Reiki

What is Reiki?

Reiki is a technique for stress reduction and relaxation that also promotes healing. It was developed in Japan in the late 1800s and is administered by lightly touching the practitioner’s hands against the client, although can also be administered without direct physical contact. Reiki is based on the idea that an unseen life force energy flows through us and is what causes us to be alive. If one’s life force energy is low, then one is more likely to get sick or feel stress, and if it is high, one is more capable of being happy and healthy.

Although Reiki is spiritual in nature, it is not a religion. It has no dogma, and there is nothing you must believe in order to receive Reiki treatments.

During a Reiki session, you will generally lie on a massage table (or remain seated in a recliner if you prefer), fully clothed, and the practitioner will lightly rest her hands on (or hover them over) various parts of your body where the flow of energy is required the most. The experience of receiving Reiki can vary considerably from person to person. For many, receiving Reiki treatment feels like a sort of radiance that flows through and around the body, but sometimes little or nothing is felt. Reiki treats the whole person including body, emotions, mind, and spirit, which can result in beneficial effects such as relaxation and feelings of peace, security, and well-being.

Is Reiki supported by evidence?

Although more research is needed, there is some evidence that Reiki provides measurable benefits. One review of randomized clinical trials found that there is evidence that Reiki therapy may be effective for pain and anxiety. Other studies have shown benefits of Reiki for stress, anxiety, quality of life, and low back pain, as well as both fatigue and pain associated with cancer.

Researchers in a small, unrandomized 2016 study found that Reiki was helpful in improving the quality of life for women with cancer. Women who had Reiki after cancer treatment showed improvements to their sleep patterns, self-confidence, and depression levels. They noted a sense of calm, inner peace, and relaxation. Patients with current cancer and cancer survivors with ongoing treatment-related concerns are eligible for reduced-cost Reiki sessions; please contact us for details.

In a small 2010 study, researchers studied the effects of Reiki on older adults with pain, depression, or anxiety. The participants reported an improvement of their physical symptoms, mood, and well-being. They also reported more feelings of relaxation, increased curiosity, and enhanced levels of self-care. Similarly, in a 2011 study, college students who received Reiki reported greater mood benefits compared to students who didn’t receive Reiki. The participants who had six 30-minute sessions over a period of two to eight weeks showed improvements in their mood.

In a randomized, controlled study of 90 women after cesarean birth, Reiki was found to reduce pain intensity, anxiety, breathing rate, and the need for and number of analgesics.

Is Reiki covered by insurance?

Most Reiki sessions are not covered by insurance. When insurance does not apply for a given session, a sliding-fee scale is available for those who need it.