There’s Science in Reiki

My practice is named Soul Science for so many reasons, the least of which is that no matter what modalities I work with, I’m a nerd at heart and nerds often need science.

I lean all the way into energy work but I very much appreciate science too! While the scientific world is usually way behind the WHY’s of most things, the scientific community is working really hard to better understand how and why Reiki works. If you lean more science than ‘Woo’, my favorite resource for the science behind Reiki is from The University of Minnesota, and their piece called What Does the Research Say about Reiki?

My favorite excerpt is about the measurable outcomes:

“To date, the primary outcomes studied in Reiki research have used measures for pain, anxiety, and stress, including heart rate, blood pressure, salivary cortisol, as well as measures for job burnout and caring efficacy. More specific measures have been used to evaluate outcomes for stroke rehabilitation, depression, and other chronic health conditions. Given the relatively subtle and complex nature of Reiki practice, these measures may not adequately capture the lived experience of those receiving Reiki. Measures that incorporate quality of life, patient satisfaction, and stress reduction may have the greatest potential for demonstrating the benefits of Reiki practice.”

Other published studies have looked at the effect of Reiki on measures of stress hormones, blood pressure, heart rate, and immune responsivity, and on subjective reports of anxiety, pain and depression. The studies to date are typically small, and not every study is well designed. However, overlapping data from some of the stronger studies support the ability of Reiki to reduce anxiety and pain, and suggest its usefulness to induce relaxation, improve fatigue and depressive symptoms, and strengthen overall wellbeing. The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews contains a review on the use of touch therapies (including Reiki) for pain and a protocol for use of Reiki for psychological symptoms.

Reiki has been increasingly offered as part of workplace wellness programs to address burnout and improve skills in healthcare and other industries, as well as in university wellness centers.”

I encourage you to read the whole piece if you’re someone who makes decisions based on science. It’s a good read!