In recent years, the practice of Reiki has gained attention in scientific contexts, being included in studies to evaluate its effects on physical and mental health. While Reiki is an energy-based practice and challenging to measure with conventional scientific methods, some research has begun exploring its impacts on well-being, stress response, and healing processes.
Reiki and Reduction of Stress and Anxiety
Studies conducted in hospital and clinical settings show that Reiki may be effective in reducing stress and anxiety. Research published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that patients receiving Reiki sessions showed a significant decrease in anxiety levels and an increase in feelings of calm and well-being.
Additionally, in a 2016 study, patients undergoing cancer treatments reported feeling more relaxed and experiencing less pain perception after Reiki sessions. These results suggest that Reiki can complement conventional medical treatment, promoting a more comfortable and tolerable recovery.
Reiki and the Immune System
Another study conducted by the University of Michigan investigated how Reiki could impact the immune system. The research indicated that patients undergoing Reiki sessions had improvements in immunity indicators, such as increased levels of lymphocytes and other cells responsible for the body’s defense. Although more research is needed to fully understand the mechanism, these results are promising for Reiki’s application as a health support therapy.
Pain Reduction and Improved Quality of Life
Reiki is also used as an auxiliary therapy for pain management. A study published in Pain Management Nursing indicated that in patients with chronic pain, Reiki helped reduce pain intensity, increase quality of life, and provide a sense of well-being. These effects are especially valuable for people with chronic conditions like arthritis, where pain relief is essential for quality of life.
The Medical Community’s Perspective
While Reiki still faces skepticism in the scientific field, there is a growing openness to its inclusion in integrative treatments. Renowned hospitals and medical centers, such as the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and the Mayo Clinic, already offer Reiki as part of their care for patients seeking complementary approaches.
These centers, by including Reiki, promote a broader vision of health, where the mental and emotional well-being of the patient is considered as important as the physical. For many professionals, the simple practice of deep relaxation offered by Reiki already significantly contributes to the patient’s response to conventional treatment.
Conclusion: Reiki as a Support for Conventional Medicine
Scientific studies on Reiki are still developing, and although initial results are promising, more research is needed to understand its functioning and expand its acceptance. However, findings already demonstrate that Reiki offers benefits such as reducing stress, anxiety, and pain, improving the quality of life for many patients.
Reiki is becoming a valuable support practice in clinics and hospitals, representing a step toward an integrative and holistic approach to health, where body, mind, and spirit are seen as interconnected. For those seeking alternatives to improve their health and well-being, Reiki offers a safe, welcoming, and potentially transformative experience.
