The Research Behind Reiki
Reiki is not just a spiritual practice — it is a growing field of clinical study. Below is a curated collection of peer-reviewed research spanning stress, cancer care, pain, anxiety, cardiovascular health, and more.
Areas of Study
The National Institutes of Health Clinical Center includes Reiki and other mind-body modalities in its palliative care services. Reiki is offered at over 800 hospitals across the United States as a complementary care approach alongside conventional medicine.
Multiple studies demonstrate that Reiki significantly reduces self-reported stress, anxiety, and physiological markers including heart rate and cortisol levels. Participants consistently report a greater sense of calm and emotional regulation following sessions.
Research published in pain management and palliative care journals shows Reiki as an effective adjunct for reducing pain perception — particularly in end-of-life care, post-surgical recovery, and chronic pain conditions.
Studies in integrative oncology indicate that biofield therapies including Reiki can support quality of life in cancer patients by reducing anxiety, fatigue, and treatment-related distress. Research includes work from major cancer research centers.
Research published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology and related journals explores Reiki's effects on heart rate variability, blood pressure, and autonomic nervous system regulation.
Studies on Reiki's effect on depression and mood disorders show promising results, with participants reporting reduced depressive symptoms, improved emotional wellbeing, and greater sense of groundedness and self-awareness.
Reiki reliably activates the parasympathetic nervous system — the "rest and digest" state — which supports the body's natural healing processes, improves sleep quality, and reduces physiological stress responses.
Peer-Reviewed References
The following sources were selected by Jaye Spratley as part of ongoing professional development in evidence-based Reiki practice.
Experience points the way. Research confirms it.
Book a distance Reiki session and discover what the research describes for yourself.