This article contains best practices recommendations for investigators interested in conducting research on Reiki’s effectiveness and efficacy. These guidelines are based on current standards for preclinical and clinical study design, as well areas in which the CRR noticed common weaknesses in the current body of Reiki research. This article is not exhaustive, as research methods and statistical analysis are vast; however, it can serve as a quick guide regarding the many considerations that need to be taken into account when undertaking a Reiki research study.

This paper outlines guidelines developed to help improve reporting of clinical trials of biofield therapies including Reiki. The guidelines, called Biofield Therapies: Reporting Evidence Guidelines (BiFi REGs), supplement CONSORT 2010 by including details of the intervention protocols relevant to biofield therapy trials. BiFi REGs comprises a 15-item Intervention checklist. Modifications of two other CONSORT topic areas are also proposed to enhance their relevance to trials of biofield therapies. When used in conjunction with all other items from CONSORT 2010, the authors anticipate that BiFi REGs will expedite the peer review process for biofield therapy trials, facilitate attempts at trial replication and help to inform decision-making in the clinical practice of biofield therapies.