There is a growing body of scientific evidence supporting the effectiveness of Reiki as a complementary healing method.

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As Reiki becomes a more common healing modality in our society, many people wonder exactly what it is, how it works, and what evidence exists to show its effectiveness.

 

Reiki operates by accessing the electrical and magnetic fields within the human body. The heartbeat, regulated by an electrical field measurable through an ECG or EKG, is accompanied by a lower-level electrical field produced by the brain. Additionally, every cell generates small amounts of electricity, contributing to a magnetic field due to the charges of cell walls. Notably, during an MRI scan, the internal mechanism capturing soft tissue images relies on the body's magnetic field (Thrane & Cohen, 2014).

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A study of people with chronic conditions concluded that reiki: 

• Reduces pain 

• Relieves depression and anxiety 

• and improves self-esteem and quality of life 

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The study also showed reiki relaxed the parasympathetic nervous system by: 

• Reducing heart rate 

• Reducing blood pressure 

• and increasing heart rate variability (McManus, 2017). 

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Another study has shown reiki to be effective after a single session. Both studio and in-home offerings showed effects. 

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Most notably, the results showed: 

• Reduced tiredness 

• Reduced anxiety, depression and negative mood 

• and reduced pain (Dyer, Baldwin & Rand, 2019). 

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While additional research is required for Reiki to be acknowledged as a standalone treatment, there is already evidence supporting its beneficial role in complementing medical and mental health interventions.

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The role of a Reiki practitioner involves harnessing the client's energy field and facilitating the movement of energy throughout the body to address stuck points or energy blockages. Practitioners act as conduits for energy flow, not initiating healing but enabling the energy to move within the client. Many individuals undergoing Reiki sessions report experiencing profound relaxation and the release of tension.