Reiki (pronounced"ray-kee") is a spiritual energy and meditative practice not associated with any religion or belief system. During a reiki session, energy is transferred from the practitioner's hands to the recipient to treat symptoms without manipulation or pressure. The practitioner uses a light touch and therapeutic presence to relax and calm the client progressively. In the past two decades, the use of meditative practices, including Reiki, has risen by 13-24% among women under 65 who are dealing with multiple chronic conditions, suggesting that it is becoming a more popular tool in managing wellness.
A study published in the Journal of Evidence-Based Integrative Medicine (2018) found that reiki may be an effective non-drug therapy for reducing pain intensity and improving physical performance in daily activities. A Harvard University-affiliated study from 2019 also found that just one Reiki session helped 1,411 patients to significantly reduce pain, anxiety, tiredness, shortness of breath, depression, and nausea, as well as improve their overall well-being More recently, in 2021, a study conducted on 26 nurses at a US hospital found that their measured stress levels, respiratory rate, and heart rate immediately decreased after reiki sessions observed over four weeks.
Reiki enhances daily living, but it is essential to understand that it is not a cure for such conditions. Reiki is a complementary therapy that benefits individuals who use it in the following ways:
Reducing stress, positively impacting vital health measures such as heart rate, blood pressure, and blood sugar;
Improving sleep, which is essential for brain health and mental functioning;
Managing pain, both physical and emotional;
Improving mood and reducing anxiety, and
Increasing self-awareness can help manage symptoms.
If you're considering reiki or other forms of natural healing, speaking with a qualified professional like a certified occupational therapy practitioner is essential. Ask your healthcare and insurance providers about free hospital-based non-drug treatment programs, prescriptions, and superbills for out-of-network benefits to help with the cost.
References
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.
Dyer, N. L., Baldwin, A. L., & Rand, W. L. (2019) A Large-Scale Effectiveness Trial of Reiki for Physical and Psychological Health Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine (New York, N.Y.), 25(12), 1156–1162 https://doi.org/10.1089/acm.2019.0022
Hailey, K., Fortin, J., Pratt, P., Forbes, P. W., & McCabe, M. (2022) Feasibility and Effect of Reiki on the Physiology and Self-perceived Stress of Nurses in a Large US Hospital. Holistic nursing practice, 36(2), 105–111 https://doi.org/10.1097/HNP.0000000000000475
Jahantiqh, F., Abdollahimohammad, A., Firouzkouhi, M., & Ebrahiminejad, V. (2018). Effects of Reiki Versus Physiotherapy on Relieving Lower Back Pain and Improving Activities Daily Living of Patients With Intervertebral Disc Hernia Journal of Evidence-based Integrative Medicine, 23, 2515690X18762745 https://doi.org/10.1177/2515690X18762745