We hold a vision of Reiki contributing to integrative healthcare through research and science, and in the areas in which it shows the greatest value.

We will build on the solid base of peer-reviewed studies of Reiki that already exist with larger scale robust clinical trials.

They will be based on audits that may come, for example, from the remote Reiki Medic-Care project or through data gathering from the Connecting Reiki with Medicine project. We will also gather data through other promising areas that are supported by the existing literature.

RHRT - Research

Dr Ann Baldwin, PhD. is our research advisor. A research professor of physiology at the University of Arizona, Dr Baldwin studied at both Bristol University and Imperial College London.

Our mission is to raise the funds needed to support large-scale trials with the help of the Reiki community, the public at large and grant-giving bodies. This will help bring the value of Reiki to patients and medical professionals who can benefit from it.

Randomized, controlled clinical studies

Descriptions of randomised, controlled clinical studies (the scientific “gold standard”) published in peer-reviewed journals in the period 2017-2022 collated by Dr Ann Baldwin, University of Arizona.

2017

2020

2021

2022

  • Utli, H. & Dogru, B.V. Stress and comfort levels before gastrointestinal endoscopy: a randomised sham-controlled trial. Journal of PeriAnesthesia Nursing, 2022.
    https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jopan.2022.08.010
    This single-blind, pre-test and post-test design, randomised, sham-controlled study was conducted to determine the effect of Reiki when applied before upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (GI) on levels of anxiety, stress, and comfort. There were 53 patients in the Reiki group, 53 patients in the sham Reiki group, and 53 in the control (no treatment) group. Reiki and sham Reiki were applied once for 20 to 25 minutes before GI. When the Reiki group was compared to the sham Reiki and control groups following the intervention, the decrease in the levels of patient stress (P < .001) and anxiety (P < .001) and the increase in patient comfort (P < .001) were statistically significant.

2023

  • Utli, H., Dinc, M., & Utli, M.D.A. The Effect of Acupressure or Reiki Interventions on the Levels of Pain and Fatigue of Cancer Patients Receiving Palliative Care: A Randomised Controlled Study. Explore, 19(1), 91-99, 2023. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.explore.2022.11.007
    This single blinded, randomised, controlled study was conducted to determine whether a twice weekly 20-minute Reiki or acupressure session reduced levels of fatigue, pain, and use of analgesia over a month in 156 patients with stage III or stage IV cancer undergoing palliative care compared to a no treatment control group (52 in each group). There was a statistically significant reduction in the use of analgesia (p < 0.001), fatigue (p < 0.001), and pain level (p < 0.001) in both the Reiki and acupressure groups when compared to the control group. The lead author applied the Reiki introducing the possibility of bias.

Other research literature

Baldwin, A (2020) Reiki in Clinical Practice: A Science-based Guide. Handspring Publishing.

Diaz-Rodríguez, L., Arroyo-Morales, M., Fernández-de-las-Peñas, C., García-Lafuente, F., García-Royo, C. and Tomás-Rojas, I. (2011) Immediate effects of Reiki on heart rate variability, cortisol levels, and body temperature in health care professionals with burnout. Biol Res Nurs 13(4), 376- 382.

Diaz-Rodriguez, L., Arroyo-Morales, M., Cantarero-Villanueva, I., Fernández-de-las-Peñas, C. et al (2011) The application of Reiki in nurses diagnosed with Burnout Syndrome has beneficial effects on concentration of salivary IgA and blood pressure. Rev. Latino-Am. Enfermagem [online], 19(5) 1132-1138.

Mackay, N., Hansen, S., McFarlane, O. (2004) Autonomic Nervous-System-Changes During Reiki Treatment: A Preliminary Study, The Journal of Alternative & Complementary Medicine (10) 6., 1077-1081.

Martin, R., Glanville, M., Ball, C., Ruggles, S., Elanko, A., Elanko, S. (2019) Quality Improvement Project (QIP) exploring effectiveness of Reiki therapy on Quality of Life (Qol) outcome measures for cancer patients when used In Integrated Healthcare (IH). European Journal of Surgical Oncology 45, P2228, #132.

Rosada, R.M., Rubik, B., Mainguy, B., Plummer, J. and Mehl-Madrona, L. (2015) Reiki reduces burnout among community mental health clinicians. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine 21(8), 489-495.

Wardell, D., Engebretson, J. (2001) Biological correlates of Reiki Touch healing. Journal of Advanced Nursing 33, 439– 445.

Through the Reiki Healthcare Research Trust, give your support to:

REIKI MEDIC-CARE

Supporting Medical  Professionals

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REIKI HEALTHCARE RESEARCH TRUST

Research and Education

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CONNECTING REIKI WITH MEDICINE

Integrative Healthcare

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