Is Reiki Scientifically Proven to Work?

The popularity of Reiki is on the rise, extending beyond the realm of the “spiritual” community. Numerous cities now boast dedicated Reiki centers and hospitals increasingly feature Reiki practitioners supporting patients.

But does Reiki truly deliver tangible benefits? In this article, we’ll explore the documented benefits researchers are uncovering. Whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast or curious about alternative therapies, the secrets of Reiki await exploration.

What is Reiki?

The term “Reiki” comes from Japanese and means vital force, honoring the vital energy within us. The belief is that living beings have crucial energy fields for health, and energy blocks can lead to health issues and unfavorable life circumstances.

During a Reiki session, practitioners act as a conduit of life force. Energy flows through the practitioner’s hands to you. Reiki is considered an “intelligent energy” and will go where needed in the amount needed.

Biofield Energy

Western medicine considers Reiki to be complementary or alternative medicine in biofield energy. Your biofield consists of the electrical and magnetic fields that you produce¹. You can imagine it as tiny electrical and magnetic parts moving around your body.

Healthcare professionals routinely measure these biofields. For example, The heart makes a special kind of electricity to keep beating regularly and is measured with a test called an ECG or EKG. Your brain also produces electricity but at a lower level.

In fact, every cell in your body produces tiny amounts of electricity. The outside of a cell has a positive charge, and the inside has a negative charge.

Doctors use your magnetic field to examine your soft tissue with MRIs (magnetic resonance imaging). This technique utilizes the body’s magnetic field and radio waves to create precise images of internal soft tissues, such as muscles.

In the 1990s, Dr. John Zimmerman used a unique device to detect a healing energy field from people’s hands. Later, a Japanese team found similar results with yoga and meditation practitioners¹.

While no theory thoroughly explains how Reiki works, quantum physics may help explain it. Quantum physics explores the behaviors of tiny particles, revealing their intriguing ability to exist in multiple locations simultaneously.

According to quantum physics, practitioners can collect and guide biofield energy to the recipient. Scientists have found that tiny particles can respond to our thoughts, similar to how healing therapies like Reiki work¹.

What Are the Benefits of Reiki?

While the benefits of Reiki are potentially infinite and likely impossible to fully document, we’ll stick to the ones explored by research.

Pain and Anxiety

Reiki shows promise in its ability to reduce pain and anxiety in post-operative care, cancer, and in older adults. Anxiety can make pain and recovery more challenging in the clinical setting by worsening pain through fear and worry².

A meta-analysis of four studies, including 212 participants, investigated the effect of Reiki on pain level. Participants included cancer patients and women just after giving birth, including via cesarean. Overall, those undergoing complimentary Reiki treatment with medical care reported a significantly lower pain score than those without³.

Another study explored the effectiveness of Reiki on pain and anxiety in 122 women. Participants’ pain and anxiety ranged from one to ten, with a mean of 5.42 in pain before Reiki sessions and 2.35 in anxiety. After receiving Reiki, both pain and anxiety decreased by two points, on average. Overall⁴:

92% of women reported decreased pain
96% of women reported reduced anxiety
91% said the effects lingered after the Reiki session, although the time period was not specified.

Another extensive review of 12 studies included 328 cancer, post-surgical, and older adults as participants. While overall, Reiki reduced pain and anxiety, results varied depending on the situation¹.

The most significant reduction in pain was in older adults and the smallest in cancer patients. The most significant drop in anxiety was also in older adults and the smallest in women undergoing breast biopsies¹.

Stress

Reiki shows promise in alleviating stress among caregivers of cancer patients. In a six-week study, 42 participants received either 45 minutes of genuine Reiki or a placebo (“sham” Reiki) daily. Researchers assessed stress levels through salivary cortisol levels, blood pressure, pulse rate, and caregiver strain⁵.

Reiki recipients experienced reduced caregiver strain, lower blood pressure, and pulse rates but no change in cortisol levels. The benefits extended beyond the caregivers, with reports of decreased conflict with their patients⁵.

A more recent study investigated the effects of Reiki on stress and anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic. Twenty-eight participants received six Reiki sessions over three weeks. Those receiving Reiki experienced⁶:

Decreased distress (negative stress)
Decreased anxiety
Increased eustress (positive stress – generally from exciting experiences, like the anticipation before a presentation or a challenge)

While these studies show serious promise, researchers note the need for more extensive studies with standardized treatment protocols.

Does Distance Reiki Work?

Reiki practitioners can give Reiki from a distance when they reach level two. We’re not only talking about not being in the same room. You likely don’t even need to be in the same country or on the same continent.

To comprehend how this is possible, we turn to quantum physics again. According to quantum physics, energy particles can exist simultaneously at the Reiki practitioner’s and recipient’s locations, believed to be facilitated by the practitioner’s intention¹.

Researchers explored the effectiveness of distance Reiki during the COVID-19 pandemic. Twenty-five participants experiencing stress and anxiety received Reiki while on video conference twice for 30 minutes⁷.

Most participants reported feeling a sense of calm and more peaceful during the Reiki session. Based on survey responses, there was a significant reduction in stress and anxiety after Reiki compared to before the sessions⁷.

Another study focused on distance Reiki during the pandemic focused on healthcare professionals. Seventy-nine individuals, including doctors, nurses, and paramedics, received Reiki remotely for 20 minutes daily for four days⁸.

Pre and post-tests measured stress, anxiety, pain, wellbeing, and sleep quality. Those receiving distance Reiki showed significantly⁸:

Less stress and anxiety
Less pain
Improved sleep quality
Better overall wellbeing

Another controlled study explored the effects of distance Reiki on 18 hospitalized cancer patients. Patients received distance Reiki for 30 minutes daily for five days. Those who received distant Reiki had significantly less fatigue, pain, and stress⁹.

Who Might Want to Try Reiki?

Reiki is suitable for everyone at any time. With no known risks, you don’t have anything to lose. At the very least, you’ll enjoy a few moments of dedicated relaxation, free from any other demands.

What to Expect in a Reiki Session

Reiki sessions typically last from 30 to 90 minutes. Generally, you lie down, but you can also sit or be in any position that makes you most comfortable.

The Reiki practitioner will begin with their hands at the top of your head and slowly move through your chakra points. They may stay longer at some places than others.

You can expect warmth, tingling, heaviness, or even cooling sensations as your body releases energy. There is no correct way to experience Reiki, and it doesn’t feel the same with each practitioner.

You’ll likely feel calm, at peace, or lighter at the end of the session. It’s also totally normal and okay if you feel nothing at all. Not everyone feels what is happening during a Reiki session. Each person has a different sensitivity level.

As a Reiki practitioner, the most successful sessions are those when someone comes with an open mind and willingness. If you’re curious, try it out. Consider trying at least two sessions. The first session can help you overcome initial hesitations and open you up to receiving the energy.

Takeaway

While the exact mechanisms remain elusive, and there’s a need for more extensive, standardized studies, the documented benefits suggest a promising avenue if you’re seeking holistic wellbeing.

If you feel drawn to Reiki, try it. There’s nothing to lose, and you just might find a unique way to nurture your wellbeing and explore new dimensions.

About the Author

Meg Savané, founder of HolistiSci, has a BA in psychology from Denison University and a JD from Florida International University College of Law. She is also a reiki master and advanced pranic healer. Her passion for natural health began in 2008 when she healed her chronic disease holistically through diet and supplements. Since then, she made it her mission to become an expert on healing her body and maintaining her health naturally. It brings her joy to dig deep into science and make content accessible to others.

References

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8. Dyer, N. L., Baldwin, A. L., Pharo, R., & Gray, F. (2023). Evaluation of a Distance Reiki Program for Frontline Healthcare Workers’ Health-Related Quality of Life During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Global Advances in Integrative Medicine and Health. https://doi.org/10.1177_27536130231187368

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