Reiki: Everything You Need to Know

Reiki is a spiritual healing art and a type of biofield energy therapy. During a session, a Reiki practitioner lightly places their hands on the person, or sometimes just above them, to direct energy and help the body heal itself.

Reiki is a complementary approach used alongside conventional medical interventions, not as a treatment of its own. It does not treat or cure any health conditions, but may help with cancer care, chronic arthritis pain, recovery after gallbladder surgery, and other situations.

This article will define Reiki and explain its practice. It discusses the limited scientific evidence for Reiki benefits while presenting conditions in which some find it may help.

What Is Reiki?

Reiki is derived from the Japanese words rei, meaning universal, and kei, meaning life energy. It is a Japanese healing art and a complementary energy therapy based on the principle that everything in the universe consists of energy that flows around and through living beings.

Reiki proposes that disruption to this energy may cause health problems and seeks to restore the balance of the energy flow to a person by sending the energy flow received by the universe.

Reiki also involves a philosophy of mind-body-spirit unity and connection to all things. The Reiki principles for living are:

• "Just for today do not worry."
• "Just for today do not anger."
• "Honor your teachers, parents, and elders."
• "Earn your living honestly."
• "Show gratitude to all living things."

How Reiki Works

Reiki operates on the assumption that a universal life force sustains all living organisms and that an energetic and spiritual dimension exists in humans as part of the healing process.

The theory behind Reiki is that by balancing these energies, the body's natural healing ability is stimulated. The focus is on healing, particularly through the spirit and mind-body connection, rather than a cure or treatment of specific conditions or diseases.

The existence of this energy field or universal life force has not been backed by credible research, (nor has its ability to foster healing been shown by credible research).

It has been suggested that the positive effects reported by people who have experienced Reiki sessions may come, at least in part, from the state of relaxation it encourages. Reiki may downregulate the autonomic nervous system tone, which relieves tension and anxiety, lowers blood pressure, and elicits a feeling of calm.

The placebo effect (receiving a treatment that has no action in the body) may also result in these benefits. Well-designed studies aim to distinguish whether a treatment is more effective than a sham (placebo) treatment.

Benefits of Reiki

While not proven concretely, Reiki may help with:

• Relaxation and stress reduction
• Activating the parasympathetic nervous system (reduced heart rate, reduced blood pressure, increased heart rate variability)
• Pain control
• Reduced anxiety and depression and increased self-esteem and quality of life in people with chronic health conditions
• Enhanced well-being and sleep quality
• Symptom management in some conditions, such as cancer
• Stronger sense of connection with self and others
• Enhanced positive thinking

Reiki is a noninvasive and gentle practice with little to no risk of adverse effects. It can be performed in nearly any setting (hospices, surgery rooms) by widely varied healthcare providers and therapy professionals with Reiki training.

What to Expect in a Reiki Session

Reiki as we know it was developed by Dr. Mikao Usui in Japan during the early 1900s, with the first clinic in the United States opening in 1970. There are several forms of Reiki, but The Usui System of Natural Healing is the most commonly practiced.

A typical Usui Reiki session lasts about 45 to 90 minutes. There is no established optimal number of Reiki sessions. Typically, three sessions are recommended to start, but this number can vary depending on many factors.

During the session, the person receiving Reiki usually lies down. Then, the practitioner gently places their hands on (with the person's consent) or just above the clothed person, in at least 12 total positions on the head and the seven main energy centers (chakras).

Symbols, usually drawn onto the practitioner's palm by the palm of the other hand, may be used once a practitioner reaches level 2. These symbols are said to enhance the quality of the transmitted energy and consolidate the benefits of the treatment.

Seated sessions may also be offered, usually lasting 15 to 20 minutes. Reiki can also be practiced on oneself.

What Research Says About Reiki

While studies exist that support some benefits of Reiki, research is typically of low quality (small sample sizes, flawed methodology, etc.) and usually relies on the subjective accounts of participants. There is no clear evidence that Reiki is effective for any health-related purpose.

Research on Reiki has included the following:

• A 2018 meta-analysis involving 212 participants found that Reiki may be helpful with pain relief.
• A 2015 review stated that there is insufficient evidence to determine whether Reiki is beneficial for people over age 16 with anxiety, depression, or both.
• A 2017 review found some promise for the use of Reiki in the areas of pain, relaxation, and anxiety management but noted more research with higher numbers of participants is needed to allow for statistically meaningful interpretation.
  
• A 2021 study found that Reiki lowered the stress levels, blood pressure, and pulse rate of caregivers of people with cancer. The caregivers also reported experiencing less conflict with the person they were providing care to.
  

Cost of Reiki Session

Fees vary and are determined by the practitioner. A typical session can cost $50 to $75 or more.

Low-cost or no-cost options are sometimes available through volunteer programs. Keep in mind that Reiki is not regulated, and there are no laws that dictate specific qualifications practitioners need to have to practice.

Ask questions about your practitioner's training and qualifications. They should have at least level 2 training, and most reputable practitioners also belong to a professional Reiki association. A Reiki master completes all three levels of Reiki training.

Who Should Avoid Reiki

While there are no specific restrictions on who should receive Reiki, Reiki should not be used as a stand-alone treatment for any health condition or as an alternative to conventional medical care.

Summary

Reiki is a complementary treatment that seeks to promote wellness by creating balance in a person's life force or energy field. Studies exist that support the use of Reiki, but most are flawed or low-quality.

Anecdotally, many people who receive Reiki report that it helps them feel calm, relaxed, and connected. But Reiki should never be used as an alternative to conventional medical care or as a treatment on its own.

While Reiki won't treat or cure your medical condition, it is a low-risk practice that may help you relax while undergoing conventional treatment. Look for a practitioner who has at least level 2 training, preferably registered with a reputable professional Reiki association.