Studies related to Reiki

David E. McManus, Ph.D.

This study reviews the available clinical studies of Reiki to determine whether there is evidence for Reiki providing more than just a placebo effect. Viewed collectively, the reviewed studies provide reasonably strong support for Reiki being more effective than placebo. From the information currently available, Reiki is a safe and gentle “complementary” therapy that activates the parasympathetic nervous system to heal body and mind. It has potential for broader use in management of chronic health conditions, and possibly in postoperative recovery. Research is needed to optimize the delivery of Reiki.

Linda J. Dressen and Sangeeta Singg, Ph.D.

Reiki is an effective modality for reducing pain, depression, and anxiety. Gains made by Reiki tend to persist over longer periods of time. After a three-month period, significant reduction tends to occur in sensory and affective qualities of pain and Total Pain Rating Index. Chronically ill patients experiencing stress and pain tend to be receptive to Reiki.

Susan Thrane, RN, MSN, OCN, Pre-doctoral Fellow and Susan M. Cohen, DSN, APRN, FAAN

While the number of studies is limited, there is evidence to suggest that Reiki therapy may be effective for pain and anxiety. Continued research using Reiki therapy with larger sample sizes, consistently randomized groups, and standardized treatment protocols is recommended.

Maxime Billo, Maeva Daycard, Chantal Wood, and Achille Tchalla

Preliminary results tend to show some positive effects of Reiki therapy for the end-of-life population. These results should encourage teams working in palliative care to conduct more studies to determine the benefits of Reiki therapy on pain, anxiety/depression and quality of life in palliative care.

Natalie L. Dyer, Ann L. Baldwin, and William L. Rand

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.

Léia Fortes, Salles Luciana Vannucci, Amanda Salles, and Maria Júlia Paes da Silva

Reiki had a positive effect on reducing abnormal blood pressure, suggesting to be a complementary technique for the control of hypertension.

Melike Demir, Gulbeyaz Can, Ayhan Kelam, Aydin Aydiner

The results of this study indicate that Reiki may decrease pain, anxiety and fatigue in oncology patients.

Natalie L. Dyer, Ann L. Baldwin, and William L. Rand

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.

Stephen E. Crawford, V. Wayne Leaver, and Sandra D. Mahoney

The results indicate that Reiki treatments show promise for improving certain behavior and memory problems in patients with mild cognitive impairment or mild Alzheimer's disease. Caregivers can administer Reiki at little or no cost, resulting in significant societal value by potentially reducing the needs for medication and hospitalization.

Kimberly A. Fleisher, MEd, Elizabeth R. Mackenzie, PhD, Eitan S. Frankel, BA, Christina Seluzicki, BA, David Casarett, MD, and Jun J. Mao, MD, MSCE.

An integrative Reiki volunteer program shows promise as a component of supportive care for cancer patients. More research is needed to evaluate and understand the impact that Reiki may have for patients, caregivers, and staff whose lives have been affected by cancer.

Sonia Zandro and Peta Stapleton

The results suggest that, Reiki may be more effective in treating some areas of mental health, than placebo, particularly if symptoms are clinically relevant. To date, there are a small number of studies in each area, therefore findings are inconclusive and, more RCTs controlling for placebo in Reiki research are needed. Most included studies were also assessed as having a risk of bias of some concern. Incorporating Reiki as a complementary treatment to mainstream psychotherapy for depression, stress, and anxiety may be appropriate.

Bojana Jankovic Weatherly, M.D., F.A.C.P., M.Sc. Internal Medicine / Integrative Medicine and Victoria Clayton

Forbes Health’s medical overview of Reiki as a complementary health approach.