012024
Meta-analysis · 824 participants
Reiki and anxiety
A meta-analysis found a statistically significant reduction in anxiety overall, while noting that results varied by population and session pattern.
READ ON PUBMED ↗Reiki · Care · Research
Reiki in
Context
A complementary practice.
A growing field of study.
Originating in Japan, Reiki is a gentle complementary practice offered through light touch or with the hands held just above the body. People seek it for rest, relaxation, and support alongside—not instead of—medical care.
Selected human research
What studies
are finding.
022025
Meta-analysis · 661 participants
Quality of life
A review of randomized trials found a small improvement in quality of life. The authors also identified differences in response by duration and frequency.
READ ON PUBMED ↗032025
Randomized, placebo-controlled trial · 164 adults
Knee osteoarthritis symptoms
After four weekly 30-minute sessions, Reiki participants experienced a 32% average reduction in knee-osteoarthritis symptoms through the two-month follow-up, with 55% achieving clinically meaningful improvement. Results were significantly better than waitlist and similar in magnitude to mindfulness. Although the overall Reiki–sham comparison did not reach statistical significance, Reiki participants continued improving after treatment while sham participants worsened—a significant divergence that supports further investigation.
READ ON PUBMED ↗042025
Randomized, sham-controlled trial · 58 patients
Cancer-related symptoms
In this three-group study, Reiki was associated with reductions in pain, anxiety, and stress compared with sham Reiki and progressive relaxation. Cortisol did not differ between groups.
READ ON PUBMED ↗052023
Randomized, sham-controlled trial · 159 patients
Comfort before endoscopy
Patients receiving Reiki before upper gastrointestinal endoscopy reported lower anxiety and stress and greater comfort than sham and usual-care groups.
READ ON PUBMED ↗Within healthcare
Already present
in hospital care.
Reiki’s place in care extends beyond cancer support. Across hospitals, behavioral-health clinics, community programs, and private practice, people turn to it for deep relaxation, less anxiety and stress, greater comfort, and everyday well-being.
EXPLORE MD ANDERSON RESEARCH ↓Cleveland Clinic
Cleveland Clinic offers Reiki through cancer wellness services and directly in chemotherapy infusion rooms as supportive, complementary care.
VISIT CLEVELAND CLINIC ↗Cancer Infusion Centers
In a 2024 evaluation across two University Hospitals infusion centers, 268 patients receiving infusions reported clinically significant single-session improvements in anxiety, pain, fatigue, nausea, and well-being after 15–20 minutes of Reiki. Participants said the Reiki session was a positive experience helpful for promoting relaxation and symptom reduction.
READ THE STUDY ON PUBMED ↗Cancer Research UK
Cancer Research UK describes Reiki as a complementary energy-healing practice sometimes used as palliative or supportive care. People with cancer may choose it alongside treatment for relaxation, emotional ease, and general well-being.
VISIT CANCER RESEARCH UK ↗Breastcancer.org
Breastcancer.org describes Reiki as a Japanese hands-on or hands-above practice used in offices, clinics, hospitals, and homes. Its research overview highlights reduced pain, fatigue, anxiety, and nausea and improved well-being reported in the 2024 infusion study.
VISIT BREASTCANCER.ORG ↗Brigham and Women’s Hospital
Its Department of Nursing supports Reiki within its Caring and Healing Modalities program and maintains training requirements for approved hospital practitioners.
VISIT BRIGHAM AND WOMEN’S ↗MD Anderson Research · 2026
A new frontier
of inquiry.
Researchers at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center examined the Bengston Energy Healing Method—one practice within the wider field of biofield therapy—in human and mouse pancreatic cancer cells and mouse models.
Across multiple studies, exposed pancreatic cancer cell lines showed significantly reduced proliferation and invasiveness. In the mouse models, researchers reported inhibited primary tumor growth and liver metastasis.
The authors called the findings novel and concluded that they support the potential of biofield therapy to influence pancreatic cancer cell growth and metastasis, warranting further investigation. A previously dismissed field is becoming visible to scientific inquiry—one careful study at a time.
READ THE OPEN-ACCESS STUDY ↗Curious what a session feels like?
Begin with
a conversation.
“I experienced the life-changing benefits of Reiki first hand and am excited to pay them forward and to see growing interest and research in the field.”
— Zineb Belmkaddem, Founder of SŌMA MIAMI