Reiki Research "It is absolutely essential that before we think, before we so much as begin to set our thinking in motion, we experience the condition of wonder."  ~ Rudolf Steiner

Reiki Research

In the Reiki Sourcebook (Bronwen and Stiene, 2003), quotes Usui Mikao, the founder of the system of Reiki as saying that the mind and body are one. Recent studies in the world of science are beginning to comprehend that statement. Brainwaves and body pulses and their role in stimulating healing can all be measured today allowing the concept of Reiki, as spiritual energy, to be more widely understood by the medical community. The growth of the system of Reiki is benefited by this community awareness and acceptance.

The introduction of Therapeutic Touch by Dolores Krieger into nursing in the 1970s has increased interest in other energetic systems such as Reiki. This in turn has boosted the amount of research that has recently been undertaken using Reiki and other forms of energetic work. The system of Reiki is also being accepted into hospitals across the world. Either patients can often bring their Reiki practitioner with them or Reiki is made available to them. Medical research has focused upon verifying Reiki's effects rather than explaining how it works. The results are impressive. A few study conclusions as reported in Browen and Stiene (2003) are summarized here for your information.

One study showed a "highly significant reduction in pain," including cancer pain, following a Reiki treatment. Another study cited improvement in immune and nervous system functioning and increased mobility in patients with conditions such as multiple sclerosis, lupus, and fibromyalgia. At Columbia/HCA Portsmouth Regional Hospital in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, surgical patients decreased their use of pain medications, stayed for shorter periods, and reported increased satisfaction with pre- and post-surgical Reiki sessions.

Jeanette Sawyer in 1988 describes the steps that were taken to allow a Reiki practitioner into the theatre at the request of a patient during a laparoscopy. Also in 1988, patients were given the opportunity to experience a 15-minute Reiki session pre- and post- surgery Reiki treatment. More than 870 patients took part and as a result, there was less use of pain medication, shorter stays in hospital and increased patient satisfaction (Alasysy).

Heart surgeon, Dr Mehmet Oz, has worked with Julie Motz who used Reiki with his patients. These patients had received heart transplants and had experienced open-heart surgery. She treated 11 patients in total and none of them had the usual post-operative depression. The bypass patients had no post-operative pain or leg weakness and the transplant patients experienced no organ rejection. Julie Motz has written about this experience in her book, ‘Hands of Life’.

Listed below are a number of trials tested on Reiki. For more research details there are some Reiki books with relevant research material, or personal observations that have been written by both doctors and nurses. ‘Spiritual Healing’ by Daniel J. Benor has listed a number of Reiki trials as well as some very interesting trials on distant healing and healing through touch in general. Many aspects of Reiki are being researched today. Some to see if Reiki speeds up healing, others to see if, how and whom it relaxes, to measure biomagnetic fields and to verify the concept of distant healing. Generally, the research shows that Reiki has a measurable physiologic effect. The data supports the premise that energy can be transferred between individuals for the purposes of healing, balancing, and increasing wellness.

In Hartwell and Brewitt’s study, patients were tested three times after Reiki treatments: before the study started, after their third Reiki treatment, and after their tenth Reiki treatment. The spleen measurements went from 7.8% below normal to normal after only three sessions. All the patients reported increased relaxation after Reiki treatments, a reduction in pain and an increase in mobility.

Linda Dressen (1988) measured the results of Reiki and its effect on pain, anxiety, and depression in chronically ill patients. Reiki proved significantly superior to other treatments on 10 out of 12 variables. At the 3-month check up, these changes were consistent and there were highly significant effects of Reiki on anxiety, pain and depression are shown.

Engebretson and Wardell explored the experiences of Reiki recipients to isolate variables to contribute to understanding the popularity of touch therapies and possibly clarify variables for future studies. The recipients described a conscious state of awareness during the treatment. At the same time, paradoxically, they experienced sensate and symbolic phenomena. This study concluded that conscious awareness and paradoxical experiences that occur in ritual healing vary according to the holistic nature and individual variation of the healing experience. These findings suggest that many linear models used in researching touch therapies are not complex enough to capture the experience of the recipients.

Sicher and Targ (1998) examined the effectiveness of distant healing with AIDS patients, while there research does not deal specifically with Reiki, it is relevant to Reiki practitioners who do distant healings after Reiki II. After six months, treated AIDS patients had significantly fewer outpatient visits and hospitalizations, less severe illnesses, fewer new illnesses, and improved mood.

Medical Research and Other Papers on Reiki

Alandydy, P. (BSN, RN,,CNOR), Alandydy, K. (BA) Using Reiki to support surgical patients. Journal of Nursing Care Quality. 1999, Apr; vol 13, no 4, pp 89-91.

Algarin, R. Using Reiki as a harm reduction tool and as a stress management technique for participants and self. Northeast Conference: Drugs, Sex and Harm Reducation Conference Syllabus, 1995, Harm Reduction Coalition and the Drug Policy Foundation, the ACLU AIDS Project and the City University of New York.

A RK, Kurup PA. Changes in the isoprenoid pathway with transcendental meditation and Reiki healing practices in seizure disorder. (Department of Neurology, Medical College Hospital, Trivandrum 695-003, Kerala, India). in Neurology India. 2003, Jun; vol 51, no2, pp211-4.

Author Unknown. Autonomic Nervous-System-Changes During Reiki Treatment: A Preliminary Study. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine vol 10, no 6.
Author Unknown. Reiki: Tapping the unseen self. International Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. 1997, vol 15, no 9, pp22-23.

Author Unknown Reiki; a balancing therapy. International Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. 1998, vol 16, no 2, pp22-23.

Author Unknown. Remedy Brief: Reiki. This Japanese system of energy healing is used for acute and chronic pain. Natural Health-Massachusetts. 1999, Sept, p41

Barberis, L., Reiki: Esoteric therapy or quantum interaction? (Paper presented at: 1996, 3rd European Colloquium on Ethnopharmacolgy - 1st International Conference on Anthropology and History of Health and Disease.

Barberis, L. Reiki healing: No matter nor energy. 1998. Presented at the 12th Continental members’ Meeting of the Scientific & Medical Network, Cortona, Italy.

Barnett, L., & Chambers, M. Reiki energy medicine: Bringing healing touch into home, hospital, and hospice. Vermont. 1996. Healing Arts Press.

Behar, M. Reiki; bridging tradition & complementary healing techniques. OT Practice; Feb 1997.

Brewitt, B., Vittetoe, T., Hartwell. The efficacy of Reiki hands-on healing: improvements in spleen and nervous system function as quantified by electrodermal screening. Alternative Therapies. 1997. July; vol 3 no 4.

Brown, F. Ancient Reiki accepted at a modern American Hospital. The Journal of Awareness. 1992, pp 3,16.

Bucholtz, R. A. The use of Reiki therapy in the treatment of pain in rheumatoid arthritis. Master's thesis (unpublished), University of Wisconsin, Oshkosh, Oshkosh, Wisconsin, 1996.

Bullock, M. (RN BSN), [1997] Introduction to Reiki: A complementary therapy for life. Alternative Therapies in Clinical Practice vol 4, no 2, pp41-43

Bullock, M. (RN BSN), [1997]Reiki: A complementary therapy for life. American Journal of Hospice and Palliative Care, Jan 1997, Vol 14, no 1, pp31-32

Clark, L. [1988] Reiki in a G.P. Practice: A Report based on 29 patients over the period 5.10.99 - 25.7.01. Unpublished.

Dressen L. J. & Singg S., [1997] Effects of Reiki on Pain and selected affective and personality variables of chronically ill Patients. Subtle Energies & Energy Medicine, vol 9, no 1, pp51-82

Engebretson, J. & Wardell, D. [2002]. Experience of a Reiki Session, Alternative Therapies, vol 8, no 2, pp48-53

Gallob R. [?] Reiki: a supportive therapy in nursing practice and self-care for nurses. University of Rochester School of Nursing, Loving Touch Center of East Rochester, NY, USA
Harris, D.(Dip.App.Sc.[Nursing] [UWSN]., B.H.Sc.[Nursing]) [UWSN].,MCN[NSW]., MRCNA.) & James B.H. [?] The Mystery and Meaning of Reiki.

Hartwell, B., Brewitt, Dr. B. [1997] The efficacy of Reiki hands-on healing - Improvements in adrenal, spleen and nervous function as quantified by electro-dermal screening. Alternative Therapies Symposium, Florida 1997. Alternative Therapies, vol 3, no 4, p89.

Hodsdon, W., Mendenhall, E., Green, R., Kates-Chinnoy,S., Wacker, E, & Zwickey, H. The Effect of Reiki on the Immune System. Helfgott Research Institue at the National College of Naturopathic Medicine, Portland, Oregon, USA

Kennedy, P. [2001] Working with survivors of torture in Sarajevo with Reiki, Complementary Therapies in Nursing and Midwifery, vol 7, no 4

Litchfield, G. [1999] Reiki Healing. Journal of Natural Medicine vol 3, no 1, pp3-4

Mailoo, V.J. [2002] A brief introduction to Reiki. British Journal of Therapy & Rehabilitation. May 2002 - vol 9, no 5, pp190-3

Mailoo, V.J.[2001] Reiki to Reduce Anxiety:A Literature Review.Journal of Chartered Physiotherapists in Mental Healthcare. Jun; 18 pp13-17.

Mansour A, Laing G, Nurse J, & Denilkewich A. [1998] The Experience of Reiki: Five Middle-Aged Women in the Midwest, Journal of Alternative and Complementary Therapies; vol 4, no 3, pp211-217

Mansour, A., Beuche, M., Laing, G., Leis A., & Nurse, J. [1999] A Study to Test the Effectiveness of Placebo Reiki Standardization Procedures Developed for a Planned Reiki Efficacy Study, The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, New York vol 5, no 2, pp153-164.

Miles P. [2003] Preliminary report on the use of Reiki for HIV-related pain and anxiety. Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine. 2003; vol 9 no 2 p36.

Miles, P. & True, G (PhD).[2003] Reiki: Review of a Biofield Therapy. History, Theory, Practice & Research. Alternative Therapies, Mar/Apr 2003; vol 9, no 2, p67

Milton, G., & Chapman, E., [1995] The benefits of Reiki treatment in drug and alcohol rehabilitation programs. Pathways to healing: Enhancing Life through Complementary Therapies, Conference Proceedings, Sept, 24-25 Canberra: Royal College of Nursing, Australia

Neklason, Zale T. [1987] The effects of Reiki treatment on telepathy and personality traits. Thesis [MS in Counselling] - Calif. State University, Hayward

Nield-Anderson, L. Ameling, A. [2000] The Empowering Nature of Reiki as a Complementary Therapy. Holistic Nursing Practice, vol 14, no 3, pp21-29

Olson, K. & Hanson, J. [1997] Using Reiki to manage pain: a preliminary report. Cancer Prevention & Control, vol 1, no 2, pp108-115. Cross Cancer Institute.

Olson K, Hanson J, Michaud M. [?] A phase II trial of Reiki for the management of pain in advanced cancer patients. Faculty of Nursing and International Institute for Qualitative Methodology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

Pankhurst, J. (RGN, Reiki Master) [?] Thirteen Case Studies to Investigate the Effects of Reiki on the Symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis. The Reiki Research Foundation.

Retzlaff N. [1998] Reiki - the gift of love, healing and wholeness; Nursing Matters Feb,1998

Rivera, C. [1999] Reiki Therapy - A tool for Wellness. Imprint - New York - National Student Nurses Association, vol 46, no 2, pp31-33

Robertson, A.L. [?] Pronounced effects of proper Reiki attunement. American Reiki Master Association Newsletter; vol 1, no 5, p6.

Rosentiel, L. [1991] Hypnosis and Reiki. Journal of Hypnotism, Dec; pp8-10
Sabrina, T. [2000] The Science Behind Reiki - What Happens in a Treatment? UK Reiki Federation

Sawyer, J. [1998] Clinical Exemplars; the first Reiki practitioner in our OR. AORN Journal, vol 67, no3, pp674-77

Schiller R. Reiki: A Starting Point for Integrative Medicine. Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine.2003; vol 9, no 2, pp20-21.

Schlitz, M. & Braud, W. [1985] Reiki-Plus natural healing: an ethnographic/experimental study. PSI Research, 1985 Sept/Dec vol 4 no 3, pp100-123.

Schmehr R. [2003] Case Report: Enhancing the Treatment of HIV/AIDS with Reik Training and Treatment. Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine. 2003; vol 9, no 2, p120.

Sicher, Fred, and Elizabeth Targ, Dan Moore II, and Helene.S. Smith. “Reiki treatments with Advanced Aids Patients.” Published in the Western Journal of Medicine, December 1998, Vol. 169, pp. 356-363.

Tattum A., [1994] Reiki - healing and dealing. Australian Nursing Journal.1994 Aug; vol 2, no 2, p3

Thornton, L. [1996] A study of Reiki, an energy field treatment, using Rogers' science. Rogerian Science News, vol 8 no 3, pp14-15

Thornton, L. [1996] A study of Reiki using Rogers' science: Part II. Rogerian Science News, vol 8, no 4, pp13-14.

Thorton, L. [1996] A study of Reiki, An energy field treatment, using Rogers' Science. Rogerian Science News; vol 8, no 1, p3.

Thorton, L. [1996] A study of Reiki using Rogers' Science, Part II. Rogerian Science News; vol 8, no 1, p4

University of Michigan.[?] Reiki Technique Study to Control Chronic Pain in Diabetic Neuropathy.The Department of Public Relations & Marketing Communications, University of Michigan

Van Sell, SL. [1996] Reiki: an ancient touch therapy. Reiki News. Feb. 1996, pp57-59
Wardell D.W.; Engebretson J.[2000] Biological correlates of Reiki Touch healing. Journal of Advanced Nursing, vol 33, no 4, February 2001, pp439-445

Wetzel, W. [1989] Human Hemoglobin Levels and Reiki Healing: A Physiologic Perspective. Journal of Holistic Nursing, vol 7, no 1, pp47-54.

Whelan, K. M. & Wishnia, G. S. [2003] Reiki therapy: The benefits to a nurse/Reiki practitioner. Holistic Nursing Practice, vol 17, no4, pp209

Whitsitt, T., [1998] Reiki Therapy Journal of Christian Nursing, vol 15; no 1, pp12-13

Witte D. & Dundes L. [2001] Harnessing Life Energy or Wishful Thinking?: Reiki, Placebo Reiki, Meditation and Music, Alternative and Complementary Therapies, vol 7, no 5, pp304-309

This list is compiled with the help of James Deacon, and Bronwen and Frans Stiene.  At the time of compilation of this list, several of the following papers and articles were available on the internet.