Medical Studies
Reiki has a long history of use in Eastern medicine but many people in the western world have doubts over its effectiveness. There have been numerous studies conducted investigating the effects Reiki can have as a treatment for various ailments.
Relieve Pain, Anxiety and Fatigue
The National Center for Biotechnology Information has conducted several studies into how Reiki can be used for pain relief and reducing anxiety and fatigue.
- A 2014 study concluded that according to a review of randomized trials, Reki may help to reduce pain and anxiety, though more research is needed. It may also aid in reducing fatigue.
- A 2015 study found that people being treated for cancer who received reiki in addition to regular medical care had lower levels of pain, anxiety, and fatigue. These levels were significantly lower than the control group, who only received medical care. Participants had 30-minute sessions of reiki for five days. Reiki was performed at a distance. (Reiki can be equally effective whether the client is on the practitioner’s table or is in another room, city, state or country. Healing energy, like a cell phone signal, can be transmitted anywhere.)
- A 2018 study compared the use of Reiki to physiotherapy and drug therapy for relieving lower back pain in people with herniated disks. A significant difference was found in pain intensity and ADL (activities of daily living) improvement between Reiki and the drug therapy. Reiki and physiotherapy were found to be equally effective methods in managing pain and improving ADL in patients; however, Reiki is a faster treatment method than physiotherapy.
The Pain Management Nursing Organization conducted a study in 2015 where women were given Reiki sessions for 2 days once a day (in the first 24 and 48 hours) following cesarean delivery. Researchers found that Reiki significantly reduced the women’s pain, anxiety, and breathing rate. The need for and number of analgesic pain killers was also reduced.
Improve Quality of Life
A study published in Research in Gerontological Nursing in 2010 evaluated the effect of Reiki as an alternative and complementary approach to treating older adults who experienced pain, depression, and/or anxiety. Participants were randomly assigned to either an experimental or control group. Significant differences were observed between the experimental and treatment groups on measures of pain, depression, and anxiety. The older adults who received Reiki experienced an increase in their curiosity, levels of self-care, and desire to learn new things.
Reduce Stress
Stress has been called America’s #1 health problem. Medical research has shown that continual stress can block the body's natural ability to protect, repair, and regenerate itself. The American Institute of Stress estimates that 75%-95% of all visits to doctors are the results of reaction to stress. The effects of unreleased stress range from minor aches to major health concerns, including digestive disorders, heart disease, respiratory and skin problems.
Support Traditional Medical Treatements
A small 2016 study found that Reiki improved the quality of life for women with cancer. Women who had Reiki showed improved sleep, reduced depression and improved self-confidence. Researchers also found the women experienced a sense of inner calm and peace.