Does Reiki Benefit Mental Health Symptoms Above Placebo?

The short version

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of Reiki over placebo in treating mental health symptoms, particularly focusing on anxiety, stress, and depression. Given the increasing prevalence of mental health disorders and the economic burden they impose, understanding the efficacy of Reiki could provide a safe and cost-effective treatment option. The findings suggest that Reiki may offer therapeutic benefits, although the overall evidence remains inconclusive due to the limited number of studies and concerns about bias. The study design was a systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs), including a total of 14 studies with participants aged 18 years or older, both healthy and those with mental health conditions. The intervention tested was hands-on Reiki, where practitioners used specific hand positions either touching or near the participants' bodies. Outcomes were measured using standardized mental health outcome measures, including anxiety, depression, and stress, utilizing validated questionnaires and scales. The duration and frequency of Reiki sessions varied across studies, with specific details not provided. Results indicated that Reiki significantly reduced state anxiety in knee replacement patients (p = 0.004, d = 0.93) and caregiver stress levels (p < 0.001, d = 2.3). Additionally, state and trait anxiety in fibromyalgia patients were significantly reduced after four sessions (p = 0.005 and p = 0.003, respectively). However, no significant differences were found in anxiety or depression for participants with normal mental health scores (anxiety p = 0.295; depression p = 0.102). Participants frequently reported feelings of relaxation and reduced stress levels after Reiki sessions, and no adverse effects were reported in any of the studies. The authors concluded that Reiki shows a moderate to high therapeutic effect on mental health symptoms compared to placebo, suggesting it could be integrated into treatment plans for patients experiencing anxiety, stress, and depression. However, the study is limited by the small number of studies, potential biases, and confounding variables affecting outcomes. Future research should focus on well-controlled double-blind experiments to isolate the mechanisms of Reiki and confirm its efficacy, particularly regarding dose-response relationships and long-term effects.

Key findings

• Reiki significantly reduced state anxiety in knee replacement patients (p = 0.004, d = 0.93).
• Caregiver stress levels were significantly lower in the Reiki group (p < 0.001, d = 2.3).
• No significant changes in anxiety or depression for participants with normal mental health scores.