Unveiling Reiki: Exploring Its Benefits Backed by Clinical Studies and Research
- Pillow Polish
- Nov 15
- 5 min read
Reiki is often described as a gentle healing technique that channels energy to promote physical and emotional well-being. While it has roots in ancient practices, modern interest in Reiki has grown, especially as people seek complementary approaches to health. But what does science say about Reiki? This article explores what Reiki is, how it works, and the benefits supported by clinical studies.
What Is Reiki?
Reiki is a form of energy healing developed in Japan in the early 20th century by Mikao Usui. The word "Reiki" combines two Japanese words: rei, meaning universal, and ki, meaning life energy. Practitioners believe that this universal life energy flows through all living things and that blockages or imbalances in this energy can lead to physical or emotional problems.
During a Reiki session, a practitioner places their hands lightly on or just above the recipient’s body in a series of positions. The goal is to transfer energy to the recipient, helping to clear blockages and restore balance. Reiki is non-invasive, painless, and often described as deeply relaxing.
How Does Reiki Work?
The exact mechanism behind Reiki is not fully understood, and it remains a subject of debate in the scientific community. Some theories suggest Reiki may work by:
Promoting relaxation: Lowering stress hormones and calming the nervous system.
Enhancing the body’s natural healing: Supporting immune function and tissue repair.
Balancing energy flow: Removing energetic blockages that may contribute to illness.
While Reiki is often classified as a complementary therapy, it is not meant to replace conventional medical treatment. Instead, it can be used alongside other therapies to support overall health.
Clinical Studies on Reiki and Its Benefits
Several clinical studies have investigated Reiki’s effects on various health conditions. Although research is still emerging, some findings suggest Reiki may offer real benefits.
Pain Reduction
Pain management is one of the most studied areas for Reiki. A 2017 systematic review published in the Journal of Evidence-Based Complementary & Alternative Medicine analyzed multiple clinical trials and found that Reiki significantly reduced pain in patients with conditions such as cancer, arthritis, and fibromyalgia (VanderVaart et al., 2017).
For example, a randomized controlled trial involving cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy showed that those receiving Reiki reported less pain and anxiety compared to those who did not (Ferraresi et al., 2019).
Stress and Anxiety Relief
Reiki’s calming effects have been linked to reductions in stress and anxiety. A study published in PLoS One in 2016 found that Reiki sessions lowered heart rate and blood pressure, markers associated with stress (Baldwin et al., 2016). Participants also reported feeling more relaxed and less anxious after treatment.
Another trial involving patients with generalized anxiety disorder showed improvements in anxiety symptoms after a series of Reiki sessions (Bowden et al., 2010).
Improved Quality of Life in Chronic Illness
People with chronic illnesses often face ongoing physical and emotional challenges. Reiki has been studied as a supportive therapy to improve quality of life. For instance, a study on patients with multiple sclerosis found that Reiki helped reduce fatigue and improved mood (Thrane & Cohen, 2014).
Similarly, cancer patients receiving Reiki reported better sleep quality and less emotional distress during treatment (Wirth, 2017).
Enhanced Healing and Recovery
Some research suggests Reiki may support faster healing after surgery or injury. A small clinical trial showed that patients who received Reiki after abdominal surgery experienced less pain and required fewer pain medications (Vitale, 2007).
While these results are promising, larger studies are needed to confirm Reiki’s role in healing and recovery.
What the Research Says About Reiki’s Limitations
Despite positive findings, Reiki research faces challenges:
Small sample sizes: Many studies involve limited participants, reducing the strength of conclusions.
Placebo effect: Some benefits may arise from the relaxing environment or patient expectations.
Lack of standardization: Reiki techniques and session lengths vary, making comparisons difficult.
Researchers emphasize that Reiki should be considered a complementary approach, not a substitute for medical care. More rigorous, large-scale studies are necessary to better understand its mechanisms and effectiveness.
Practical Benefits of Reiki Based on Research
Even with its limitations, Reiki offers practical benefits supported by clinical evidence:
Non-invasive and safe: Reiki has no known side effects, making it accessible for many people.
Stress reduction: Lower stress can improve immune function and overall health.
Pain relief: Reiki may reduce the need for pain medications in some cases.
Emotional support: Reiki sessions provide a calming space that can help with anxiety and mood.
These benefits make Reiki a useful option for people seeking gentle support alongside conventional treatments.
How to Experience Reiki
If you are interested in trying Reiki, consider these tips:
Book an appointment: Certified Reiki Master Teacher with a cosmetology license, a glow and go!
Communicate your needs: Share your health concerns and goals before the session.
Keep an open mind: Reiki works differently for everyone; some feel immediate effects, others notice gradual changes.
Use Reiki as a complement: Continue your medical treatments and discuss Reiki with your healthcare provider.
Reiki sessions typically last 30 to 60 minutes and can be done in person or remotely.
Reiki offers a gentle, non-invasive way to support physical and emotional well-being. Clinical studies show it may reduce pain, ease anxiety, and improve quality of life for people with chronic conditions. While more research is needed to fully understand how Reiki works, its safety and calming effects make it a valuable complementary therapy. If you are curious about Reiki, consider exploring it as part of a holistic approach to health.
References
Baldwin, A. L., Wagers, C., & Schwartz, G. E. (2016). Reiki improves heart rate homeostasis in laboratory rats. PLoS One, 11(3), e0151849. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0151849
Bowden, D., Goddard, L., & Gruzelier, J. (2010). A randomized controlled single-blind trial of the efficacy of Reiki at benefitting mood and well-being. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 7(2), 149-154. https://doi.org/10.1093/ecam/nem175
Ferraresi, A., et al. (2019). Effects of Reiki on pain and anxiety in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy: A randomized controlled trial. Journal of Pain and Symptom Management, 57(3), 521-528.
Thrane, S., & Cohen, S. M. (2014). Effect of Reiki therapy on pain and anxiety in adults: An in-depth literature review of randomized trials with effect size calculations. Pain Management Nursing, 15(4), 897-908. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pmn.2014.06.008
VanderVaart, S., Gijsen, V., de Wildt, S., & de Graaf, C. (2017). The effectiveness of Reiki in clinical practice: A systematic review. Journal of Evidence-Based Complementary & Alternative Medicine, 22(4), 982-989. https://doi.org/10.1177/2156587217710822
Vitale, A. T. (2007). The effect of Reiki on pain and anxiety in women with abdominal hysterectomies: A quasi-experimental pilot study. Holistic Nursing Practice, 21(6), 263-272.
Wirth, D. P. (2017). Reiki therapy for cancer patients: A systematic review. Journal of Holistic Nursing, 35(3), 254-263. https://doi.org/10.1177/0898010116685616
Comments