Can Artificial Intelligence Replace Reiki Practitioners?

In an opinion piece published in the International Journal of Healing and Caring, CRR director Ann Baldwin explores the exciting possibilities—and important limitations—of bringing AI into the world of Reiki. From wearable technology that tracks physiological responses to personalized healing environments, predictive tools, and AI-guided meditation, emerging technologies could offer new ways to understand the effects of Reiki and enhance the client experience. But how far can technology go when it comes to healing?

Baldwin argues that while AI may be a powerful tool for advancing Reiki research and personalizing sessions, it cannot replace the human connection at the heart of Reiki practice. AI cannot transmit Reiki, sense a client’s subtle needs, or replicate the intuition, presence, and compassion of a human practitioner. Her message is clear: the future may lie not in replacing Reiki practitioners, but in thoughtfully combining technology with human wisdom to enrich the healing experience—while protecting client privacy, consent, and trust.

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