blood pressure and pulse rate, does not cause a significant change on saliva cortisol level, and provides relief to caregivers.
Özcan Yüce, U., & Taşcı, S. (2021). Effect of Reiki on the stress level of caregivers of patients with cancer: Qualitative and single-blind randomized controlled trial. Complementary therapies in medicine, 58, 102708. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctim.2021.102708
Evaluation of a Distance Reiki Program for Frontline Healthcare Workers’ Health-Related Quality of Life During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Background: Reiki is a biofield therapy based on the explanatory model that the fields of energy and information of living systems can be influenced to promote relaxation and stimulate a healing response. Healthcare professionals in the UK (eg, physicians, nurses, and paramedics) were eligible to sign up for a distance Reiki program and were also invited to participate in the research study. Eight Reiki practitioners simultaneously gave each participant Reiki remotely for 20 minutes on 4 consecutive days. Participants’ stress, anxiety, pain, wellbeing, and sleep quality were evaluated with 7-point numerical rating scales. Measures were completed when signing up to receive Reiki (pre) and following the final Reiki session (post) and analyzed using Wilcoxon signed ranks tests.
Results: Seventy-nine healthcare professionals signed up to receive Reiki and took the baseline measures. Of those, 40 completed post-measures after the 4-day intervention and were therefore included in the pre-post analysis. Most participants were female (97.5%), and the mean age was 43.9 years old (standard deviations = 11.2). Wilcoxon signed ranks tests revealed statistically significant decreases in stress (M = −2.33; P < .001), anxiety (M = −2.79; P < .001) and pain (M = −.79; P < .001), and significant increases in wellbeing (M = −1.79; P < .001) and sleep quality (M = −1.33; P = .019).
Conclusion:
The Reiki program was associated with decreased stress, anxiety and pain, and increased wellbeing and sleep quality in frontline healthcare workers impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dryer, N. L., Baldwin, A. L., Pharo, R., & Gray, F. (2023, August 20). Evaluation of a Distance Reiki Program for Frontline ... - SAGE Journals. The Center for Reiki Research. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/27536130231187368
Evaluation of the Impacts of Reiki Touch Therapy on Patients Diagnosed With Fibromyalgia Who Are Followed in the Pain Clinic
Background: The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of Reiki application on pain, anxiety, and quality of life in patients with fibromyalgia. The study was completed with a total of 50 patients: 25 in the experimental group and 25 in the control group. Reiki was applied to the experimental group and sham Reiki to the control group once a week for 4 weeks. Data was collected from the participants using the Information Form, Visual Analog Scale, McGill-Melzack Pain Questionnaire, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and Short Form-36.
Results: There was a significant difference between the mean Visual Analog Scale pain scores during and before the first week (P = .012), second week (P = .002), and fourth week (P = .020) measurements of the individuals in the experimental and control groups, after application. In addition, at the end of the 4-week period, the State Anxiety Inventory (P = .005) and the Trait Anxiety Inventory (P = .003) were significantly decreased in the Reiki group compared with the control group. Physical function (P = .000), energy (P = .009), mental health (P = .018), and pain (P = .029) scores of quality of life in the Reiki group increased significantly compared with the control group.
Conclusion:
Reiki application to patients with fibromyalgia may have positive effects on reducing pain, improving quality of life, and reducing state and trait anxiety levels.
Gökdere Çinar, H., Alpar, Ş., & Ilhan, S. (2023). Evaluation of the Impacts of Reiki Touch Therapy on... : Holistic Nursing Practice. LWW. https://journals.lww.com/hnpjournal/abstract/2023/05000/evaluation_of_the_impacts_of_reiki_touch_therapy.8.aspx
The Effect of Reiki on Pain and Anxiety in Women with Abdominal Hysterectomies
A Quasi-experimental Pilot Study
Background: The purpose of this pilot study was to compare reports of pain and levels of state anxiety in 2 groups of women post-hysterectomy. The experimental group received traditional nursing care plus three 30-minute sessions of Reiki, while the control group received traditional nursing care.
Results: The experimental group, receiving reiki, reported less pain and requested fewer pain control measurements than the control group. Also, the experimental group reported lower anxiety levels than the control group on discharge at 72 hours post-operation.
Conclusion:
Administering reiki to women post-hysterectomy shows benefit in decreasing pain, with fewer requests for pain control measures, and also lowered anxiety levels.
Vitale, A. T., & O’Connor, P. C. (2006). The Effect of Reiki on Pain and Anxiety in Women With Abdominal Hysterectomies. Holistic Nursing Practice, 20(6), 273–274. https://doi.org/10.1097/00004650-200611000-00003
Integrative Reiki for Cancer Patients:
A Programme Evaluation
Background: This mixed-methods study sought to evaluate the outcomes of an integrative Reiki volunteer program in a medical oncology centre setting. Data were collected before and after each session using a modified version of the distress thermometer. The information from the assessment was analyzed. Supporting evidence was derived from written responses to open-ended questions asked after each Reiki session and analyzed for keywords and recurring themes.
Results: Of the 213 pre-post surveys of first-time sessions in the evaluation period, we observed a more than 50% decrease in self-reported distress (from 3.80 to 1.55), anxiety (from 4.05 to 1.44), depression (from 2.54 to 1.10), pain (from 2.58 to 1.21), and fatigue (from 4.80 to 2.30) with P < .001 for all. Using conservative estimates that treat missing data as not endorsing Reiki, we found 176 (82.6%) of participants liked the Reiki session, 176 (82.6%) found the Reiki session helpful, 157 (73.7%) plan to continue using Reiki, and 175 (82.2%) would recommend Reiki to others. Qualitative analyses found that individuals reported that Reiki induced relaxation and enhanced spiritual well-being.
Conclusion:
An integrative Reiki volunteer programme shows promise as a component of supportive care for all cancer patients. Further research is required to evaluate and understand the impact Reiki may have for all involved including not only, the patients but also, caregivers and staff whose lives have been affected by cancer also.
Fleisher, K. A., Mackenzie, E. R., Frankel, E. S., Seluzicki, C., Casarett, D., & Mao, J. J. (2013). Integrative Reiki for Cancer Patients. Integrative Cancer Therapies, 13(1), 62–67. https://doi.org/10.1177/1534735413503547