Reiki: what it is and what research shows
Reiki is a Japanese hands-on or hands-near practice people try for relaxation and stress. There is no reliable evidence it helps beyond placebo.
What the evidence says
Insufficient evidence
Little or no good-quality research, or the research does not support the claims made. The legend
The US National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) says Reiki has not been clearly shown to help with any health purpose, and that most studies of pain, anxiety and depression have been low in quality and inconsistent. A 2015 Cochrane review found only three small trials for anxiety or depression, too few to say whether Reiki helps.
What practitioners say it does
- Said to direct universal life energy through the practitioner's hands to the person receiving it
- Believed by practitioners to balance energy fields in and around the body and clear blocked energy
- Used by many people to relax deeply and ease stress and tension
- Said to help people cope with difficult situations and feel a greater sense of wellbeing
- Believed by practitioners to be possible to send at a distance, a practice called distant Reiki
Origin
Developed in Japan in the early 20th century by Mikao Usui; the Usui system is still the most widely practiced form
Reiki is a gentle Japanese practice in which a practitioner rests their hands on or just above your body. People most often try it to relax and ease stress. Many find sessions calming, but there is no reliable evidence that it helps any health condition beyond a placebo effect.
What it is
Reiki began in Japan in the early 20th century with Mikao Usui. Practitioners credit Usui with rediscovering the system, and the form named after him is still the most widely practiced today. The word is usually translated as “universal life energy”: rei for universal life and ki for energy.
In this tradition, often called Reiki energy healing, the practitioner is said to act as a channel for that energy. Its supporters say it balances the energy fields in and around the body, clears blockages and supports a person’s own natural responses. Some say it can even be sent at a distance. Practitioners describe Reiki as spiritual but not tied to any religion.
There is no scientific evidence that the energy field central to Reiki exists. People still seek it out for relaxation, for relief from stress and tension, and for comfort during hard times, including serious illness.
What a session is like
A Reiki session usually takes place in a quiet room with dim lights and soft music. You lie on a treatment table or sit in a chair, fully clothed apart from your shoes, so loose clothing helps. A first visit starts with a conversation about your health, why you came and what you hope for.
The practitioner then places their hands lightly on you, or a few inches above you, and moves through a set of positions from your head to your feet. Sessions run from about 20 minutes to 90 minutes, depending on the practitioner. People describe tingling, warmth, coolness or deep relaxation, and some feel nothing at all. Afterward you may feel thirsty or very relaxed, so drinking water and resting is a common suggestion.
Before booking, it is worth asking:
- What level they trained to, and with whom
- How long they have been practicing
- Whether they belong to a professional association
- What they expect a course of sessions to do for you
What research says
The US National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) says Reiki has not been clearly shown to be effective for any health-related purpose. Researchers have studied it for pain, anxiety and depression, but most of that research has not been high quality, and the results have been inconsistent.
A 2015 Cochrane review looked for trials of Reiki for anxiety and depression and found only three small ones. They showed no evidence that Reiki was either helpful or harmful, and most had a high or unclear risk of bias. The authors concluded there was not enough evidence to say whether Reiki is useful for adults with anxiety or depression.
Cancer Research UK reports that there is no scientific evidence Reiki can prevent or treat cancer or any other disease. It notes that a very small study of carers and an earlier literature review suggested possible benefits for stress, pain and anxiety. Both called for larger studies, and all the studies had limitations.
Why do people feel better? Studies suggest it is because a therapist spends time with them, and gentle touch in a calm setting is relaxing in itself.
Who should be careful
Reiki has not been shown to cause harm, and it is generally considered safe for most people, including many people with cancer. The real risk is relying on it instead of medical care, or putting off seeing a doctor. Tell your doctor about any complementary therapy you use. If you would rather not be touched, you can ask the practitioner to keep their hands above your body.
If you have symptoms that are new, severe or not improving, see a doctor or other licensed clinician rather than relying on Reiki alone.
How it fits with the pillars
For the body, Reiki is a still, quiet practice done lying or sitting, and its most consistent reported effect is physical relaxation. The evidence links that effect to time, calm and gentle touch. If you want similar quiet attention to your body without a practitioner, a body scan meditation is a simple place to start.
For the spirit, practitioners see Reiki as a spiritual practice built around a universal life energy, while saying it belongs to no religion. That is their view of what happens in a session. You can value the stillness and care it offers without accepting it as fact.
Safety
- Do not use Reiki in place of medical care. There is no evidence it can treat cancer or any other disease, and treatment decisions belong with your doctor.
- Tell your doctor about any complementary therapy you use, including Reiki.
- You can ask the practitioner not to touch you, so their hands stay just above your body, and you can raise anything that makes you uncomfortable.
- Reiki has not been shown to cause harm, but some people feel thirsty or very relaxed afterward, so drink water and rest.
What a session involves
You lie on a table or sit in a chair, fully clothed with shoes off, often with dim lights and calm music. After a talk about your health and goals, the practitioner rests their hands on or just above you, head to feet. Sessions last about 20 to 90 minutes, depending on the practitioner. You may feel warmth, tingling, coolness, deep calm or nothing.
Training and regulation
We found no US license for Reiki; practitioners train in levels with a Reiki master, starting with Reiki I. Rules vary elsewhere; in the UK no law requires specific qualifications.
Questions people ask
Is Reiki safe to try?
Reiki has not been shown to cause harmful effects, and Cancer Research UK says it is generally considered safe for most people with cancer. The main risk is using it instead of medical care. Tell your doctor about any complementary therapy you use, and remember that you can ask a practitioner to keep their hands just above your body rather than touching you.
How many Reiki sessions do people usually have?
Many practitioners suggest three sessions close together, followed by a break. There is no reliable evidence on how many sessions help, because research has not clearly shown that Reiki helps with any health purpose. If you try it, ask the practitioner what they expect a course of sessions to do, and agree on a number before you start.
How do I find a qualified Reiki practitioner?
We found no US license for Reiki. Practitioners train in levels with a Reiki master. In the UK, Cancer Research UK suggests choosing someone trained to at least Level 2 and registered with the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC). Wherever you live, ask what level they trained to, with whom, how long they have practiced and whether they belong to a professional association.
Can Reiki replace treatment from my doctor?
No. There is no scientific evidence that Reiki can prevent or treat cancer or any other disease. Cancer Research UK and the International Association of Reiki Professionals both describe it as something used alongside medical care, not instead of it. Treatment decisions belong with your health care provider. Some UK cancer centers and hospices offer Reiki as a complementary therapy.
Sources
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