Reiki Research

Scientific studies suggest that Reiki shifts the autonomic balance of the nervous toward Parasympathetic dominance. The body has two autonomic nervous systems. The Sympathetic nervous system is often called our Fight or Flight nervous system and the Parasympathetic nervous system relaxes the body and decreases stress. Parasympathetic dominance helps the body heal physically, emotionally and spiritually.

Reiki is a complementary therapy and does not take the place of regular healthcare.

My Research

I did an Anecdotal Study during 100+ Reiki sessions. I had each Client rate their pain and stress level on a scale of 0-10 before and after the session. On average, pain decreased by 4 points and stress decreased by 6 points.

In my experience as a Home Health Physical Therapist I found that several minutes of Reiki decreased blood pressure and anxiety. Reiki also improved cooperation with Dementia patients. In addition, Reiki during manual therapy decreased pain.

Published Research

5 studies indicated that Reiki is more effective than music, meditation or placebo for inducing physical relaxation.

  • A study in Germany found that Reiki reduced pain, anxiety and the need for analgesics in Post-Cesarean delivery patients

  • A study in a hospital in Hartfield Connecticut found that Reiki improved sleep by 86%, decreased pain by 78%, decreased nausea by 80% and decreased anxiety during pregnancy by 94%.

  • A study of healthcare professionals with burnout syndrome found that a single session of Reiki decreased heart rate variability and body temperature.

  • Another study found that Reiki reduced pain, depression and anxiety in chronically-ill patients. In addition, Reiki improved self esteem and increased patients’ sense of personal control

    Anne Baldwin, PhD, ICRT