Reiki is being used in a growing number of healthcare environments around the world, including hospitals, hospices, cancer support centres and pain clinics. For Reiki practitioners, this creates exciting opportunities, but it also comes with an important responsibility: we need to be careful about the claims we make.

As Reiki practitioners, we should not tell people that Reiki can cure a disease, replace medical treatment or guarantee a particular health outcome. We can, however, talk about research.

There is a growing body of research investigating Reiki in healthcare settings. The evidence is still developing and the quality of studies varies, but some research has reported positive outcomes in areas such as anxiety, pain, wellbeing and quality of life. Other studies have found limited or no significant effects.

Being honest about both is an important part of professional Reiki practice.

Reiki before cardiac surgery

A 2024 randomised clinical trial at a university cardiology hospital in São Paulo, Brazil, investigated Reiki for people preparing for cardiac surgery. Patients received two Reiki sessions before their operation, with researchers measuring anxiety, wellbeing and muscle tension. The study reported significantly lower anxiety in the Reiki group, together with improvements in some other measures.This does not mean Reiki treats heart disease or improves the outcome of cardiac surgery. It demonstrates that Reiki has been investigated as a complementary approach to pre-operative anxiety and wellbeing.

Reiki in cancer care

Reiki has also been incorporated into hospital-based cancer care. Hartford Hospital in Connecticut included Reiki within its integrative medicine programme, offering sessions to patients receiving cancer treatment as well as to staff. The hospital reported that patients described the sessions as soothing and supportive, with benefits including relaxation and reduced anxiety. Cancer support services in Australia have similarly incorporated complementary therapies, including Reiki. A study at a hospital-based cancer support centre found that participants described the service as an "oasis" within the hospital and reported benefits including comfort, emotional relief and a greater sense of personal control. Importantly, the study examined a centre offering several complementary therapies rather than Reiki alone.

Reiki and pain

Reiki has also been studied in relation to pain. A randomised controlled study involving 50 people with fibromyalgia compared Reiki with sham Reiki over four weeks. Researchers reported improvements in pain, anxiety and several measures of quality of life in the Reiki group. Again, this does not mean we should tell someone with fibromyalgia that Reiki will treat their condition. We can say that research has investigated Reiki as a complementary practice for people experiencing chronic pain, with some studies reporting positive results.

Reiki and stroke rehabilitation

Not all research produces positive findings, and this is important to acknowledge. A 2002 pilot study investigated Reiki among people undergoing rehabilitation following stroke. The researchers found no clinically useful effect on functional recovery or depression, although some limited effects on mood and energy were suggested in further analysis. This is a useful reminder that responsible practitioners should not cherry-pick only the studies that support what we already believe.

Reiki in palliative care

Reiki has also been used in hospice and palliative-care environments. A review by Pamela Miles and Gala True examined Reiki's history, practice, research and use within clinical settings, including hospitals and other healthcare environments. The authors noted the growing use of Reiki alongside conventional medicine while also highlighting the need for further research. For people receiving end-of-life care, Reiki should never be presented as something that will cure illness or extend life. It may instead be offered as a complementary, non-invasive practice, where appropriate, alongside the person's existing care.

What should Reiki practitioners say?

The research gives us something valuable: a responsible way to talk about Reiki without making healing claims.

There is a big difference between saying:

"Reiki will reduce your pain." and: "Research has investigated Reiki in relation to pain, and some studies have reported positive results."

The second statement is evidence-based and leaves the individual free to decide whether Reiki is something they would like to experience.

We also need to remember that research findings are not guarantees. A positive research result does not mean that every person will experience the same outcome. As practitioners, we should never diagnose, advise someone to stop medication, suggest that Reiki can replace medical treatment or promise a particular health outcome. Instead, we can explain what Reiki is, describe what a session involves and refer people to the available research.

Reiki as a complement to modern healthcare

For Reiki practitioners working in hospitals, hospices or other healthcare environments, professionalism is just as important as the Reiki practice itself.

We need to understand consent, confidentiality, professional boundaries, communication and the policies of the healthcare organisation in which we are working.

Most importantly, we need to understand our role.

We are there to complement healthcare, not replace it.

The research into Reiki continues to develop. Some studies suggest potential benefits, while others do not. More high-quality research is needed. That does not mean we need to make exaggerated claims about Reiki.

In fact, the opposite is true. By understanding the research, acknowledging its limitations and communicating honestly, Reiki practitioners can have informed conversations with patients, families and healthcare professionals and approach healthcare settings with greater professionalism and confidence.

References

Gomes, E. T., & Püschel, V. A. A. (2024). Effectiveness of Reiki therapy for preoperative anxiety in cardiac surgery: A randomized clinical trial.

Gökdere Çınar, H., Alpar, Ş., & İlhan, S. (2023). Evaluation of the Impacts of Reiki Touch Therapy on Patients Diagnosed With Fibromyalgia Who Are Followed in the Pain Clinic. Holistic Nursing Practice, 37(3), 161–171.

Miles, P., & True, G. (2003). Reiki: A review of a biofield therapy history, theory, practice, and research. Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine, 9(2), 62–72.

Shiflett, S. C., et al. (2002). Effect of Reiki treatments on functional recovery in patients in poststroke rehabilitation: A pilot study. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 8(6), 755–763.

Williams, A. M., et al. (2014). An oasis in the hospital: The perceived benefits of a cancer support center in a hospital setting offering complementary therapies. Journal of Holistic Nursing, 32(4), 250–260.

Wetzel, W. S. (1989). Reiki healing: A physiologic perspective. Journal of Holistic Nursing, 7(1), 47–54.

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Sirpa Gunn is the founder of Soul Tree, a Reiki Master Teacher, Yoga Alliance 500-hour experienced teacher and Yoga Alliance CPD provider based in New Zealand.