Reiki Research List

List is updated as the research information becomes available...

Love, L., Anderson, A.M., von Sadovszky, V., Kusiak, J., Ford, J., & Noritz, G. (2022). A study of Reiki therapy on unpleasant symptoms in children with cerebral palsy. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 46(2002), 1-7.

Abdurahman, F and Payne, N. (2022). Reiki practitioners’ perceptions of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the experience, practice and future of Reiki. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 46, 101530.

Kokoglu F. and Zincir H. (2021). The effect of Reiki on pain, fatigue, and quality of life in adolescents with dysmenorrhea. Holistic Nursing Practice, 35(6), 306-314. DOI: 10.1097/HNP.0000000000000477

Karaman, S. and Tan, M. (2021). Effect of Reiki therapy on quality of life and fatigue levels of breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy. Cancer Nursing, 01;44(6), E652-E658.

Utli H, Yağmur Y. (2021). The effects of Reiki and back massage on women’s pain and vital signs postabdominal hysterectomy: A randomized controlled trial. Explore (NY), 0000, 1-8.

Thrane, S. E., Maurer, S. H., & Danford, C. A. (2021). Feasibility and acceptability of Reiki therapy for children receiving palliative care in the home. Journal of Hospice and Palliative Nursing, 23(1), 52-58.

Hailey, K., Fortin, J., Pratt, P., Forbes, P. and McCabe, M. (2021). Feasibilty and effect of Reiki on the physiology and self-perceived stress of nurses in a large US hospital. Holist Nurse Pract.,1-7.

Chen YJ, Petrinec A, Stephenson PS, Radziewicz RM, Sheehan D. Home-based Reiki by informal caregivers: A mixed-methods pilot study. Holistic Nursing Practice. 2021 May.

Yüce, U. Ö., & Taşcı, S. (2021). Effect of Reiki on the stress level of caregivers of patients with cancer: Qualitative and single-blind randomized controlled trial. Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 58, 102708.

Thrane, S. E., Maurer, S. H., & Danford, C. A. (2021). Feasibility and acceptability of Reiki therapy for children receiving palliative care in the home. Journal of Hospice & Palliative Nursing, 23(1), 52-58.

Hailey, K., Fortin, J., Pratt, P., Forbes, P. and McCabe, Bat, N. (2021). The effects of reiki on heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature, and stress levels: A pilot randomized, double-blinded, and placebo-controlled study. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 43, 101328.

Graziano, S., & Luigi, C. (2020). Effects of Reiki session excluding the variables responsible for the placebo effect on a group of adults. Altern Ther Health Med. 2020 Oct 31:AT6601. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 33128534.

Santos, C. B. R. D., Gomes, E. T., Bezerra, S. M. M. D. S., & Püschel, V. A. D. A. (2020). Reiki protocol for preoperative anxiety, depression, and well-being: A non-randomized controlled trial. Revista da Escola de Enfermagem da USP, 54.

Kent, J. B., Jin, L., & Li, X. J. (2020). Quantifying biofield therapy through biophoton emission in a cellular model. Journal of Scientific Exploration: A Publication of the Society for Scientific Exploration, 34(3), 434.

Bondi, A., Morgan, T., & Fowler, S. B. (2020). Effects of reiki on pain and anxiety in women hospitalized for obstetrical-and gynecological-related conditions. Journal of Holistic Nursing, 0898010120936437.

Buyukbayram, Z., & Saritas, S. C. (2020). The effect of Reiki and guided imagery intervention on pain and fatigue in oncology patients: A non-randomized controlled study. EXPLORE, 17(1), 22-26.

Jurkovich, P., & Watson, S. (2020). Implementation of a volunteer Reiki program at an academic medical center in the Midwest. Journal of Holistic Nursing, 0898010120907734.

Gantt, M., & Orina, J. A. T. (2020). Educate, try, and share: a feasibility study to assess the acceptance and use of Reiki as an adjunct therapy for chronic pain in military health care facilities. Military Medicine, 185(3-4), 394-400.

Topdemir, E. A., & Saritas, S. (2020). The effect of preoperative Reiki application on patient anxiety levels. EXPLORE.

Dyer, N. L., Baldwin, A. L., & Rand, W. L. (2019). A large-scale effectiveness trial of Reiki for physical and psychological health. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 25(12), 1156-1162.

Zucchetti, G., Candela, F., Bottigelli, C., Campione, G., Parrinello, A., Piu, P., … & Fagioli, F. (2019). The power of Reiki: feasibility and efficacy of reducing pain in children with cancer undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Journal of Pediatric Oncology Nursing, 36(5), 361-368.Zins,

S., Hooke, M. C., & Gross, C. R. (2019). Reiki for pain during hemodialysis: A feasibility and instrument evaluation study. Journal of Holistic Nursing, 37(2), 148-162.

Jahantiqh, F., Abdollahimohammad, A., Firouzkouhi, M., & Ebrahiminejad, V. (2018). Effects of reiki versus physiotherapy on relieving lower back pain and improving activities daily living of patients with intervertebral disc hernia. Journal of evidence-based integrative medicine, 23, 2515690X18762745.

Radziewicz, R. M., Wright-Esber, S., Zupancic, J., Gargiulo, D., & Woodall, P. (2018). Safety of Reiki therapy for newborns at risk for neonatal abstinence syndrome. Holistic nursing practice, 32(2), 63.

Vergo, M. T., Pinkson, B. M., Broglio, K., Li, Z., & Tosteson, T. D. (2018). Immediate symptom relief after a first session of massage therapy or Reiki in hospitalized patients: A 5-year clinical experience from a rural academic medical center. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 24(8), 801-808.

Zins, S., Hooke, M. C., & Gross, C. R. (2019). Reiki for pain during hemodialysis: A feasibility and instrument evaluation study. Journal of Holistic Nursing, 37(2), 148-162.

Baldwin, A. L., Vitale, A., Brownell, E., Kryak, E., & Rand, W. (2017). Effects of Reiki on pain, anxiety, and blood pressure in patients undergoing knee replacement: A pilot study. Holistic nursing practice, 31(2), 80-89.

Chirico, A., D’aiuto, G., Penon, A., Mallia, L., De Laurentiis, M., Lucidi, F., … & Giordano, A. (2017). Self-efficacy for coping with cancer enhances the effect of reiki treatments during the pre-surgery phase of breast cancer patients. Anticancer Research, 37(7), 3657-3665.

Shaybak, E., Abdollahimohammad, A., Rahnama, M., Masinaeinezhad, N., Azadi-Ahmadabadi, C., & Firouzkohi, M. (2017). Effects of Reiki energy therapy on saphenous vein incision pain: A randomized clinical trial study. Der Pharmacia Lettre, 9(1), 100-109.

Thrane, S. E., Maurer, S. H., Ren, D., Danford, C. A., & Cohen, S. M. (2017). Reiki therapy for symptom management in children receiving palliative care: A pilot study. American Journal of Hospice and Palliative Medicine®, 34(4), 373-379.

Alarcão, Z., & Fonseca, J. R. (2016). The effect of Reiki therapy on quality of life of patients with blood cancer: Results from a randomized controlled trial. European Journal of Integrative Medicine, 8(3), 239-249.

Bremner, M. N., Blake, B. J., Wagner, V. D., & Pearcey, S. M. (2016). Effects of Reiki with music compared to music only among people living with HIV. Journal of the Association of Nurses in AIDS Care, 27(5), 635-647.

Charkhandeh, M., Talib, M. A., & Hunt, C. J. (2016). The clinical effectiveness of cognitive behavior therapy and an alternative medicine approach in reducing symptoms of depression in adolescents.Psychiatry research, 239, 325-330.

DiScipio, W. J. (2016). Perceived relaxation as a function of restorative yoga combined with Reiki for cancer survivors. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 24, 116-122.

Erdogan, Z., & Cinar, S. (2016). The effect of Reiki on depression in elderly people living in nursing home.NISCAIR-CSIR, India; 35-40.

Kirshbaum, M. N., Stead, M., & Bartys, S. (2016). An exploratory study of Reiki experiences in women who have cancer. International journal of palliative nursing, 22(4), 166-172.

Kurebayashi, L. F. S., Turrini, R. N. T., Souza, T. P. B. D., Takiguchi, R. S., Kuba, G., & Nagumo, M. T. (2016). Massage and Reiki used to reduce stress and anxiety: Randomized clinical trial. Revista latino-americana de enfermagem, 24.

Midilli, S.T., & Ciray Gunduzoglu, N. (2016). Effects of Reiki on pain and vital signs when applied to the incision area of the body after cesarean section surgery. Holistic nursing practice, 30(6), 368-378.

Notte, B. B., Fazzini, C., & Mooney, R. A. (2016). Reiki’s effect on patients with total knee arthroplasty: a pilot study. Nursing, 46(2), 17-23.

Rosenbaum, M. S., & Van de Velde, J. (2016). The effects of yoga, massage, and Reiki on patient well-being at a cancer resource center. Clinical journal of oncology nursing, 20(3).

Siegel, P., da Motta, P. M. R., da Silva, L. G., Stephan, C., Lima, C. S. P., & de Barros, N. F. (2016). Reiki for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy in a Brazilian hospital. Holistic nursing practice, 30(3), 174-182.

Vasudev, S. S., & Shastri, S. (2016). Effect of distance Reiki on perceived stress among software professionals in Bangalore. The International Journal of Indian Psychology, 3, 136-142.

Bukowski, E. L. (2015). The use of self-Reiki for stress reduction and relaxation. Journal of integrative medicine, 13(5), 336-340.

Demir, M., Can, G., Kelam, A., & Aydiner, A. (2015). Effects of distant Reiki on pain, anxiety and fatigue in oncology patients in Turkey: A pilot study. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev, 16(12), 4859-4862.

Midilli, T. S., & Eser, I. (2015). Effects of Reiki on post-cesarean delivery pain, anxiety, and hemodynamic parameters: A randomized, controlled clinical trial. Pain Management Nursing, 16(3), 388-399.

Orsak, G., Stevens, A. M., Brufsky, A., Kajumba, M., & Dougall, A. L. (2015). The effects of Reiki therapy and companionship on quality of life, mood, and symptom distress during chemotherapy.Journal of evidence-based complementary & alternative medicine, 20(1), 20-27.

Rosada, R. M., Rubik, B., Mainguy, B., Plummer, J., & Mehl-Madrona, L. (2015). Reiki reduces burnout among community mental health clinicians. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 21(8), 489-495.

Bukowski, E. L., & Berardi, D. (2014). Reiki brief report: Using Reiki to reduce stress levels in a nine-year-old child. EXPLORE, 10(4), 253-255.

Fleisher, K. A., Mackenzie, E. R., Frankel, E. S., Seluzicki, C., Casarett, D., & Mao, J. J. (2014). Integrative Reiki for cancer patients: A program evaluation. Integrative cancer therapies, 13(1), 62-67.

Kundu, A., Lin, Y., Oron, A. P., & Doorenbos, A. Z. (2014). Reiki therapy for postoperative oral pain in pediatric patients: Pilot data from a double-blind, randomized clinical trial. Complementary therapies in clinical practice, 20(1), 21-25.

Salles, L. F., Vannucci, L., Salles, A., & Silva, M. J. P. D. (2014). The effect of Reiki on blood hypertension. Acta Paulista de Enfermagem, 27(5), 479-484.

Ventura, A. C., & Persinger, M. A. (2014). Enhanced coherence within the theta band between pairs of brains engaging in experienced versus naïve Reiki procedures. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 20(8), 649-653.

Baldwin, A. L., Fullmer, K., & Schwartz, G. E. (2013). Comparison of physical therapy with energy healing for improving range of motion in subjects with restricted shoulder mobility. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine: eCAM, 2013.

Baldwin, A. L., Rand, W. L., & Schwartz, G. E. (2013). Practicing Reiki does not appear to routinely produce high-intensity electromagnetic fields from the heart or hands of Reiki practitioners. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 19(6), 518-526.

Marcus, D. A., Blazek-O’Neill, B., & Kopar, J. L. (2013). Symptomatic improvement reported after receiving Reiki at a cancer infusion center.

Mothersill, C., Smith, R., Henry, M., Seymour, C., & Wong, R. (2013). Alternative medicine techniques have non-linear effects on radiation response and can alter the expression of radiation induced bystander effects. Dose-Response, 11(1), dose-response.

Baldwin, A. L., & Schwartz, G. E. (2012). Physiological changes in energy healers during self-practice. Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 20(5), 299-305.

Birocco, N., Guillame, C., Storto, S., Ritorto, G., Catino, C., Gir, N., … & Ciuffreda, L. (2012). The effects of Reiki therapy on pain and anxiety in patients attending a day oncology and infusion services unit. American Journal of Hospice and Palliative Medicine®, 29(4), 290-294.

Bourque, A. L., Sullivan, M. E., & Winter, M. R. (2012). Reiki as a pain management adjunct in screening colonoscopy. Gastroenterology Nursing, 35(5), 308-312.

Pizzinato, E., Muller, J., Lingg, G., Dapra Virgule, D., Lothaller, H., & Christian Endler, P. (2012). Heart rate variability in a study on Reiki treatment. The Open Complementary Medicine Journal, 4(1).

Beard, C., Stason, W. B., Wang, Q., Manola, J., Dean‐Clower, E., Dusek, J. A., … & Benson, H. (2011). Effects of complementary therapies on clinical outcomes in patients being treated with radiation therapy for prostate cancer. Cancer, 117(1), 96-102.

Berger, H., Tam, C., Goh, Y. I., Gijsen, V. M., de Wildt, S. N., Taddio, A., & Koren, G. (2011). The effect of distant Reiki on pain in women after elective caesarean section: A double-blinded randomised controlled trial. BMJ open, 1(1).

Bowden, D., Goddard, L., & Gruzelier, J. (2011). A randomised controlled single-blind trial of the efficacy of Reiki at benefitting mood and well-being. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2011.

Catlin, A., & Taylor-Ford, R. L. (2011, May). Investigation of standard care versus sham Reiki placebo versus actual Reiki therapy to enhance comfort and well-being in a chemotherapy infusion center. In Oncology nursing forum (Vol. 38, No. 3).

Cuneo, C. L., Curtis Cooper, M. R., Drew, C. S., Naoum-Heffernan, C., Sherman, T., Walz, K., & Weinberg, J. (2011). The effect of Reiki on work-related stress of the registered nurse. Journal of Holistic Nursing, 29(1), 33-43.

Díaz-Rodríguez, L., Arroyo-Morales, M., Fernández-de-Las-Peñas, C., García-Lafuente, F., García-Royo, C., & Tomás-Rojas, I. (2011). Immediate effects of Reiki on heart rate variability, cortisol levels, and body temperature in health care professionals with burnout. Biological Research for Nursing, 13(4), 376-382.

Mehl-Madrona, L., Renfrew, N. M., & Mainguy, B. (2011). Qualitative assessment of the impact of implementing Reiki training in a supported residence for people older than 50 years with HIV/AIDS.The Permanente Journal, 15(3), 43.

Morse, M. L., & Beem, L. W. (2011). Benefits of Reiki therapy for a severely neutropenic patient with associated influences on a true random number generator. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 17(12), 1181-1190.

Park, J., McCaffrey, R., Dunn, D., & Goodman, R. (2011). Managing osteoarthritis: Comparisons of chair yoga, Reiki, and education (pilot study). Holistic nursing practice, 25(6), 316-326.

Bowden, D., Goddard, L., & Gruzelier, J. (2010). A randomised controlled single-blind trial of the effects of Reiki and positive imagery on well-being and salivary cortisol. Brain Research Bulletin, 81(1), 66-72.

Friedman, R. S., Burg, M. M., Miles, P., Lee, F., & Lampert, R. (2010). Effects of Reiki on autonomic activity early after acute coronary syndrome. Journal of the American College of Cardiology, 56(12), 995-996.

Hulse, R. S., Stuart-Shor, E. M., & Russo, J. (2010). Endoscopic procedure with a modified Reiki intervention: A pilot study. Gastroenterology nursing, 33(1), 20-26.

Richeson, N. E., Spross, J. A., Lutz, K., & Peng, C. (2010). Effects of Reiki on anxiety, depression, pain, and physiological factors in community-dwelling older adults. Research in gerontological nursing, 3(3), 187-199.

Meland, B. (2009). Effects of Reiki on pain and anxiety in the elderly diagnosed with dementia: A series of case reports. Alternative therapies in health and medicine, 15(4), 56.

Ring, M. E. (2009). Reiki and changes in pattern manifestations. Nursing Science Quarterly, 22(3), 250-258.

Vitale, A. (2009). Nurses’ lived experience of Reiki for self-care. Holistic nursing practice, 23(3), 129-145.

Assefi, N., Bogart, A., Goldberg, J., & Buchwald, D. (2008). Reiki for the treatment of fibromyalgia: A randomized controlled trial. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 14(9), 1115-1122.

Baldwin, A. L., Wagers, C., & Schwartz, G. E. (2008). Reiki improves heart rate homeostasis in laboratory rats. The journal of alternative and complementary medicine, 14(4), 417-422.

Pocotte, S. L., & Salvador, D. (2008). Reiki as a rehabilitative nursing intervention for pain management: A case study. Rehabilitation Nursing Journal, 33(6), 231-232.

Gillespie, E. A., Gillespie, B. W., & Stevens, M. J. (2007). Painful diabetic neuropathy: Impact of an alternative approach. Diabetes care, 30(4), 999-1001.

Potter, P. J. (2007). Breast biopsy and distress: Feasibility of testing a Reiki intervention. Journal of Holistic Nursing, 25(4), 238-248.

Raingruber, B., & Robinson, C. (2007). The effectiveness of Tai Chi, yoga, meditation, and Reiki healing sessions in promoting health and enhancing problem solving abilities of registered nurses.Issues in Mental Health Nursing, 28(10), 1141-1155.

Tsang, K. L., Carlson, L. E., & Olson, K. (2007). Pilot crossover trial of Reiki versus rest for treating cancer-related fatigue. Integrative cancer therapies, 6(1), 25-35.

Baldwin, A. L., & Schwartz, G. E. (2006). Personal interaction with a Reiki practitioner decreases noise-induced microvascular damage in an animal model. Journal of Alternative & Complementary Medicine, 12(1), 15-22.

Brathovde, A. (2006). A pilot study: Reiki for self-care of nurses and healthcare providers. Holistic Nursing Practice, 20(2), 95-101

Crawford, S. E., Leaver, V. W., & Mahoney, S. D. (2006). Using Reiki to decrease memory and behavior problems in mild cognitive impairment and mild Alzheimer’s disease. Journal of Alternative & Complementary Medicine, 12(9), 911-913.

Rubik, B., Brooks, A. J., & Schwartz, G. E. (2006). In vitro effect of Reiki treatment on bacterial cultures: Role of experimental context and practitioner well-being. Journal of Alternative & Complementary Medicine, 12(1), 7-13.

Vitale, A. T., & O’Connor, P. C. (2006). The effect of Reiki on pain and anxiety in women with abdominal hysterectomies: A quasi-experimental pilot study. Holistic nursing practice, 20(6), 263-272.

Mackay, N., Hansen, S., & McFarlane, O. (2004). Autonomic nervous system changes during Reiki treatment: A preliminary study. Journal of Alternative & Complementary Medicine, 10(6), 1077-1081.

Kumar, R. A., & Kurup, P. A. (2003). Changes in the isoprenoid pathway with transcendental meditation and Reiki healing practices in seizure disorder. Neurology India, 51(2), 211.

Olson, K., Hanson, J., & Michaud, M. (2003). A phase II trial of Reiki for the management of pain in advanced cancer patients. Journal of pain and symptom management, 26(5), 990-997.

Schmehr, R. (2003). Enhancing the treatment of HIV/AIDS with Reiki training and treatment. Alternative therapies in health and medicine, 9(2), 120.

Shore, A. G. (2004). Long-term effects of energetic healing on symptoms of psychological depression and self-perceived stress. Alternative Therapies in Health & Medicine, 10(3).

Whelan, K. M., & Wishnia, G. S. (2003). Reiki therapy: The benefits to a nurse/Reiki practitioner. Holistic Nursing Practice, 17(4), 209-217.

Engebretson, J., & Wardell, D. W. (2002). Experience of a Reiki session. Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine, 8(2), 48-53.

Shiflett, S. C., Nayak, S., Bid, C., Miles, P., & Agostinelli, S. (2002). Effect of Reiki treatments on functional recovery in patients in poststroke rehabilitation: A pilot study. The Journal of Alternative & Complementary Medicine, 8(6), 755-763.

Wardell, D. W., & Engebretson, J. (2001). Biological correlates of Reiki Touchsm healing. Journal of advanced nursing, 33(4), 439-445.

Witte, D., & Dundes, L. (2001). Harnessing life energy or wishful thinking? Reiki, placebo reiki, meditation, and music. Alternative & Complementary Therapies, 7(5), 304-309.

Sharma, V. G., Sanghvi, C., Mehta, Y., & Trehan, N. (2000). Efficacy of reiki on patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery. Annals of cardiac anaesthesia, 3(2), 12-18.

Dressen, L. J., & Singg, S. (1998). Effects of Reiki on pain and selected affective and personality variables of chronically ill patients. Subtle Energies & Energy Medicine Journal Archives, 9(1).

Bullock, M. (1997). Reiki: a complementary therapy for life. American Journal of Hospice and Palliative Medicine®, 14(1), 31-33.

Wirth, D. P., Chang, R. J., Eidelman, W. S., & Paxton, J. B. (1996). Haematological indicators of complementary healing intervention. Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 4(1), 14-20.

Wirth, D. P., Brenlan, D. R., Levine, R. J., & Rodriguez, C. M. (1993). The effect of complementary healing therapy on postoperative pain after surgical removal of impacted third molar teeth.Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 1(3), 133-138.

Wetzel, W. S. (1989). Reiki healing: a physiologic perspective. Journal of Holistic Nursing, 7(1), 47-54.