Reiki Therapy

Feasibility and Acceptability of Reiki Therapy for Children Receiving Palliative Care in the Home by Susan E Thrane, Scott H Maurer, Cynthia A Danford, February 2021

Abstract: Reiki is often used but not well studied in children. Yet, this gentle, light-touch therapy promotes relaxation and is appropriate for those receiving palliative care. This quasi-experimental pre-post mixed-methods 1-group pilot study examined the feasibility and acceptability of Reiki therapy as a treatment for children aged 7 to 16 years receiving palliative care. During the study, we recorded recruitment, retention, data collection rates, and percent completion of the intervention. Structured interviews with the mothers and verbal children were conducted to elicit their experience. Qualitative data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Twenty-one parent-child dyads agreed to participate and signed consent, whereas 16 completed the study (including verbal [n = 8] and nonverbal [n = 8] children). Themes included “feeling better,” “hard to judge,” and “still going on.” Mothers and children were generally positive regarding the experience of receiving Reiki therapy. Children reported they “felt really relaxed,” and mothers stated, “It was a good experience” and “She was relaxed afterward.” The results of this pilot study show that Reiki was feasible, acceptable, and well-tolerated. Most participants reported it was helpful. Reiki therapy may be a useful adjunct with traditional medical management for symptoms in children receiving palliative care.

The effect of Reiki and guided imagery intervention on pain and fatigue in oncology patients: A non-randomized controlled study by Zeliha Buyukbayram, Seyhan Citlik Saritas, January – February 2021

Abstract: This study was conducted to investigate the effects of Reiki and guided imagery on pain and fatigue in oncology patients. This quasi-experimental study with a pretest and posttest design was conducted with 180 oncology patients at the oncology clinic of Dicle University Hospital in Turkey, between July 2017 and February 2018. The patients were divided into three groups: Reiki, guided imagery and control, with 60 patients in each group. The Reiki and guided imagery group patients underwent their respective interventions for three consecutive days separately (25-30 min; mean: 15.53 min). The interventions of Reiki and guided imagery reduced pain and fatigue in the oncology patients. It is recommended that oncology nurses use Reiki and guided imagery in patient care.

The effect of preoperative Reiki application on patient anxiety levels by Esra Anuş Topdemir, Serdar Saritas, January – February 2021

Conclusion: The results of this study imply that the administration of Reiki is effective in controlling preoperative anxiety levels and in preventing them from increasing.

Reiki therapy in the Unified Health System: meanings and experiences in integral health care by Mariana Monteiro Amarello, Marcelo Eduardo Pfeiffer Castellanos, Káren Mendes Jorge de Souza, March 2021

Results: for the interviewees, Reiki activates a universal energy, offering benefits to the body, mind, and spirit. The engagement of therapists in such practice was motivated by the desire to carry out voluntary work. Users claim to seek this therapy to overcome a state of suffering and use natural practices.

Effects of Reiki on Pain and Anxiety in Women Hospitalized for Obstetrical- and Gynecological-Related Conditions by Ann Bondi, Tina Morgan, Susan B Fowler, March 2021

Conclusion: Findings from this study confirm the positive and lingering effects of Reiki in women hospitalized for obstetrical and gynecological conditions.

The effect of Acupressure and Reiki application on Patient’s pain and comfort level after laparoscopic cholecystectomy: A randomized controlled trial by Esra Anuş Topdemir, Serdar Saritas, May 2021

Conclusion: Reiki and Acupressure applied to the patients after Laparoscopic cholecystectomy decreased the pain and increased the comfort level.

Effect of Reiki on the stress level of caregivers of patients with cancer: Qualitative and single-blind randomized controlled trial by Ulviye Özcan Yüce, Sultan Taşcı, May 2021

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.

The effects of reiki on heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature, and stress levels: A pilot randomized, double-blinded, and placebo-controlled study by Namuun Bat, May 2021

Abstract: Reiki is a biofield energy therapy that focuses on optimizing the body’s natural healing abilities by balancing the life force energy or qi/chi. Reiki has been shown to reduce stress, pain levels, help with depression/anxiety, increase relaxation, improve fatigue, and quality of life. In this pilot randomized, double-blinded, and placebo-controlled study, the effects of Reiki on heart rate, diastolic and systolic blood pressure, body temperature, and stress levels were explored in an effort to gain objective outcome measures and to understand the underlying physiological mechanisms of how Reiki may be having these therapeutic effects on subjective measures of stress, pain, relaxation, and depression/anxiety. Forty eight (n = 48) subjects were block randomized into three groups (Reiki treatment, sham treatment, and no treatment). The changes in pre- and post-treatment measurements for each outcome measure was analyzed through analysis of variance (ANOVA) post hoc multiple comparison test, which found no statistically significant difference between any of the groups. The p-value for the comparison of Reiki and sham groups for heart rate was 0.053, which is very close to being significant and so, a definitive conclusion can not be made based on this pilot study alone. A second study with a larger sample size is warranted to investigate this finding further and perhaps with additional outcome measures to look at other possible physiological mechanisms that may underlie the therapeutic effects of Reiki.

Self-Reiki, Consideration of a Potential Option for Managing Chronic Pain during Pandemic COVID-19 Period by Maxime Billot, Maeva Daycard, Philippe Rigoard, August 2021

Abstract: While the world faces an unprecedented situation with the pandemic, other chronic diseases such as chronic pain continue to run their course. The social distancing and restrictive displacement imposed by the pandemic situation represents a new barrier to access to pain management and tends to reinforce chronification process. Given this context, complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) might offer new opportunities to manage CP, notably with a hand-touch method, such as self-Reiki therapy. Although Reiki administered by a practitioner has shown promising results to reduce pain and psychological distress, and to improve quality of life, self-Reiki practice needs evidence-based medicine to be disseminated. Overall, self-Reiki could bring positive results in addition to, and without interfering with, conventional medicine approaches in patients experienced chronic pain.

Effects of Reiki on Mental Health Care: A Systematic Review by Juceli Andrade Paiva Morero 1, Sandra de Souza Pereira, Rafael Braga Esteves, Lucilene Cardoso, July – August 2021

Abstract: This systematic review aimed to identify the benefits of Reiki in mental health care. Eleven studies were included. Although the number of studies is limited, the results contribute to the potential beneficial role of Reiki in mental health care. Persistent studies using Reiki with broad samples, consistent randomized controlled trials, and patterned protocols are recommended.

The Effect of Reiki on Pain, Fatigue, and Quality of Life in Adolescents With Dysmenorrhea by Ferdane Koçoğlu, Handan Zincir, November – December 2021

Abstract: This randomized, single-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted to evaluate the effect of Reiki applications on pain, fatigue, and quality of life in adolescents with dysmenorrhea. There were 38 patients in the Reiki group and 37 in the placebo-controlled group. Reiki was found to be effective on pain and fatigue in adolescents with dysmenorrhea but with no effect on the quality of life.

Effect of Reiki Therapy on Quality of Life and Fatigue Levels of Breast Cancer Patients Receiving Chemotherapy by Seda Karaman, Mehtap Tan, November – December 2021

Conclusion: Reiki can reduce fatigue and increase the quality of life of breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy.

Feasibility and Acceptability of a Reiki Intervention With Very Young Children Receiving Palliative Care by Susan E Thrane, Daniel H Grossoehme, Alai Tan, Valerie Shaner, Sarah Friebert, November – December 2021

Discussion: Young children and their parents found Reiki acceptable; these results are comparable to an earlier study of children 7-16 years of age receiving palliative care at home and a study of massage for symptom management for hospitalized children with cancer. These findings add to the literature and support further investigation of Reiki’s efficacy as a nonpharmacological symptom management intervention.

Effects of Reiki Session Excluding the Variables Responsible for the Placebo Effect on a Group of Adults by Scarascia Graziano, Cristiano Luigi, January 2022

Results: From this study demonstrated that a Reiki style of energy practice is capable of bringing people to relax in the presence of environmental disturbances and in the absence of other adjuvant techniques, such as aromatherapy, music-therapy, and preliminary relaxation, responsible for the placebo effect. The most significant effects and sensations detected from questionnaires are a perception of heat during the session, an increase in relaxation, an improvement in mood, a sense of relief, and in general an increase of well-being.

Reiki practitioners’ perceptions of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the experience, practice and future of Reiki by Fatma Abdurahman, Nicola Payne, February 2022

Conclusion: While the COVID-19 pandemic personally impacted Reiki practitioners, they focused on turning adversity into opportunity, to overcome a sense of disconnectedness and social isolation, by providing social support and promoting individual and community resilience. Practitioners focused on self-care, personal development and reaching out to the community. Personal Protective Equipment was perceived as necessary for infection control but a potential barrier to the client’s experience of Reiki. They saw value in adapting their practice as part of the future of the profession by utilising new technology and distant Reiki healing, but were clear this could not replace in person contact.

Reiki Therapy for Very Young Hospitalized Children Receiving Palliative Care by Susan E Thrane, Elisha Williams, Daniel H Grossoehme, Sarah Friebert, January – February 2022

Conclusion: Reiki is a noninvasive relaxing therapy that is useful for hospitalized young children receiving palliative care. The children reacted positively in both action and outcome measures. Multisite studies with larger sample sizes are needed to be able to generate enough scientific evidence to fully recommend Reiki as an adjunct for pain management.

A study of Reiki therapy on unpleasant symptoms in children with cerebral palsy by Lamara Love, Avery M Anderson, Victoria von Sadovszky, Julie Kusiak, Jodi Ford, Garey Noritz, February 2022

Abstract: Children with Cerebral Palsy (CP) commonly experience unpleasant symptoms such as pain, anger, and sadness. The purpose of this quasi-experimental study, guided by the Theory of Unpleasant Symptoms (TOUS), was to examine the practicality and impact of delivering Reiki Therapy (RT) in homes over an 8-week intervention phase to children with CP. Thirteen pediatric participants were recruited, ranging in age from 5 to 16 years. Reiki Therapy was administered by a Level 3 Reiki Therapist in the home for 8 consecutive weeks. Parents completed on-line questionnaires addressing their children’s unpleasant symptoms. Hair cortisol was measured as an indicator of stress. Nearly all study procedures were completed by the participants, indicating that the methods are feasible for a larger study. Reiki Therapy significantly decreased pain while lying down (3.09 vs. 2.00; p = .002) but not while sitting (2.55 vs. 2.09; p = .40). Anger symptoms showed a trend towards improvement in the participants. These preliminary findings demonstrate that Reiki is a therapeutic modality worthy of further investigation in the CP pediatric population.

Feasibility and Effect of Reiki on the Physiology and Self-perceived Stress of Nurses in a Large US Hospital by Kellie Hailey, Jennifer Fortin, Patricia Pratt, Peter W Forbes, Margaret McCabe, March – April 2022

Abstract: Nurses experience stress in the workplace. We evaluated the feasibility and effect of Reiki to relieve stress of staff nurses during a work shift. All Reiki treatments were completed without interruption and lasted 30 minutes. Stress scores, respiratory rate, and heart rate were significantly decreased immediately following the Reiki treatment.

Does Reiki Benefit Mental Health Symptoms Above Placebo? by Sonia Zadro, Peta Stapleton, July 2022

Conclusion: 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.

The effects of Reiki and back massage on women’s pain and vital signs post-abdominal hysterectomy: A randomized controlled trial: The Effects of Reiki and Back Massage on Women’s Pain and Vital Signs by Hediye Utli, Yurdagül Yağmur, July – August 2022

Conclusion: This study’s findings confirmed that pain, analgesic use, and vital signs decreased after Reiki among women who had undergone an abdominal hysterectomy.

Reiki for promotion of health and sleep quality in hospital nursing professionals by Josane Rosenilda da Costa, Sonia Silva Marcon, Rosane Gonçalves Nitschke, Fátima Helena do Espírito Santo, Diéssica Roggia Piexak, Stefanie Griebeler Oliveira, Herbert Leopoldo de Freitas Goes, Pablo Jesús Lopez Soto, August 2022

Conclusions: reiki intervention had a positive impact on the sleep quality of participants.

An Evaluation of the Subjective Experience of Receiving Reiki: Qualitative Results from a Pragmatic Effectiveness Study by Natalie L Dyer, Akleema Ali, Ann L Baldwin, Sarah Kowalski, William L Rand, September 2022

Conclusions: The findings from this study suggest that Reiki can elicit the relaxation response and alter emotions and perception in such a way as to facilitate a transformative subjective healing experience. Future work will analyze these themes as they relate to changes in symptoms and compare the experience of Reiki with other biofield therapies.

Stress and Anxiety Reduction Effects of a Reiki Program During the COVID-19 Pandemic Among Employees in Lima, Peru, by Denisse Gálvez Escudero, Mario Reyes-Bossio, September 2022

Abstract: Evidence has been found of how the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has increased stress and anxiety indicators. Against this background, the present research aims to determine the effect of a distance Reiki intervention program on stress and anxiety during the period of isolation due to COVID-19 among people working in the city of Lima, Peru. The related hypothesis was that distance Reiki would generate a reduction in stress and anxiety levels. It was a quasi-experimental design with pre-and post-tests, with non-probabilistic purposive sampling. In total, 28 employees participated (12 in the experimental group and 16 in the control group). As part of the method, the following instruments were used: the EPGE, IDARE, and Coronavirus Anxiety Scale (CAS). There was a large decrease in the distress parameter (Cohen’s d = 1.006), as well as in the state anxiety parameter (d = 1.678) and a large increase in eustress (d = 0.921). Similarly, there was an overall reduction in the trait anxiety parameter (d = 0.373) in all cases as compared with the control group. Coronavirus anxiety showed no major impact. These results provide initial evidence on the effects of distance Reiki among Peruvians and provide the basis for promoting this cost-effective therapy, generating a practical and social contribution.

Science Direct, Survey of Lifestyle, Past Medical History and Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use Among Adult Patients Participating in the National Cancer Institute’s Exceptional Responders Initiative by Oluwadamilola Olaku, Barbara A. Conley, S. Percy Ivy, Lisa M. McShane, Louis M. Staudt, Sophie M. King, Megan Sansevere, Benjamin Kim, Jeffrey D. White, November 2022

Highlights: Fifty percent of exceptional responders changed diet after cancer diagnosis. Forty percent of exceptional responders changed level of physical activity after cancer diagnosis. Sixty percent of subjects reported using complementary and alternative approaches during exceptional response period. Complementary and alternative medicine users generally used multiple interventions.

Experiences With a Distant Reiki Intervention During the COVID-19 Pandemic Using the Science of Unitary Human Beings Framework by Jennifer DiBenedetto, October – December 2022

Abstract: An increasing number of individuals are reporting increased stress and anxiety associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. A feasibility, mixed-method design was conducted to investigate distant Reiki as a virtual healing modality within Rogers’ framework of the Science of Unitary Human Beings. Data were collected using pre- and post-distant Reiki session interviews and 2 surveys. Study findings demonstrated changes in participant pattern manifestation and statistically significant reductions in perceived stress and anxiety (P < .001). The preliminary findings support the feasibility of distant Reiki and suggest that nurses, who are Reiki practitioners, may influence the human-environmental field to foster healing.

The effect of acupressure or reiki interventions on the levels of pain and fatigue of cancer patients receiving palliative care: A randomized controlled study by Hediye Utli, Mahmut Dinç, Medical Doctor Adil Utli, January – February 2023

Conclusion: Acupressure or Reiki interventions were found to effective in reducing levels of pain, analgesic use, and fatigue. It was seen that in addition to their use in routine nursing care, both treatments can be accepted as effective nursing interventions that reduce pain and fatigue in stage III and IV cancer patients receiving palliative care.

Science Direct, Reiki: An effective self-care practice by Marissa Winters, March 2023

Abstract: Viewing wellbeing through the lens of energy and energy exchange offers a fuller picture than only focusing on physical and/or mental health. Offering self-care without accounting for all aspects of being human, including the energetic, misses out on key perspectives. Reiki is a simple-to-learn, easy-to-use self-care practice that has been shown to offer physical and psychological benefits to recipients. An ongoing pilot study consisting of 15-min Reiki sessions delivered to hospital staff on their units has resulted in an average decrease in self-reported stress of 60% based on pre and post surveys. Further, Reiki can be integrated into an array of daily activities so care providers can access its benefits.

The effects of Reiki and hand massage on pain and fatigue in patients with rheumatoid arthritis by Kevser Sevgi Ünal Aslan, Funda Çetinkaya, April 2023

Reiki and hand massage reduced the pain and fatigue levels of patients having rheumatoid arthritis.

The Effect of Reiki on Anxiety, Stress, and Comfort Levels Before Gastrointestinal Endoscopy: A Randomized Sham-Controlled Trial by Hediye Utli, Birgül Vural Doğru, April 2023

Conclusions: Reiki applied to patients before upper gastrointestinal endoscopy was effective in reducing stress and anxiety and in increasing comfort.

Evaluation of the Impacts of Reiki Touch Therapy on Patients Diagnosed With Fibromyalgia Who Are Followed in the Pain Clinic by Hava Gökdere Çinar, Şule Alpar, Seher Ilhan, May – June 2023

Reiki application to patients with fibromyalgia may have positive effects on reducing pain, improving quality of life, and reducing state and trait anxiety levels.

The effect of Reiki on fatigue and comfort in hemodialysis patients by Melek Yeşil Bayülgen, Meral Gün, July – August 2023

Conclusion: This research has shown that distant Reiki, as one of the non-pharmacological methods, positively affects the fatigue severity and comfort level of patients receiving HD treatment.

The effect of reiki on anxiety, fear, pain, and oxygen saturation in abdominal surgery patients: A randomized controlled trial by Hamide Şişman, Sevban Arslan, July – August 2023

Results: Surgical fear, anxiety, and pain levels decreased, and oxygen saturation levels increased in the Reiki group. The differences between the groups were statistically significant (p<0.005).

Evaluation of a Distance Reiki Program for Frontline Healthcare Workers’ Health-Related Quality of Life During the COVID-19 Pandemic by Natalie L Dyer, Ann L Baldwin, Rosemary Pharo, Feona Gray, August 2023

Conclusions: The Reiki program was feasible and was associated with decreased stress, anxiety and pain, and increased wellbeing and sleep quality in frontline healthcare workers impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Home-Based Reiki by Informal Caregivers: A Mixed-Methods Pilot Study by Yea-Jyh Chen, Amy Petrinec, Pamela S Stephenson, Rosanne M Radziewicz, Denice Sheehan, September – October 2023

Large statistical effects were identified for improving fatigue, memory, mood, nausea, and emotional well-being ( P < .10, r = 0.51-0.59). All participants were satisfied and 83.3% of them would recommend self-practice home Reiki.

Effect of Reiki Therapy on Blood Pressure and Alcohol Consumption in Young Adults: A Clinical Trial by Nancy Griselda Pérez Briones, Ma Laura Ruiz Paloalto, Leticia Casique Casique, Natalia Ramírez-Girón, Linda Azucena Rodríguez Puente, Anahí Ruiz Lara, Erick Landeros-Olvera, November 2023

Introduction: The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes Reiki therapy as a form of therapy within the classification of alternative therapies. Recently, a growing interest regarding the implementation of Reiki therapy in patient care relating to the field of nursing has been detected; however, there are few scientifically rigorous studies that support this.

Objective: To determine the effect of Reiki therapy on blood pressure (BP) and alcohol consumption in young adults with hypertension, in two urban communities in northern of Mexico.

Conclusion: The results obtained confirmed our hypothesis of the research, since the EG had a significant effect on the decrease of the MAP and alcohol consumption after 21 sessions of Reiki therapy intervention.

The Effect of Distant Reiki Applied to Individuals with Extremity Amputation on Pain Level and Holistic Well-Being: A Quasi-experimental Study by Cemile Kütmeç Yilmaz, Ahmet Karakoyun, Sabire Yurtsever, November 2023

Results: The mean age of the participants was 51.32 ± 16.65 years. There was a significant difference between pre-test and post-test pain levels of the participants (p < .05) and HWBS subscale scores (p < .05). Accordingly, it was determined that after 20-minute distant Reiki sessions for 10 consecutive days, the pain levels of the individuals were significantly reduced and their holistic well-being improved.

Conclusion: Distant Reiki has been found to be easy to administer, inexpensive, non-pharmacological, and appropriate for independent nursing practice to be effective in reducing phantom pain levels and increasing holistic well-being in people with limb amputation.

Science Direct, Client experiences of virtual energy healing by Janet M. Marinelli, Carol C. Geisler, Briley A. Hale, Emma J. Munson, November–December 2023

Highlights: Client experiences of virtual energy healing include embodied sensations, relaxation, release, sense of peace, and connection to self and others. Clients reported increased relaxation, increased well-being, and decreased pain after virtual energy healing sessions via Zoom. Clients reported they were surprised that virtual energy healing worked.

Reiki intervention for supporting healthcare professional care behaviors in pediatric palliative care: A pilot study by Giulia Zucchetti, Sabrina Ciappina, Cristina Bottigelli, Gabriela Campione, Annalisa Parrinello, Paola Piu, Stefano Lijoi, Paola Quarello, Franca Fagioli, December 2023

Results: Results underlined a positive short-term effect with a significant decrease in heart rate before and after each session (t = 11.5, p < .001) and in systolic pressure (t = 2, p < .05). In addition, a decrease in emotional exhaustion symptoms was found (t = 2.3, p < .05) at the end of the intervention.

Significance of results: Reiki could be a valid strategy to complement traditional pediatric psychology clinical practice designed to protect HCPs from emotional and physical demands and to create a more supportive workplace for staff and patients alike.

Effects of Reiki on the Perception of Quality of Life Determined by the Questionnaire WHOQOL-BREF by Elisabete Pereira, Caroline Valente, Morgana Kretzschmar, Mirele Titton Calderari, Caio Maurício Mendes de Cordova, November – December 2023

Abstract: Reiki is a philosophy and healing technique that directs the use of vital energy (ki) for energy rebalance, as well as healing, in a holistic sense, of physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual processes. The practice is part of the integrative and complementary practices recognized by the World Health Organization. This study aimed to evaluate the Reiki effects on people’s life quality perception, by using the World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF (WHOQOL-BREF). We analyzed the answers of 144 individuals, and the data were categorized in quartiles according to the number of Reiki sessions attended. The results of each question and dimension of the questionnaire were analyzed by Student’s t test (individual questions) and analysis of variance (dimensions). We observed significant improvement in the perception of physical pain, need for medical treatment, meaning of life, physical environment, availability of money, availability of information, locomotion, work capacity, access to health, place of residence, and transportation facilities. Reiki sessions have improved people’s quality of life perception in many aspects, proving its therapeutic efficacy in a broader approach to health promotion.