Does Reiki work? There have been a number of scientific studies to evaluate the effectiveness of Reiki. In summary, Reiki has been proven to help with the following - scroll down to read more details of the studies:
- Anxiety
- Burnout
- Depression
- Menopause symptoms
- Mood
- Pain
- Post-operative recovery
- Quality of life
- Self-esteem
- Sleep quality
- Wellbeing.
Therapeutic Effects of Reiki on Interventions for Anxiety: a Meta-Analysis
Conclusions: Short-term Reiki therapy interventions of ≤ 3 sessions and 6-8 sessions have demonstrated effectiveness in reducing health and procedural anxiety in patients with chronic conditions such as gastrointestinal endoscopy inflammation, fibromyalgia, and depression, as well as in the general population.
Evaluation of a Distance Reiki Program for Frontline Healthcare Workers’ Health-Related Quality of Life During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Conclusions: The Reiki program was feasible and was associated with decreased stress, anxiety and pain, and increased wellbeing and sleep quality in frontline healthcare workers impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Effects of Reiki Therapy and Companionship on Quality of Life, Mood, and Symptom Distress During Chemotherapy
Conclusions: Reiki was rated relaxing with no side effects. Reiki and companion groups reported improvements in quality of life and mood that were greater than those seen in the usual care group. Interventions during chemotherapy, such as Reiki or companionship, are feasible, acceptable, and may reduce side effects.
Reiki Is Better Than Placebo and Has Broad Potential as a Complementary Health Therapy
Conclusions: Reiki is a safe and gentle “complementary” therapy that activates the parasympathetic nervous system to heal body and mind. It has potential for broader use in management of chronic health conditions, and possibly in postoperative recovery. For patients with chronic health conditions, Reiki has been found to be more effective than placebo for reducing pain, anxiety, and depression, and for improving self-esteem and quality of life.
Effect of Reiki Therapy on Pain and Anxiety in Adults: an In-Depth Literature Review of Randomized Trials with Effect Size Calculations
Conclusions: There is evidence to suggest that Reiki therapy may be effective for pain and anxiety.
Symptomatic Improvement Reported After Receiving Reiki at a Cancer Infusion Center
Conclusions: Reiki results in a broad range of symptomatic benefits, including improvements in common cancer-related symptoms (pain, mood, distress, sleep, and appetite).
Immediate Effects of Reiki on Heart Rate Variability, Cortisol Levels, and Body Temperature in Health Care Professionals With Burnout
Conclusions: Reiki has an effect on the parasympathetic nervous system when applied to health care professionals with Burnout Syndrome.