Reiki Studies Around the World

Expanding Use of Reiki in Modern Hospitals and Clinical Care

Reiki is increasingly recognized and implemented within healthcare and community care environments, including hospitals, hospices, and oncology support centers.

Currently, more than 900 hospitals across countries such as Australia, the United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Brazil, and Mexico have integrated Reiki into their clinical practices.

Reiki interventions are applied across a diverse range of medical specialties, including pediatrics, emergency medicine, pre-operative and post-operative care, surgical settings, oncology, cardiology, orthopedics, internal medicine, and palliative care, highlighting its potential as a complementary modality to support patient well-being and recovery.

REIKI STUDIES

Effect of Reiki therapy on biophysiological and psychological status of patients after major surgical procedures: a pilot report.

Indian J Health Wellbeing. 2013;4:1011–1017. Sasikala G.

The effectiveness of Reiki as an aid to recovery after major surgical procedures has been tested in an Indian hospital. Reiki was provided after surgical procedures such as laparotomy, gastrectomy, hysterectomy, cholecystectomy, mastectomy, and general abdominal surgeries. Reiki was found to improve the vital signs (temperature, pulse, respiration, blood pressure, and pain), hence the prospects for better recovery and to reduce anxiety and depression.

Effects of Reiki on Pain and Anxiety in Women Hospitalized for Obstetrical- and Gynecological-Related Conditions

Ann Bondi, BSN, RN, HN-BC, QTTP, Tina Morgan, BSN, RN-BC, HN-BC, Susan B. Fowler, PhD, RN, CNRN, FAHA First Published July 3, 2020 Research Article

Purpose: To determine the effect of Reiki on pain and anxiety in women in antepartum, intrapartum, postpartum, gynecology, and gyn/oncology, settings. Results:Mean pain scores after Reiki significantly decreased from 3.24 to 1.52 (n = 203; z = −11.67, p < .001). Mean anxiety scores after Reiki significantly decreased from 3.56 to 1.28 (n = 195; z = −11.42, p < .001). Women were asked if the effects lingered for any length of time post–Reiki treatment, and 91 of 101 responded affirmatively that decreased pain and/or anxiety continued. Conclusion: Findings from this study confirm the positive and lingering effects of Reiki in women hospitalized for obstetrical and gynecological conditions.

Effects of Reiki on Pain and Vital Signs When Applied to the Incision Area of the Body After Cesarean Section Surgery

Authors: Sagkal Midilli, Tulay; Ciray Gunduzoglu, Nazmiye - DOI 10.1097/HNP.0000000000000172

This study was single-blinded, randomized, and double-controlled (Reiki, sham Reiki, and control groups). The treatment, which was applied to the patients in these 3 groups, was applied for 15 minutes to the incision area of body in the first 24 and 48 hours after the operation within 4 to 8 hours of the application of standard analgesics. The study data were collected using a patient follow-up form and a visual analog scale. Mean visual analog scale measurement values were significantly different from each other according to groups and times (P < .05). A reduction in pain of 76.06% was determined in the Reiki group patients between day 1 pre-tx and after application on the second day (day 2 post-tx) measurements. Mean breathing rate and systolic blood pressure measurement values were significantly different from each other according to groups (P < .05). The Reiki group was observed to use fewer analgesics throughout the study and to need them after a longer time than the sham Reiki and control groups (P < .05). It was concluded that Reiki applied for 15 minutes to the incision area after a cesarean operation had the expected effects on pain and the need for the use of analgesics.

Long-term effects of energetic healing on symptoms of psychological depression and self-perceived stress

Adina Goldman Shore Deborah Bowden, Lorna Goddard, and John Gruzelier - Psychology Department, Goldsmiths, University of London, ITC Builidng, New Cross, London SE14 6NW, UK

The participants with high anxiety and/or depression who received Reiki showed a progressive improvement in overall mood, which was significantly better at five-week follow-up, while no change was seen in the controls. The findings of both studies suggest that Reiki may benefit mood.

Using Reiki to Decrease Memory and Behavior Problems in Mild Cognitive Impairment and Mild Alzheimer's Disease

Stephen E. Crawford, V. Wayne Leaver, and Sandra D. Mahoney | Published Online:16 Nov 2006

Objectives: This empirical study explored the efficacy of using Reiki treatment to improve memory and behavior deficiencies in patients with mild cognitive impairment or mild Alzheimer's disease. Subjects: The sample included 24 participants scoring between 20 and 24 on the AMMSE. Interventions: Twelve participants were exposed to 4 weeks of weekly treatments of Reiki from two Reiki Master-level practitioners; 12 participants served as controls and received no treatment. Outcome measures: The two groups were compared on pre- and post-treatment scores on the AMMSE and the Revised Memory and Behavior Problems Checklist (RMBPC). Results: Results indicated statistically significant increases in mental functioning (as demonstrated by improved scores of the AMMSE) and memory and behavior problems (as measured by the RMBPC) after Reiki treatment. This research adds to a very sparse database from empirical studies on Reiki results. Conclusion: 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, resulting in significant societal value by potentially reducing the needs for medication and hospitalization.

SAFETY

With respect to safety, there have been no reported negative effects from Reiki in any of the research studies.