Conference Program
DAY 1: Saturday, October 4, 12 – 4 pm EDT
12:00 pm Welcome: Natalie Dyer, President, Center for Reiki Research
12:05 pm Opening Guided Meditation: Andrea Kennedy, Mainstream Reiki
The International Reiki Research Conference opens with a calming Reiki meditation, which will ground and center you, inviting Reiki energy to flow through and connect all participants as we embark on two days of exploration into Reiki research. Together, we’ll set intentions for open hearts, curious minds, and collective healing, creating a space where science and spirit meet in harmony.
12:15 pm Introductory Keynote: From Chaos to Coherence: Biofield Science and Why Healers Lead the Future, Dr. Shamini Jain, Founder and CEO, Consciousness and Healing Initiative
1:00 pm Oral Presentations
- Reiki for Parkinson’s: Integrating Visual Images from PD Science
Stephanie Kane, Indiana University Bloomington - A Feasibility Study of Reiki for Outpatients of an Integrative Oncology Symptom Management Clinic
Natalie Dyer, University Hospitals Connor Whole Health - The Impact of Distant Reiki on Owner Assessment of Health and Well-Being in Adult Dogs: A Blinded, Placebo-Controlled, Randomized Trial
Claudia Barbieri, HolisticamenteVet - Self-Reiki for Stress Reduction: A Mixed-Methods Study on College Students’ Well-Being
Kiki Hocking, Sofia University
2:15 pm Break
2:30 pm Reiki Meditation: Alexandria Hall, Spirit Hero Healing
Experience a profoundly Rooting Chakra Meditation, inviting Reiki energy to assist in balancing and grounding your energy complemented by the harmonious resonance of crystal sound bowls. This sacred meditation will anchor your energy deep into the earth, guiding you to discover tranquility in the present moment.
2:45 pm Panel Discussion: Establishing a Reiki Program in the Healthcare Setting
This panel will discuss approaches to bringing Reiki into the healthcare setting for both patients and healthcare staff, including how to conduct research of the program. Successes and challenges will be explored, providing guidance for healthcare workers, researchers, and Reiki practitioners interested in bringing Reiki into hospitals.
Bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience to this topic from diverse perspectives are panelists:
- Bob Crandall, Upstate University Hospital
- Kae (Karen) Fink, Connor Whole Health, University Hospitals
- Sandy Priester, LifeSpark Cancer Resources
- Helene Williams, Helene Williams Reiki
Moderator: Jennifer DiBenedetto, Regis College
3:55 pm Closing Remarks: Natalie Dyer, President, Center for Reiki Research
4:00 pm CRR Associate and Professional Members Meeting
DAY 2: Sunday, October 5, 12 – 4 pm EDT
12:00 pm Welcome: Natalie Dyer, President, Center for Reiki Research
12:05 pm Plenary Speaker: Enlightened Healing Research, John Kruth, Rhine Research Center
12:50 pm Oral Presentations
- The Impact of Integrating Reiki Research into Reiki Educational Programs: A Case for Academic Standard Setting in Reiki Education
Debbie Ringdahl, Bakken Center for Spirituality and Healing, University of Minnesota - A Sustainable Hospital Reiki Program
Bob Crandall, Upstate Medical University Hospital - The UK Reiki Federation Research Programme
Vicky McLelland, UK Reiki Federation - Small-Scale Pilot Research Studies at a University Reiki Club
Edward Fox, Virginia Tech - Lived Experiences of Women Healers
Janet Marinelli, St. Catherine University
2:10 pm Break
2:25 pm Plenary Speaker: Reiki Research — Aiming High, Ann Baldwin, Center for Reiki Research
3:00 pm Reiki Sound Bowl Healing: Cami Coté, Heart Rhythm Reiki
Experience a transformative Soul Alignment Journey where guided imagery and Himalayan singing bowls lead you into deep meditation, revitalizing your energy and elevating your spirit. The powerful combination of Singing Bowl Sound Therapy and Holy Fire Reiki will clear, align, and detoxify your body, fostering profound relaxation and healing.
3:15 pm Panel Discussion: Reiki and Placebo: Healing, Belief, and Science in Dialogue
What is the role of the placebo effect in the therapeutic benefits of Reiki? This engaging conversation will delve into the methodological challenges involved in placebo-controlled Reiki research, the science behind mind-body connections, and the role of belief in healing. This panel promises thought-provoking insights and respectful dialogue on controlling for a placebo effect for optimal study design.
Bringing expertise in exploring the boundary of Reiki and the placebo effect are panelists:
- Sonia Zadro, Bond University, Australia
- Natalie Dyer, Center for Reiki Research
- Patricia DeLeon, Borough of Manhattan Community College
- David McManus, Autumn Aged Care
Moderator: Ann Baldwin, University of Arizona (retired)
4:30 pm Closing Remarks by Natalie Dyer, President, Center for Reiki Research
