A paper from the National Institute of Health in the US describes Reiki as a healing and wellness practice that promotes balance and well-being in body, mind and spirit. Reiki encourages the relaxation response, and the recipient’s natural ability to heal is supported and enhanced.
Key points include:
- Reiki is a complementary or integrative modality used in conjunction with, not in place of, conventional medicine.
- A review of studies has found that Reiki seems to be generally safe, shows no harmful effects for recipients, and has no known contraindications.
- Clinical studies support the efficacy of Reiki in stimulating the relaxation response; decreasing pain and discomfort; and alleviating feelings of stress, worry, and anxiety as well as symptoms of depression.
- Reiki is spiritual in that it connects people with their innermost selves and creates harmony between the body, mind, and spirit.
Unlike many Western medical practices, the practice of Reiki is not specific to any disease or illness. Reiki supports the potential for healing by focusing on the individual’s innate capacity for renewal and growth on every level of being.
Uses for the healing potential of Reiki:
- Relieves the physical and emotional effects of stress
- Reduces pain and discomfort
- Decreases tension and anxiety
- Improves sleeping patterns and alleviates fatigue
- Prepares and supports a person for surgery, other invasive procedures, and chemotherapy or radiation treatments
- Supports the recovery process from injuries, surgery, or trauma (ie, posttraumatic stress disorder)
- Minimizes or makes more tolerable the side effects of many kinds of treatment or procedures and facilitates wound healing
- Supports recovery from addictions
- Supports the resolution of psychological and emotional issues
- Promotes healthy pregnancy and childbirth
- Supports people who are acutely or chronically ill
- Supports caregivers caring for loved ones dealing with acute or chronic illness and brings comfort to people who are terminally ill, and can help ease transition
- Enhances personal spiritual development
- Promotes overall health and well-being, and prevention of illness
Other studies found evidence that Reiki:
- improved the sleep quality and increased quality of life in patients with epilepsy
- was effective in controlling anxiety levels in patients about to undergo surgery
- with guided imagery reduced pain and fatigue in oncology patients
- was effective in decreasing pain and increasing well-being in patients with osteoarthritis.
- improved mood, cognitive awareness and increased energy levels when applied over four distant healing sessions
List of scientific papers on Reiki
The Effect of Reiki on Pain, Functional Status, and Holistic Well-Being in Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Controlled Trial
The Effect of Distant Reiki Sessions on Holistic Well-Being
The effect of Reiki and guided imagery intervention on pain and fatigue in oncology patients: A non-randomized controlled study
Reiki: Defining a Healing Practice for Nursing
The effects of Reiki application on sleep and quality of life in patients with epilepsy
The effect of preoperative Reiki application on patient anxiety levels
The Effect of Distant Reiki Sessions on Holistic Well-Being
