Possible Effects of Reiki: What Can I Expect from a Treatment?

Possible effects of Reiki on us: what can I expect from a treatment?

While Reiki practitioners have made a number of claims about the health benefits of the practice, there is a lack of good empirical research to support its use. Some critics have even gone so far as to call the practice a pseudoscientific fraud.

Some possible effects of Reiki are

• Lifting the mood.
• Reducing tiredness.
• Reducing exhaustion.
• Improving the emotional state.
• Supporting people through grief.
• Processing old experiences.
• Energetic balancing.
• Reducing stress.
• Changing one’s attitude toward life.
• Reducing tension, headaches and nausea.
• Easing pain.
• Relieving symptoms of depression and anxiety.

The problem is that much of the available evidence is limited. Of the few studies that have been carried out, many have not been reviewed by specialists, do not include a control group and rely on small sample sizes.

A systematic review from 2015 found that there was not enough evidence to say whether Reiki is useful for relieving depression and anxiety.

A systematic review published in 2017 in the Journal of Evidence-Based Complementary & Alternative Medicine found that there was enough evidence to suggest that Reiki is more effective than a placebo.

Because the practice is considered both safe and gentle, the authors of the study suggested that it may possibly be used in the treatment of various chronic conditions.

Will Reiki help?

We know that spirituality means a great deal to many people who are seriously ill. Patients’ spirituality and support can improve health outcomes, including cardiovascular outcomes.

In addition, the healing power of touch is an empathic and personal interaction with many tangible health benefits. In particular, a growing body of research into the treatment of osteopathic conditions mentions improvement through touch, such as with Reiki, as one possible path.

Reiki may increase the release of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and oxytocin.

The combination of gentle touch and personal attention can calm people who have to cope with pain and stress.

Tips

If you would like to try Reiki, there are a few important points to keep in mind.

Reiki is generally regarded as a safe method that is not associated with significant risk.

Remember that Reiki is not intended to cure illnesses or health conditions.

Focus on seeing Reiki as something that may help you feel better when you are dealing with a physical illness or a mental health condition.

Reiki can be used as a complementary therapy alongside more traditional medical or psychological treatments, not as a replacement for those treatments.