Reiki has become a popular complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) technique. Reiki is known as energy work, a Japanese practice that uses vital life force energy to heal the mind, body, and spirit. REI-KI comes from Japanese words that translate into "spiritually guided life force energy." Reiki is not associated with any religion; however, it is spiritual. A life force that runs through our bodies is called chakras, and a biofield of energy around us is called an aura. Imbalances in these energy fields can lead to illness and stress. Reiki is a technique that aims to heal energy imbalances within these energy life forces. The person lies down entirely clothed on a massage table, sitting or standing to perform the treatment. The practitioner, a Reiki Master, transfers vital life energy from their hands to the person in a series of hand movements and positions over their body. These sessions usually run 45-90 minutes.
What exactly is Reiki healing? Although it is currently not used for medical treatment, it is used as CAM and helps treat symptoms of major illnesses such as chronic pain and depression. It also benefits those considered healthy without chronic conditions.
Here are three benefits of Reiki healing you may be missing out on.
1. Help with anxiety and stress: Most of us live with some level of anxiety and stress. Stress is a part of daily life, including career, finances, family, and illness; stress comes in many different forms. According to the International Center for Reiki Training, stress diminishes life energy, potentially leading to sickness. A systemic review by Stapleton & Zadro (2022) shows Reiki is effective for lowering moderate levels of anxiety and reducing stress.
2. Increases calmness and relaxation: Reiki reduces anxiety and stress and can also induce relaxation in a person. A study completed by McManus (2017) shows Reiki increases relaxation by activating the parasympathetic nervous system. This activation increases heart rate variability, allowing the heart to regulate during an emotional response and lowering heart rate and blood pressure. Another study by Graziano & Luigi (2022) shows a sense of well-being and relaxation after a Reiki session. Reiki performed in a calming environment is likely to induce soothing effects; however, this study was conducted with background noise and artificial lighting to create an adverse environment not conducive to relaxation, yet people reported feeling relaxed.
3. Increased self-esteem: Unfortunately, self-confidence and self-esteem are under attack. Elevated demand to perform at unrealistic expectations and social media comparisons create feelings of incompetence and lack. Multiple studies by Graziano & Luigi (2022) and Aguirre, Casique, & Valdovinos (2019) have shown that Reiki does help enhance self-esteem. The International Center for Reiki Training states that emotions such as guilt, shame, concern, and fear are released during a Reiki session. In this process, they are exchanged for more positive emotions such as love, confidence, harmony, and self-acceptance.
Reiki is still primarily a mystery but shows promise in the future of healthcare. It is not intended to replace medical treatment, but its use is widely growing. Always consult a medical professional for any health concerns. This energy work technique is worthwhile, considering its noninvasive and nonpharmacologic approach. Reiki treatment can enhance a person's life by reducing anxiety and stress, increasing the effects of relaxation, and boosting self-esteem.
Sources:
Stapleton P. & Zadro S. (2022). Does Reiki Benefit Mental Health Symptoms Above Placebo?. Front Psychol. Jul 12;13:897312. DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.897312. PMID: 35911042; PMCID: PMC9326483.
McManus, DE. (2017). Reiki Is Better Than Placebo and Has Broad Potential as a Complementary Health Therapy. J Evid Based Complementary Altern Med. Oct;22(4):1051-1057. DOI: 10.1177/2156587217728644.
Graziano, S. & Luigi, C. (2022). Effects of Reiki Session Excluding the Variables Responsible for the Placebo Effect on a Group of Adults. Alternative Therapies in Health & Medicine, [s. l.], v. 28, n. 1, p. 18–24. Disponível em: https://research-ebsco-com.ezproxy.stfrancis.edu/linkprocessor/plink?id=4c929417-2448-3986-a11c-a2557b229d03. Acesso em: 28 fev. 2025.
The International Center for Reiki Training. "What is Reiki?", "How Does Reiki Work?", "How Does Reiki Help People?". https://www.reiki.org/faqs
Aguirre, A.A, Casique, L.C., Valdovinos, R.R. (2019). Reiki as nursing care to increase self-esteem, improve family well-being, and decrease the consumption of alcohol, tobacco, and marijuana in young adults. Hospice & Palliative Medicine International Journal. 3(2):43‒44. DOI: 10.15406/hpmij.2019.03.00149
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