Our Research
The Center for Reiki Research conducts scientific research at all levels important to scientific inquiry, from randomized controlled trials to practice-based effectiveness trials. Below are our some of our current and past Reiki research projects.
Investigating and Assessing Sham Reiki Protocols in Reiki Research (2025)
We conducted a quasi-systematic review to evaluate sham Reiki protocols. The prevalence of inclusion of a sham Reiki group, types of sham procedures used, and which sham protocols showed improvements significantly better than no treatment control were evaluated. Based on this literature review, we make suggestions on the appropriate Reiki sham to act as a placebo control group, such as following the same hand positions as the Reiki practitioner, be identical in personal characteristics, and have no training in Reiki or other biofield therapies. The paper has been submitted for publication.
Evaluation of a Reiki Volunteer Program within Two Cancer Infusion Centers (2025)
In collaboration with University Hospitals of Cleveland and the University of California, Irvine, we evaluated a Reiki program for outpatients with cancer and other chronic illnesses receiving infusion treatments (e.g. chemotherapy) at two infusion centers. Participants reported clinically significant mean improvements in pain, fatigue, anxiety, nausea, and wellbeing. The article abstract can be found here.
Reiki for Low-Income Patients with Mental Health Diagnoses (2025)
In partnership with Zumbro Valley Health Center, we studied the feasibility of providing Reiki at a behavioral health clinic serving a low-income population. Patient ratings of pain, fatigue, anxiety, stress, sadness, and agitation were significantly lower, and ratings of happiness, energy levels, relaxation, and calmness were significantly higher after a single Reiki session — suggesting that Reiki is feasible and could be fit into the flow of clinical care in an outpatient behavioral health clinic. The article abstract can be found here.
Reiki for Healthcare Professionals Impacted by the Pandemic (2023)
Together with Reiki Medic-Care, we conducted a single arm pilot trial of remote Reiki for healthcare professionals (physicians, nurses, and ambulance paramedics) whose physical and/or mental health had been negatively impacted by COVID-19. The results revealed statistically significant decreases in stress, anxiety, and pain, and significant increases in wellbeing and sleep quality. The article abstract can be found here.
Qualitative Results from a Pragmatic Effectiveness Reiki Study (2022)
Building on our 2019 pragmatic study of Reiki for physical and mental health symptoms, we evaluated the subjective experience of Reiki in a large sample. Qualitative analysis shows that a Reiki session corresponds to an experience of deep relaxation, perceptual changes, and a spiritual mystical experience. The article abstract can be found here.
Reiki for Psychological and Physical Health Symptoms (2019)
At Harvard University, we conducted a largescale (N = 1411) pragmatic study of Reiki for physical and mental health symptoms, including but not limited to pain, fatigue, anxiety, depression, and wellbeing. All symptoms were significantly improved following a single Reiki session. The article abstract can be found here.
Reiki for Knee Surgery Pain (2017)
Together with Drexel University, the University of Arizona, and Abington Memorial Hospital, we conducted a blind controlled pilot study investigating the effects of Reiki on 46 patients undergoing knee replacement surgery. Of the three groups, Reiki, Sham Reiki, and Standard of Care, only the Reiki group showed significant reductions in pain, blood pressure, respiration rate, and state anxiety, which provides evidence for a full-scale clinical study. The article abstract can be found here. We are obtaining funding to replicate this study with a larger sample size.
Remote Reiki for Chronic Pain
We are in the process of conducting a randomized controlled trial of remote Reiki for chronic pain.
To help the CRR continue to conduct Reiki research to transform healthcare, please consider making a donation. Thank you for your support!
Do Reiki Practitioners Produce Electromagnetic Fields From Their Hands/Hearts When Healing? (2013)
Historical studies by Zimmerman and others suggested that energy healers produce measurable electromagnetic fields from their hands when healing. However, external environmental fields may have influenced these measurements. We repeated the measurements at the Scripps Research Institute, UCSD, using a highly sensitive superconducting quantum interference detector in an electromagnetically shielded room, so that outside influences would not affect readings. The electromagnetic fields from the hands and hearts of three Reiki Masters were measured when they were: (1) not practicing Reiki, (2) sending Reiki to a distant person, and (3) sending Reiki to someone in the room. Similar measurements were made on four Reiki-naïve volunteers before and after they received a Reiki attunement. Unlike the previous studies, data analysis from all subjects showed no change in the field produced by their hands or hearts when they practiced Reiki. These results do not support the hypothesis that Reiki increases the electromagnetic field produced by the hands and hearts of Reiki practitioners when healing. The article abstract can be found here.
