Reiki

I volunteered as a Reiki practitioner for several years at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston. During that time, I saw firsthand how Reiki contributed to patients’ well-being and healing journeys. My volunteer work continued until 2020, when COVID-19 reshaped healthcare practices. Now, I’m curious to explore what current research and the medical community have to say about Reiki today.

The research

Stress and Well-Being: A systematic review published in 2023 concluded that Reiki sessions, particularly when administered in series, significantly lowered stress levels and improved general well-being. These benefits were observed across diverse patient populations​.

The Oxford Academic, European Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing, published a study in October 2024. This randomized placebo-controlled trial aimed at examining the effect of Reiki in patients with cardiac disease. Conclusion: Reiki reduces blood cortisol levels and anxiety levels in patients with cardiac disease. Full article and graphical abstract below.

Is Reiki effective in reducing heart rhythm, cortisol levels, and anxiety and improving biochemical parameters in individuals with cardiac disease? Randomized placebo-controlled trial Full article Oxford Academic

Medical Community

In my quick search, I found several well known hospitals, including Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston Children’s Hospital, and Brigham and Women’s Hospital, continue to offer Reiki as part of their holistic care programs. These hospitals recognize Reiki as a valuable complementary therapy for stress reduction, pain management, and overall patient well-being​.

Beth Isreal Deaconess Medical Center provides Reiki through a generous grant from the Leon V. and Marilyn L. Rosenberg family. Reiki is provided to inpatients and outpatient infusion visits.

Boston Children’s Hospital offers Reiki for patients in their rooms. Inpatient parents and caregivers can receive Reiki in the Hale Family Center for Families.

Brigham and Women’s Hospital website – “The Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing and the Massachusetts Department of Health and Human Services identify Reiki as a holistic nursing practice, along with several other complementary and alternative modalities. According to the Nurse Practice Act, Reiki may be offered to any individual whom the practitioner or the patient’s nurse judges may benefit. Reiki may also be requested directly by the patient.“