Research Studies With Reiki Healing Yield Positive Results, Proving Energy Healing Works

Thanks to advancement of technology in recent years and research studies by reputable educational institutions, (Columbia, Yale, UCLA, Duke for example), Reiki has been implemented as treatments in hospitals around the world, and more recently, the United States. Research studies have shown positive outcomes of Reiki, being able to measure pain, anxiety, stress, heart rate, blood pressure, outcomes of stroke rehabilitation, depression, and other chronic health conditions.  

Researchers at Yale documented how emotional stress negatively affects the atomic nervous system (ANS) function, and therefore heart disease (ANS controls heart rate).  In a randomized controlled environment, researchers looked at a non-invasive, non-drug study for patients (separated into three groups of 12 each), recovering from a heart attack.  The first group rested without interruption, group two listened to meditative music, and group three received 20 minute Reiki treatments by Reiki trained registered nurses.  Results were measured in two ways: emotional state and heart rate variability (HRV), a physiologic measure that indicates if the patient’s body is recovering from the stress response. The patients rated themselves on both positive states (happy, relaxed, calm) and negative states (stressed, angry, sad, frustrated, worried, scared, anxious).  Reiki treatment improved all positive emotional states and reduced all negative states.  When comparing the three groups, the Reiki group had the most positive changes in emotional state, and the resting control had the least. Additionally, Reiki improved HRV.  

Strong evidence that Reiki is responsible for a positive biological response in humans and animals. In a blind random study conducted by Columbia University on the effectiveness of Reiki treatments on the ANS, found that results within the Reiki group showed lowered levels of heart rate, respiration, and blood pressure.  Columbia was one of the first hospitals to offer Reiki as part of their Integrative Medicine Program (CIMP), made popular by the famed cardiovascular surgeon, Dr. Mehmet Oz. In his words, “Reiki has become a sought-after healing art among patients and mainstream medical professionals.”  He said he uses Reiki practitioners to treat patients during open-heart surgeries and heart transplant operations. 

As of 2009, The Touchstone Process has evaluated 25 test studies that appeared in peer-review journals evaluating the credibility of Reiki treatments.  One of the most rigorously controlled studies, the team reported 83% showed moderate to strong evidence in support of Reiki as a viable therapeutic healing modality. 

Chakra To Ya has compiled a comprehensive list of research studies that are supportive of assisting in the treatment of

• Parkinson's Disease

• Cancer

• Heart Disease

• Anxiety

• Migraines and headaches

• Panic attacks

• Depression

• Chronic Pain

• Infertility

• Autism

• Diabetes

• Stress

• Neurodegenerative diseases

• Chron's disease

• Fatigue

• Autoimmune diseases

• Insomnia

• High blood pressure

• Digestive disorders

• Multiple Sclerosis

• Arthritis

• Depression (including Postpartum)

• Lyme disease

• ADHD and ADD

• Heart Disease

• Weight loss

A Comprehensive List of Resources For Reiki Research Studies

Alandydy, Patricia, BSN, RN. “Using Reiki to Support Surgical Patients.” Journal of Nursing Care Quality, April 1999, Vol.13, No. 4, pp. 89-91.

Barnett, Libby and Babb, Maggie, “Reiki Energy Medicine: Bringing Healing Touch into Home, Hospital and Hospice,” Healing Arts Press. Rochester, Vermont. May 1996.

Baldwin, Linda Ann, PhD. “Reiki, the Scientific Evidence.” https://www.reiki.org/articles/reiki-scientific-evidence

Baldwin, Linda Ann, Schwartz, Gary E., Wagers, Christina. “Reiki Improves Heart Rate Homeostasis In Laboratory Rats.” Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. 1 May 2008. Volume 14, Issue 4. https://experts.arizona.edu/en/publications/reiki-improves-heart-rate-homeostasis-in-laboratory-rats

Baldwin, Linda Ann, Fuller, Kristen, Schwartz, Gary E., “Comparison of Physical Therapy with Energy Healing for Improving Range of Motion in Subjects with Restricted Shoulder Mobility.” 14 November 2013. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3847956/.

Beard C, Stason WB, Wang Q, Manola J, Dean-Clower E, Dusek JA, Decristofaro S, Webster A, Doherty-Gilman AM, Rosenthal DS, Benson H. “Effects of complementary therapies on clinical outcomes in patients being treated with radiation therapy for prostate cancer.” 2011 Jan 1;117(1):96-102. doi: 10.1002/cncr.25291. Epub 2010 Aug 27. PMID: 20803609. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20803609/

“Benefits of Reiki for Moms With Postpartum Depression.” Reiki Times. International Association of Reiki Professionals. 2019. Volume 23, Issue Q2. https://iarp.org/benefits-reiki-moms-postpartum-depression/

Birocco, Nadia, MD, Guillame, Camilla, Ciuffreda, Libero, MD. “The Effects of Reiki Therapy on Pain and Anxiety in Patients Attending a Day Oncology and Infusion Services Unit.” 13 October 2011. Volume 29, Issue 4. Sage Journals. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1049909111420859.

Bossi, RN,MS, CS, Larraine; DeCristofaro, RN, MS, OCN, and Ott, RN, MN, MEd, CS, Mary Jane. “Reiki Treatments for People Living With Cancer.” Virginia Henderson International Nursing Library.

Bossi, RN,MS, CS, Larraine; DeCristofaro, RN, MS, OCN, and Ott, RN, MN, MEd, CS, Mary Jane. “Reiki as a Clinical Intervention in Oncology Nursing Practice.” Clinical Journal of Oncology Nursing, Vol. 12, No. 3/2008, pp. 489-494. http://cjon.ons.org/cjon/12/3/reiki-clinical-intervention-oncology-nursing-practice

Bowman, Jacqueline. “Observing Live Blood via Live Cell Analysis Under Darkfield Microscopy When Exposed To Reiki Ryoho Treatment.” Vibrant Health Research Project. August 2021. https://iarp.org/observing-live-blood-via-live-cell-analysis-under-darkfield-microscopy-when-exposed-to-reiki-ryoho-treatment/.

Brennan, Barbara Ann. “Hands of Light: A Guide to Healing Through the Human Energy Field.” New York, New York: Bantam Books, 1988.

Brewitt, B., Vittetoe, T, and Hartwell, B. “The Efficacy of Reiki Hands-On Healing: Improvements in Spleen and Nervous System Function as Quantified by Electrodermal Screening.” Alternative Therapies, July 1997, Vol.3, No.4, pg.89

Brodie, Evelyn. “Distance healing: Scam or science?” https://www.awakeningsme.com/distance-healing-scam-science/

Bukowski, Elaine L. “The Use of Self-Reiki for Stress Reduction and Relaxation.” National Library of Medicine. 13 Sept. 2015. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26343105/.

Burg, Matthew M., PhD, Friedman, Rachel S.C., MD, Lampert, Rachel, MD, Lee, Forrester, MD Miles, Pamela, BA, “Effects of Reiki on Autonomic Activity Early After Acute Coronary Syndrome,” Section of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University, School of Medicine, 333 Cedar Street, FMP 3, New Haven, Connecticut.

“Can Reiki Help With Insomnia?” 2022. International Association of Reiki Professionals. https://iarp.org/can-reiki-help-cure-insomnia/

“Can Reiki Help Lower High Blood Pressure?” International Association of Reiki Professionals. 2022. https://iarp.org/reiki-high-blood-pressure/.

Casarett, David, MD, Fleisher, Kimberly A. MEd, Frankel, Eitan S., BA, Mackenzie, Elizabeth R., PhD, Mao, Jun J., MD, MSCE, Seluzicki, Christina, BA, “Integrative Reiki for Cancer Patients: A Program Evaluation.” 2014 Jan., 13 (1) 62–67. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1534735413503547

Chirico, Andrea, D’Aiuto, Giuseppe, Penon, Antonella, Mallia, Luca, De Laurentiis, Michelino, Lucidi, Fabio, Botti, Gerrardo, and Giordano, Antonio. “Self-Efficacy for Coping with Cancer Enhances the Effect of Reiki Treatments During the Pre-Surgery Phase of Breast Cancer Patients.” Anticancer Research. 2017. https://ar.iiarjournals.org/content/anticanres/37/7/3657.full.pdf.

Cohen, Susan M., DSN, APRN, FAAN, and Thrane, Susan, RN, MSN, OCN. “Effect of Reiki Therapy on Pain and Anxiety in Adults: An In-Depth Literature Review of Randomized Trials with Effect Size Calculations.” National Library of Medicine. 14 December 2014.

Dey, Eileen, M.A., R.C., and Emanuel, Michael. “Reiki for Veterans.” Reiki News. Winter 2008. https://www.reiki.org/store/reiki-news-magazine/reiki-news-winter-2008?ProductID=525&CategoryID=16

De Wilde, Saskia N., M.D., PhD., Gideon, Koren, M.D., F.R.C.P.C., F.A.C.M.T., Gijsen, Violette M.G.J., M.Sc., and Vandervaart, Sondra, H.B.Sc., M.B.A. “A Systematic Review of the Therapeutic Effects of Reiki.” Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. PubMed. November 2009. Volume 15, Issue 11. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/38098004_A_Systematic_Review_of_the_Therapeutic_Effects_of_Reiki

Eden D, Feinstein D. Energy Medicine: Balancing Your Body’s Energies for Optimal Health, Joy, and Vitality. New York, NY: The Penguin Group; 2008.

“Everything You Need To Know About Reiki.” Medical News Today.14 June 2023. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/308772#what-happens.

Gamble, Maureen, BSN, MA, CHTP/I, CCAP, RM, Guthrie, Diana W., PhD, FAAN, CDE. “Energy Therapies and Diabetes Mellitus.” Complementary & Integrative Medicine. 1 August 2001. https://diabetesjournals.org/spectrum/article/14/3/149/637/Energy-Therapies-and-Diabetes-Mellitus

Gillespie, Brenda W., PhD, Gillespie, Elena A., B.S., Stevens, Martin J., MD. “Painful Diabetic Neuropathy. Impact of an alternative approach.” Diabetic Journals, Diabetes Care, Volume 30, Number 4. April 2007.http://care.diabetesjournals.org/content/diacare/30/4/999.full.pdf.

Hanson, J., Olson, K. “Using Reiki to Manage Pain: A Preliminary Report.” National Library of Medicine. Cancer Prevention and Control. 1 June 1997. pages 108-13. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9765732/

Hanson, John, MSc, Michaud, Mary, RN, Olson, Karin, RN, PhD. “A Phase II Trial of Reiki for the Management of Pain In AdvancedCancer Patients.” Journal of Pain and Symptom Management. November 2003. Volume 26, Issue 5. https://www.jpsmjournal.com/article/S0885-3924(03)00334-8/fulltext

“Inspiring Conversations with Julie Ann Dawson of Chakra To Ya.” Voyage LA Magazine. 30 May 2023.

Lotus, Green. “Reiki Really Works: A Groundbreaking Scientific Study.” 2011. https://cdn.elebase.io/dbcc75a2-4b9f-4a0e-8e4b-cfa273624e10/6c766633-0ca4-4d05-bc4d-1f485bed2e9a-reiki_really_works-a_groundbreaking_scientific_study.pdf

Lutz, Katherine, Richeson, Nancy E., Peng, Cheng, Spross, Judith A., “Effects of Reiki on Anxiety, Depression, Pain, and Physiological Factors in Community-Dwelling Older Adults.” 30 June 2010. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20635803/

McManus, David E., PhD. “Reiki Is Better Than Placebo and Has Broad Potential as a Complex Therapy.” PubMed Central. 22 October 2017. https://ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5871310/

MacNeil-Sola, Cynthia. “Introduction to Reiki, a Healing Technique.” H-KNow. 14 Jan. 2019. https://hk-now.com/introduction-to-reiki-a-healing-technique/

Miles, Pamela. “Reiki for Mind, Body, and Spirit Support of Cancer Patients.” Clinical Perspective. UCLA Health. Fall 2007. Volume 22, Issue 2. https://www.uclahealth.org/sites/default/files/documents/Clinical_Perspective_Reiki_for_Mind.pdf

“Our Journey Into Reiki.” The Autism File. 18 December 2020. http://www.autismfile.com/treatment-therapy/our-journey-into-reiki/

“Reiki for Headaches and Migraines.” Reiki Times. 2019. Volume 23, Issue Q2. International Association of Reiki Professionals. https://iarp.org/reiki-for-headaches-migraines/

“Reiki And Medicine: Reiki In Hospitals and Other Medical Settings.” The Reiki Times. International Association of Reiki Professionals. https://iarp.org/reiki-and-medicine-2/

“Reiki and Qigong: How They Can Help Cancer Patients.” Dana-Faber Cancer Institute. 2022 May 25. https://blog.dana-farber.org/insight/2014/08/how-reiki-and-qigong-can-help-cancer-patients/

“Reiki Really Works, UCLA Groundbreaking Studies:” https://www.uclahealth.org/rehab/workfiles/Urban%20Zen/Research%20Articles/Reiki_Really_Works-A_groundbreaking_Scientific_Study.pdf

Shirani, Naser; Abdollahimohammad Abdolghani; Firouzkouhi, Mohammadreza; Masinaeinezhad, Nosratolla; Shahraki-Vahed, Aziz. “The Effect of Reiki energy therapy on the severity of pain and quality of life in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a randomized clinical trial study.” May-April 2009. 23(96): 205–210.

Singg, Sangreeta and Linda J. Dressen. “Desirable Self-Perceived Psychophysiological Changes in Chronically Ill Patients: An Experiential Study of Reiki.” International Society for the Study of Subtle Energy and Energy Medicine, June 1999.

Shore, A. G. “Long-term effects of energetic healing on symptoms of psychological depression and self-perceived stress. Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine.” 2004. 10(3):42–48.

Thrane S, Cohen SM. “Effect of Reiki therapy on pain and anxiety in adults: An in-depth literature review of randomized trials with effect size calculations.” Pain Manag Nurs. 2014;15(4):897–908.

Wardell, Diane Wind and Joan Engebretson, “Biological Correlates of Reiki Touch™ Healing,” Journal of Advanced Nursing, Feb. 2001, Vol. 33, No. 4: pp. 439-445.

Discover The Chakra To Ya Shop

Click Below to Visit The Chakra To Ya Shop

Click Below To Book A Session With Julie

Additional Resources

1. Reiki Really Works, UCLA Groundbreaking Studies: https://www.uclahealth.org/rehab/workfiles/Urban%20Zen/Research%20Articles/Reiki_Really_Works-A_groundbreaking_Scientific_Study.pdf

2. Burg M., Matthew, Friedman, S.C., Rachel, Forrester, Lee, Lampert, Rachel, and Miles, Pamela, Journal of American College of Cardiology, ” Effects of Reiki on Autonomic Activity Early After Acute Coronary Syndrome,”, , 
http://www.onlinejacc.org/content/56/12/995, Sept. 2010. 

3. Medical Research and other Papers: http://www.aetw.org/reiki_research.html

*We are legally required to inform you Reiki practitioners do not diagnose conditions, perform medical treatments, prescribe substances and medications, or interfere with the treatment of a licensed medical care professional. Reiki healing and crystal healing is an effective treatment in addition to, NOT a substitute for, medical attention and medications provided by a licensed physician or licensed professional health care for any ailment. It is recommended that clients receiving Reiki treatments and/or crystal healing also see a licensed physician or other licensed health-care professional for any ailments.