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.

Reiki for Healthcare Professionals Impacted by the Pandemic

We are currently collaborating with Reiki Medic-Care , a non-profit organization in the UK, to conduct 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. Measures related to pain, anxiety, depression, sleep, and wellbeing are being assessed.

Reiki for Psychological and Physical Health Symptoms

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. We are currently preparing the qualitative component of the study for publication. Qualitative analysis shows that a Reiki session corresponds to an experience of deep relaxation, perceptual changes, and a spiritual mystical experience. This research was presented at the INCAM 2020 conference.

Reiki for Knee Surgery Pain

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 conduct a replication of 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?

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.