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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:

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

  • Impact of Distant Reiki on Anxiety of Dog-Caregiver Dyads: Pilot, Randomized, Single-Blinded, Multicenter Trial
    Claudia Barbieri, HolisticamenteVet
  • Investigation and Assessment of Sham Reiki Protocols in Reiki Research
    Ann Baldwin, University of Arizonia (retired)
  • Impact of Reiki on In Vitro Breast Cancer Cells: An Exploratory Study
    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