Reiki uses the universal source of energy that influences everything in existence, including our physical body, mind, and spiritual bodies. Recent scientific research and cultural shifts have increased interest in Reiki and other forms of energy healing, but there is still much scepticism around whether or not it works. If you are interested in learning or receiving Reiki, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that clinical trials are already being conducted, with successful results.
How Does Reiki Work?
How does Reiki work its “magic”? The answer may at least partly lie in our Merkel cells, a type of sensory nerve cell. They communicate with the brain, and vice versa, and can both absorb and transmit electromagnetic frequencies. This could be how we can both perform energy work such as Reiki and receive the healing energy ourselves. Ultraviolet light, electromagnetic frequencies, climate and food types can be detected by Merkel cells.
Reiki For Pain Relief
Pain, whether it be acute and chronic, is a common reason for seeking out pharmaceutical drugs – and holistic alternatives. In one trial, Reiki was tested for its potential benefits in pain and anxiety among women who were giving birth or in hospital for gynaecologic procedures. Average pain scores after treatment dropped significantly, from 3.24 out of 10 to 1.52/10. Average anxiety scores fell from 3.56 to 1.28. Most women – 91 out of 101 – reported that these benefits persisted for a time.
Another study, this time focusing on Reiki after Caesarean birth, examined its effects on pain and vital signs when directed to the area of the surgery. Here, it was performed 24 and 48 hours after birth. Women reported a 76% reduction in pain after the second session, and they needed fewer doses of pain medication with longer time periods between them. Breathing rate and blood pressure also improved.
Reiki And Neurological Health
Besides pain, two other widespread categories of health issues are mood disorders and cognitive problems. A study of people reporting depression and stress assigned them to either hands-on Reiki, remote Reiki or a placebo, to see if distance had any effect. After six weeks of weekly treatment, both groups receiving the therapy had significant relief compared to the placebo group, which were quite persistent over the next year.
One small trial even showed an effect of Reiki on mild cognitive impairment and early Alzheimer’s disease. Here, 24 people received either the therapy or placebo each week for one month, which significantly improved their memory, behavioural issues and overall cognitive function.
Reiki And Quality Of Life
Larger studies have demonstrated benefits of Reiki on a range of symptoms that affect general quality of life, which could considerably cut pharmaceutical drug use. One of 1,278 patients found that average symptom scores fell from 5.52 to 2.25 after 20-minute sessions, even though they were much shorter than the typical 60-90 minute treatments. The symptoms tested were pain, general discomfort, anxiety, insomnia and nausea, which appear in a range of illnesses and increase the amount of drugs prescribed (and their side effects!).
Additionally, a review of placebo-controlled trials, all with at least 20 people receiving Reiki, found results in favour of the therapy. Eight of the 13 studies found a significant benefit, four showed no difference but did not have the statistical power, and only one clearly demonstrated it to be ineffective. In one of the trials showing significant benefits, Reiki effectively reduced blood pressure in people with hypertension, one of the world’s biggest killers. In another, it helped to normalise heart rate variability and body temperature in people with burnout.
Overall, Reiki is far from “woo woo”. Instead, there is a growing amount of research on its benefits in a range of situations, and our understanding of energetic therapies such as Reiki is improving all the time. If you would like to experience it for yourself, Book now.
References
Bondi, A, Morgan, T, & Fowler, SB, 2020, Effects of Reiki on Pain and Anxiety in Women Hospitalized for Obstetrical- and Gynecological-Related Conditions, Journal of Holistic Nursing. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32618216/
Crawford, SE, Leaver, VW, & Mahoney, SD, 2006, Using Reiki to Decrease Memory and Behavior Problems in Mild Cognitive Impairment and Mild Alzheimer’s Disease, Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 12, 9, 911-913. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17109583/
Irmak, MK, 2010, Multifunctional Merkel Cells: Their Roles in Electromagnetic Reception, Finger-Print Formation, Reiki, Epigenetic Inheritance and Hair Form, Medical Hypotheses, 75, 2, 162-168. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20189724/
Jurkovich, P, & Watson, S, 2020, Implementation of a Volunteer Reiki Program at an Academic Medical Center in the Midwest, Journal of Holistic Nursing, 38, 4, 400-409. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0898010120907734
McManus, DE, 2017, Reiki Is Better Than Placebo and Has Broad Potential as a Complementary Health Therapy, Journal of Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 22, 4, 1051-1057. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5871310/.
Midilli, TS, & Gunduzoglu, NC, 2016, Effects of Reiki on Pain and Vital Signs When Applied to the Incision Area of the Body After Cesarean Section Surgery: A Single-Blinded, Randomized, Double-Controlled Study, Holistic Nursing Practice, 30, 6, 368-378. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27763932/
Shore, AG, 2004, Long-Term Effects of Energetic Healing on Symptoms of Psychological Depression and Self-Perceived Stress, Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine, 10, 3, 42-48. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/8552465_Long-term_effects_of_energetic_healing_on_symptoms_of_psychological_depression_and_self-perceived_stress
Listen to pronunciation. (MER-kul sel) A special type of cell found right below the epidermis (top layer of skin). These cells are very close to the nerve endings that receive the sensation of touch and may be involved in touch.