Additional Research

Olson K, Hanson J, 1997. “Using Reiki to manage pain: a preliminary report.” Cancer Prevention Control 1997, June, Vol.1(2): pages 108-13.
The purpose of this study at the Cross Cancer Institute, Edmonton, Canada was to explore the usefulness of Reiki as an adjuvant to opioid therapy in the management of pain. Since no studies in this area could be found, a pilot study was carried out involving 20 volunteers experiencing pain at 55 sites for a variety of reasons, including cancer. All Reiki treatments were provided by a certified second-degree Reiki therapist. Pain was measured using both a visual analogue scale (VAS) and a Likert scale immediately before and after the Reiki treatment. Both instruments showed a highly significant (p < 0.0001) reduction in pain following the Reiki treatment.

Brewitt, B., Vittetoe, T, and Hartwell, B., 1997. “The Efficacy of Reiki Hands-On Healing: Improvements in spleen and nervous system function as quantified by electrodermal screening”. Alternative Therapies, July 1997, Vol.3, No.4, pg.89
Improvement in spleen, immune, and nervous system function were quantified by electrodermal screening, and a reduction of pain, an increase in relaxation, and more mobility was reported in patients with chronic conditions as multiple sclerosis, lupus, fibromyalgia, thyroid goitre.

Bullock, Marlene, 1997. “Reiki: A Complementary Therapy for Life,” The American Journal of Hospice & Palliative Care. 1997 Jan/Feb; 14(1): pp. 31-3.
This article describes the treatment of a 70 year-old man with an aggressive cancer using palliative radiation and medication, and Reiki. Through her hospice experiences the author concludes that, “Some general trends seen with Reiki include: periods of stabilization in which there is time to enjoy the last days of one’s life, a peaceful and calm passing if death is imminent; and relief from pain, anxiety, dyspnoea and oedema. Reiki is a valuable complement in supporting patients in their end-of-life journey, enhancing the quality of their remaining days.”

Motz, Julie, 1998. “Hands of Life”. New York; Bantam Books, 1998
Reiki was used in the operating room of the Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center in New York City. The New York Times magazine reported about the use of Reiki during open-heart surgeries and hart transplantations performed by Dr. Mehmet Oz. None of the 11 heart patients treated with Reiki by Reiki Master Julie Motz experienced the usual postoperative depression, the bypass patients had no postoperative pain or leg weakness; and the transplant patients experienced no organ rejection.

An Integrative Review of Reiki Touch Therapy Research; Anne Vitale MSN, APRN, BC
Holistic Nursing Practice; July/August 2007; Volume 21 Number 4; Pages 167 – 179 http://www.nursingcenter.com/prodev/cearticleprint.asp?CE_ID=734976

Reiki Research

NCCAM
American Holistic Nurses Association
Reiki in New Hampshire Hospitals
What is Reiki?
History of Reiki
Additional Research