Reiki and Medical Research

​Reiki is often associated with relaxation, peacefulness and a sense of well-being, but many people are also curious about an important question:

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Has Reiki actually been studied scientifically?

The answer is yes.

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Over the years, researchers have studied Reiki in hospitals, universities and other healthcare settings. Research has explored Reiki in relation to anxiety, stress, pain, fatigue, relaxation and quality of life.

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Some studies have reported encouraging results, while others have shown little or no significant benefit. The overall scientific evidence is still developing, and researchers continue to call for larger, higher-quality studies.

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This is important to understand because Reiki is best viewed as a complementary wellness practice—something that may be used alongside appropriate medical care rather than instead of it.

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What Does Research Say About Reiki and Anxiety?

Anxiety is one of the areas where Reiki has received considerable research attention.

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A 2024 meta-analysis looked at research involving 824 adults. The researchers found an overall statistically significant reduction in anxiety associated with Reiki.

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The results were not identical across every group studied. Some types of anxiety appeared to respond more consistently than others, highlighting the need for continued research.

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Still, the findings suggest that Reiki may have potential as a supportive practice for relaxation and anxiety reduction.

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Study: Therapeutic Effects of Reiki on Interventions for Anxiety: A Meta-Analysis
Published in 2024
PubMed PMID: 38872168

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Reiki and Quality of Life

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Quality of life includes many aspects of a person's well-being, including physical comfort, emotional health and the ability to enjoy everyday activities.

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A 2025 meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials examined Reiki and quality of life. The review included 661 participants aged 14 and older.

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Researchers reported a small but statistically significant improvement in quality-of-life measurements among people receiving Reiki.

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Although the results are encouraging, they do not mean that Reiki has been proven to treat a particular illness. Rather, they suggest that Reiki may have a supportive role in overall well-being.

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Study: Effects of Reiki Therapy on Quality of Life: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Published in 2025
PubMed PMID: 40148929

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Reiki, Cancer and Pain

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Reiki has also been studied as a complementary practice for people receiving cancer care.

A systematic review examining Reiki for cancer-related pain included seven studies and 572 people with cancer.

Five of the seven studies reported reductions in pain associated with Reiki, while two did not find it effective for pain.

The researchers described the findings as promising while emphasizing the need for additional high-quality randomized clinical trials.

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Study: The Effect of Reiki on Pain Applied to Patients With Cancer: A Systematic Review
PubMed PMID: 37595119

 

Reiki and Cancer-Related Fatigue

Fatigue can be particularly difficult for people undergoing cancer treatment.

Another systematic review examined five studies involving Reiki and cancer-related fatigue.

The researchers reported improvements in fatigue in the studies they reviewed. Some of the studies also reported improvements in pain, stress and quality of life.

However, because relatively few studies qualified for inclusion, the results should still be interpreted cautiously.

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Study: The Effect of Reiki on Fatigue Symptoms of Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review
PubMed PMID: 39042722

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Why Do Some Reiki Studies Have Different Results?

Scientific research into complementary practices such as Reiki can be challenging.

Studies may differ in:

• The number of Reiki sessions offered

• How long each session lasts

• The experience of the practitioner

• The health conditions of participants

• The type of comparison or placebo group used

• How pain, anxiety or well-being are measured

• The number of people participating in the study

Some Reiki studies have been quite small, which makes it difficult to determine whether the same results would occur in a much larger population.

This is one reason researchers frequently recommend larger and more carefully controlled studies.

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What Does the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health Say?

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The U.S. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), part of the National Institutes of Health, recognizes Reiki as a complementary health approach.

The NCCIH notes that Reiki has been studied for concerns including pain, anxiety and depression.

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However, it also states that Reiki has not been clearly demonstrated to be effective for any particular health-related purpose, largely because much of the research has been of limited quality and findings have been inconsistent.

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The NCCIH also states that there is currently no scientific evidence establishing the existence of the energy field traditionally associated with Reiki.

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At the same time, Reiki has generally been regarded as a low-risk complementary practice.

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Reiki as Complementary Care

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For me, one of the most important words when talking about Reiki is complementary.

Reiki does not have to compete with conventional healthcare.

A person may choose to receive Reiki while also seeing their physician, specialist, therapist, physiotherapist or other healthcare professional.

Reiki sessions can provide quiet time to relax, rest and reconnect with yourself.

Everyone experiences Reiki differently. Some people describe warmth, peacefulness, relaxation or a feeling of renewed energy. Others may simply enjoy having an opportunity to slow down and rest.

No particular experience is required for Reiki to be meaningful.

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Research Is Continuing

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I find it encouraging that Reiki continues to be studied scientifically.

Research does not currently establish Reiki as a treatment or cure for medical conditions, and it is important not to make claims that go beyond the available evidence.

At the same time, several recent studies and systematic reviews have produced interesting findings relating to areas such as anxiety, pain, fatigue and quality of life.

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As additional well-designed studies are completed, our understanding of Reiki as a complementary wellness practice will continue to develop.

For those who enjoy Reiki, scientific research can be another interesting way to explore a practice that has traditionally been experienced on a very personal level.

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A Gentle Reminder

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Reiki is a complementary wellness practice and should not replace medical diagnosis, treatment, medication, therapy or other professional healthcare.

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If you have a medical concern, please speak with an appropriate healthcare professional.

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The information in this article is provided for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice.

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Sources and Further Reading

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• ​Therapeutic Effects of Reiki on Interventions for Anxiety: A Meta-Analysis — PubMed, 2024

• Effects of Reiki Therapy on Quality of Life: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials — PubMed, 2025

• The Effect of Reiki on Pain Applied to Patients With Cancer: A Systematic Review — PubMed, 2023

• The Effect of Reiki on Fatigue Symptoms of Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review — PubMed​

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