Conference Preliminary Program
DAY 1: Saturday, October 3, 12 – 4:15 pm EDT
12:00 pm Welcome: Natalie Dyer, President, Center for Reiki Research
12:05 pm Opening Guided Meditation: Frans Stiene, International House of 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.
12:15 pm Introductory Keynote: Mapping the Science of Reiki and Energy Healing to Advance Consciousness-Based Healing Research, Meredith Sprengel, Director of Research & Programs, Subtle Energy Funders Collective, and Fellowship Director, Biofield Fellowship Research Program
1:00 pm Oral Presentations
- HEAL-SLE (Holistic Energy for Alleviating Lupus Symptoms): A Nurse-Led Virtual Reiki Pilot Study Evaluating Feasibility, Acceptability, and Preliminary Clinical Outcomes in Adults With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Monica Gamez-Perez, NYU Langone Health’s Orthopedic Center - Feasibility of Distance Reiki in Multiple Myeloma: A Randomized Pilot Study on Health Related Quality of Life
Joselle Cook, Mayo Clinic - Effects of Reiki Therapy on Postoperative Pain and Sedation in Cats Subjected to Ovariohysterectomy
Leandro Pacheo, Federal University of the Southern Frontier - From Publication to Public Perception: A Practical Framework for Responsible Communication of Biofield Research
Rod Bravo, Bravo Conscious Health - Investigating Perceived Stress and Pain Reduction Following Brief Reiki Sessions in High-Stress Communities: An Exploratory Study
Heather McCutcheon, Reiki Brigade
2:30 pm Break
2:45 pm Guided Reiki Meditation: William Rand, founder, Center for Reiki Research, and president, International Center for Reiki Training and the Reiki Membership Association
3:00 pm Panel Discussion: Animal Reiki
This highly interactive panel will invite audience participation as it explores how Reiki can deepen our understanding of animals as sentient beings and strengthen the compassionate bond between humans and non-human species. Through shared reflections, questions, and discussion, the conversation will consider Reiki’s potential to support animal well-being, including relaxation, stress and pain reduction, emotional balance, and healing support, while acknowledging that much of the current evidence remains anecdotal.
Bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience to this topic from diverse perspectives are panelists:
- Ann Baldwin, University of Arizona (retired)
- Claudia Barbieri, HolisticamenteVet
- Ema Melanaphy, Reikiema
- Kathleen Prasad, Animal Reiki Source
4:15 pm Closing Remarks: Natalie Dyer, President, Center for Reiki Research
DAY 2: Sunday, October 4, 12 – 4 pm EDT
12:00 pm Welcome: Natalie Dyer, President, Center for Reiki Research
12:05 pm Oral Presentations
- Real-World Outcomes of Reiki as an Integrative Supportive Care Intervention at a Comprehensive Cancer Center in the MENA Region
Shilpa Kudekar, University of South Australia - Postoperative Oxidative and Hematological Responses to Reiki Therapy in Bitches Undergoing Ovariohysterectomy
Leandro Pacheo, Federal University of the Southern Frontier - Implementation Infrastructure for the Responsible Integration of Biofield Therapies into Healthcare
Rod Bravo, Bravo Conscious Health - Recalibrating Autonomic Balance in the Digital Age
Mark Kanter, Towson University
1:15 pm Break
1:30 pm Oral Presentations
- Reiki as an Integration Practice During Esketamine Treatment for Refractory Depression: A Comparative Case Study
Jennifer Nidalmia, Oregon Health Sciences University School of Nursing - EEG Correlates of a Reiki Sender-Recipient Dyad: A Randomized Single-Case Pilot Study
Edward Fox, Virginia Tech - Awareness and Use of Reiki, Reiki Research, Energy Healing, and Complementary Medicine Amongst Australian Health Professionals and the Community
Sonia Zadro, Bond University - Expanding Reiki Education Through Accredited Continuing Education Across Six Healthcare and Wellness Professions
Julie Ruestow, The Reiki Healing Center of New Jersey
2:45 pm Break
3:00 pm Center for Reiki Research Presentations
- Investigation and Assessment of Sham Reiki Protocols in Reiki Research
Ann Baldwin, University of Arizonia (retired) - Effect of Reiki on the Growth of MCF7 Breast Cancer Cells
Patricia DeLeon, Borough of Manhattan Community College - Healing Presence in Reiki Practitioners: Evidence for Interpersonal and Experiential Aspects
Natalie Dyer, University Hospitals Connor Whole Health
4:00 pm Guided Reiki Meditation: Joshua Paszkiewicz
4:15 pm Closing Remarks: Natalie Dyer, President, Center for Reiki Research
