In this blog post, we will explore the effectiveness of Reiki and delve into the question, "Does Reiki work?"
We'll examine the scientific evidence, its use in medicine, and its application in treating chronic illnesses.
Additionally, we'll consider patient-centered outcomes, addressing what patients say about their experiences with Reiki.
And, we’ll conclude with important ethical and safety considerations.
Does Reiki work?
The interest to prove (or disprove) the legitimacy of Reiki has existed for decades in the scientific community.
Thankfully, we have an astounding amount of evidence to prove that Reiki has helped lessen some of the symptoms of multiple illnesses and diseases.
Scientific evidence of Reiki
There are multiple researchers and organizations whose sole mission is to validate Reiki as an integrative healthcare practice.
Organizations like the Center of Reiki Research, and Reiki in Medicine dedicate themselves to conducting, reviewing, archiving, and promoting the scientific research of Reiki.
Reiki in Heart Attack patients
In 2010, researchers from Yale University conducted a study to determine if Reiki treatments were beneficial for patients who had suffered a heart attack three days earlier. This study was published in the JACC (Journal of the American College of Cardiology) one of the most prestigious peer-reviewed cardiology journals in the world.
Here are some of the most important findings:
- Reiki treatment in post-heart attack patients increased positive emotions (happy, relaxed, calm) and decreased negative emotions (stressed, angry, sad, anxious).
- The study found that Reiki, administered by nurses, significantly improved heart rate variability, a measure of heart health, showing effects similar to those of a beta blocker medication.
- These findings suggest that Reiki could play a beneficial role in hospital care for these patients, as it is safe, cost-effective, and doesn't disrupt nurses' routines.
- Future research should explore long-term benefits for both heart health and emotional well-being.
Reiki on Pain and Anxiety
In 2014, researchers from Pittsburgh University conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis examining 7 peer-reviewed articles to determine the effect of Reiki therapy on pain and anxiety in randomized clinical trials.
Here are some of the most important findings:
Pain
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Reiki therapy has demonstrated significant pain reduction in various patient groups across multiple studies.
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For cancer patients, Reiki combined with opioids resulted in a substantial pain decrease on both day one and day four of the intervention, with large effect sizes.
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Women on post-hysterectomy experienced a significant reduction in pain and used less pain medication after receiving Reiki therapy compared to usual care.
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In studies involving painful diabetic neuropathy, both Reiki and sham Reiki showed significant within-group pain reductions. Additionally,
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Community-dwelling older adults who received Reiki reported a significant decrease in pain, while the control group experienced an increase, resulting in a very large between-group effect size.
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Overall, Reiki therapy consistently provided meaningful pain relief across different conditions and patient populations.
Anxiety
- Reiki therapy has shown varying effects on reducing anxiety across different studies and patient groups.
- For men with prostate cancer receiving radiation therapy, Reiki therapy resulted in a small, non-significant decrease in anxiety.
- In cancer patients who had completed chemotherapy, Reiki therapy significantly decreased anxiety with a large effect size. However, in women undergoing breast biopsies, Reiki therapy showed only small, non-significant reductions in anxiety.
- Women undergoing hysterectomies experienced a significant anxiety decrease with a large effect size from Reiki therapy.
- Community-dwelling older adults saw a significant reduction in anxiety with Reiki therapy, whereas the control group experienced an increase, leading to a very large between-group difference.
- Overall, Reiki therapy demonstrated potential benefits for anxiety reduction in some contexts, but results varied depending on the study and patient population.
Reiki and Chronic Illness: Can it Help?
Multiple studies have examined the effects of Reiki on various chronic illnesses, with most showing significant improvements in some symptoms.
However, further research and more peer-reviewed papers are needed to fully understand Reiki's impact on these conditions.
Patient-Centered Outcomes: What Do Patients Say?
Most studies indicate that patients generally have a positive response to Reiki, often expressing high levels of satisfaction with the treatment.
Many of them report feeling a deep sense of relaxation, comfort, and emotional relief during and after Reiki sessions.
This consistent positive feedback highlights Reiki's appeal and effectiveness as a complementary therapy, making it a favored choice for those seeking additional support in their healing journey.
Reiki for Nurses
The vast majority of the studies conducted about Reiki in a medical setting have been possible thanks to the nurses who have taken an interest in Reiki and decided to study this energy-healing therapy.
If you’re a nurse, you can definitely incorporate some of these elements into your practice. Not only is it a great way to help others heal but also to take care of yourself and restore and balance your energy.
We do offer a FREE Introduction to Practical Reiki; if you want to get started in your energy healing journey, this is a great way to get your foot in the door.
Ethical and Safety Considerations
Here are some of the most important ethical and safety considerations that you should keep in mind when doing Reiki
- Never, ever diagnose or suggest a course of treatment beyond Reiki unless you are a licensed health professional.
- Everyone has the free will to refuse or accept Reiki healing.
- For children, you need to get permission from the parent or guardian before offering Reiki.
- Don’t share information about your sessions with other practitioners, family, or friends, unless it is done so anonymously.