- Reiki research studies
- Related hands-on and biofield research
- Further research
Reiki StudiesThe following are links to various Reiki studies completed and showing evidence of some of the advantages of receiving Reiki. |
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| Explore published research into Reiki and related hands-on and biofield therapies, including studies investigating pain, anxiety, fatigue, wellbeing and other outcomes. This page provides summaries of selected studies, with links to the original research where available. | |
About the Research
Research into Reiki and related complementary therapies is continuing. Studies vary considerably in their design, sample size, treatment methods and outcomes, so their findings need to be considered in context.
The studies below provide a starting point for exploring the research. They include investigations into Reiki itself, as well as related approaches such as Healing Touch, Therapeutic Touch and massage. Findings from one therapy should not automatically be assumed to apply to another.
Where possible, we link to the original publication so that you can review the study’s methods, results and conclusions for yourselves. The inclusion of a study does not necessarily mean that JRUKA endorses all of its findings or that Reiki has been established as an effective treatment for a particular medical condition.
Reiki Research Studies
The following studies investigate Reiki directly, including its use alongside conventional care and its potential effects on symptoms such as pain, anxiety and fatigue.
Immediate symptom relief after a first session of massage or Reiki in hospitalised patients
Published: 2018
Research topic: Pain, nausea, fatigue, anxiety, depression and wellbeing
Study setting: Rural academic medical centre, United States
What the study investigated
This five-year clinical experience study examined changes in symptoms after one session of Reiki or massage among hospitalised patients who requested or were referred to the healing arts team.
What the researchers reported
Patients experienced improvements in symptoms including pain, nausea, fatigue, anxiety, depression and overall wellbeing. The reported improvements were similar for Reiki and massage in both cancer and non-cancer patients. The researchers also reported greater improvements in fatigue and anxiety following Reiki than massage.
Research context
This was a clinical experience study rather than a randomised controlled trial. Its findings provide useful information about the reported patient experience but should be considered alongside other research.
Original study:
PubMed – Immediate symptom relief after a first session of massage or Reiki
Immediate symptom relief after a first session of massage or Reiki in hospitalised patients
Published: 2018
Research topic: Pain, nausea, fatigue, anxiety, depression and wellbeing
Study setting: Rural academic medical centre, United States
What the study investigated
This five-year clinical experience study examined changes in symptoms after one session of Reiki or massage among hospitalised patients who requested or were referred to the healing arts team.
What the researchers reported
Patients experienced improvements in symptoms including pain, nausea, fatigue, anxiety, depression and overall wellbeing. The reported improvements were similar for Reiki and massage in both cancer and non-cancer patients. The researchers also reported greater improvements in fatigue and anxiety following Reiki than massage.
Research context
This was a clinical experience study rather than a randomised controlled trial. Its findings provide useful information about the reported patient experience but should be considered alongside other research.
Original study:
PubMed – Immediate symptom relief after a first session of massage or Reiki
Immediate symptom relief after a first session of massage or Reiki in hospitalised patients
Published: 2018
Research topic: Pain, nausea, fatigue, anxiety, depression and wellbeing
Study setting: Rural academic medical centre, United States
What the study investigated
This five-year clinical experience study examined changes in symptoms after one session of Reiki or massage among hospitalised patients who requested or were referred to the healing arts team.
What the researchers reported
Patients experienced improvements in symptoms including pain, nausea, fatigue, anxiety, depression and overall wellbeing. The reported improvements were similar for Reiki and massage in both cancer and non-cancer patients. The researchers also reported greater improvements in fatigue and anxiety following Reiki than massage.
Research context
This was a clinical experience study rather than a randomised controlled trial. Its findings provide useful information about the reported patient experience but should be considered alongside other research.
Original study:
PubMed – Immediate symptom relief after a first session of massage or Reiki
Reiki research referenced in Energy Medicine East and West
Published: 2011 book reference
Research topic: Pain, blood pressure and immune function
What the reference discusses
In Energy Medicine East and West, John A. Ives and Wayne B. Jonas discuss research into energy medicine approaches, including Reiki. The book references studies examining outcomes such as pain, blood pressure and immune function, including randomised controlled trials.
Research context
This is a secondary reference to research rather than a single original study. The specific studies and their methods should be reviewed before drawing conclusions about Reiki’s effectiveness.
Reference
Energy Medicine East and West (2011), John A. Ives and Wayne B. Jonas.
Effects of Reiki vs Physiotherapy on lower back pain
Published: 2018
Research topic: Lower back pain and activities of daily living
Study design: Randomised controlled trial
What the study investigated
Sixty patients with intervertebral disc hernia were randomly assigned to receive Reiki, physiotherapy or drug treatment. The study examined pain levels and activities of daily living.
What the researchers reported
The study reported that both Reiki and physiotherapy produced greater reductions in pain than drug treatment. Reiki and physiotherapy produced similar levels of pain reduction.
Research context
The study was relatively small, and its findings should be considered alongside other research before drawing broader conclusions.
Original study:
PubMed – Effects of Reiki vs Physiotherapy on lower back pain
The effects of Reiki and back massage on women's pain and vital signs after abdominal hysterectomy
Published: 2021
Research topic: Pain, analgesic use and vital signs
Study design: Randomised controlled trial
What the study investigated
This study compared Reiki, back massage and a control group among women following abdominal hysterectomy.
What the researchers reported
The researchers reported statistically significant differences in pain intensity and analgesic use between the groups. They also reported differences in vital signs, with the Reiki group showing decreases in the assessed measures.
Research context
The findings relate to the specific study population and intervention. Further research is needed to understand how the results may apply in other settings.
Original study:
PubMed – Effects of Reiki and back massage after abdominal hysterectomy
Immediate symptom relief after a first session of massage or Reiki in hospitalised patients
Published: 2018
Research topic: Pain, nausea, fatigue, anxiety, depression and wellbeing
Study setting: Rural academic medical centre, United States
What the study investigated
This five-year clinical experience study examined changes in symptoms after one session of Reiki or massage among hospitalised patients who requested or were referred to the healing arts team.
What the researchers reported
Patients experienced improvements in symptoms including pain, nausea, fatigue, anxiety, depression and overall wellbeing. The reported improvements were similar for Reiki and massage in both cancer and non-cancer patients. The researchers also reported greater improvements in fatigue and anxiety following Reiki than massage.
Research context
This was a clinical experience study rather than a randomised controlled trial. Its findings provide useful information about the reported patient experience but should be considered alongside other research.
Original study:
PubMed – Immediate symptom relief after a first session of massage or Reiki
Related Hands-On and Biofield Research
The following studies investigate related complementary approaches rather than Reiki itself. They are included to provide wider context, but their findings should not be presented as direct evidence of Reiki’s effectiveness.
Cancer pain relief after Healing Touch and Massage
Published: 2018
Research topic: Cancer pain
Therapies studied: Healing Touch and Oncology Massage
Study design: Comparative clinical study
What the study investigated
This study compared Healing Touch and Oncology Massage in 572 cancer patients, examining their effects on pain.
What the researchers reported
Both Healing Touch and Oncology Massage were associated with significant reductions in pain. The study reported that pain relief tended to occur immediately, within one session.
Research context
This study investigated Healing Touch and Oncology Massage, not Reiki. Its findings should therefore not be presented as direct evidence of Reiki’s effectiveness.
Original study:
PubMed – Cancer pain relief after Healing Touch and Massage
The effects of Therapeutic Touch on back pain in adults on a neurological unit
Published: 2018
Research topic: Chronic back pain
Therapy studied: Therapeutic Touch
Study design: Experimental pilot study
What the study investigated
This study involved 29 adults with chronic back pain. Fourteen received standard drug treatment, while 15 received standard treatment plus four healing sessions over four consecutive days.
What the researchers reported
The study reported greater reductions in pain in the group receiving the additional healing sessions. The researchers concluded that the findings indicated a potentially meaningful effect that warranted further research.
Research context
This study investigated Therapeutic Touch, not Reiki, so its findings should not be presented as direct evidence of Reiki’s effectiveness.
Original study:
PubMed – The effects of Therapeutic Touch on back pain
Further Research
Review of randomised controlled studies of biofield therapies
Published: 2014
Research topic: Biofield therapies, including Reiki
What the review investigated
A pilot review examined randomised controlled studies of several biofield therapies, including external qigong, Healing Touch, Johrei, Reiki and Therapeutic Touch.
What the researchers reported
The review examined 18 trials and reported that approximately two-thirds demonstrated at least partial effectiveness. The authors concluded that further research was warranted.
Research context
This was a review of several different therapies, not Reiki alone. The findings should therefore be interpreted as part of the wider research landscape rather than as definitive evidence for Reiki.
Original study:
PubMed – Review of randomised controlled studies of biofield therapies
Research Disclaimer
The studies and summaries on this page are provided for information purposes. Research into Reiki and related complementary therapies varies in quality and design. The inclusion of a study does not necessarily mean that JRUKA endorses its findings or that Reiki has been established as an effective treatment for a particular medical condition.
Reiki should not be used as a substitute for appropriate medical care. Anyone considering Reiki alongside medical treatment should discuss this with their healthcare professional.