What is Reiki and How It Can Help in Psychiatric Care
Reiki is a Japanese energy healing technique developed in the late 19th century by Mikao Usui of Kyoto [1]. During a Reiki session, a trained practitioner gently places their hands on or near the client’s body in a sequence of positions to promote the body’s natural ability to heal itself and restore balance [2]. The client remains fully clothed while the practitioner allows energy to flow through their hands, which clients often experience as heat, tingling, or other sensations [3].
Research suggests Reiki may be particularly beneficial for mental health concerns
- Anxiety Reduction: Studies show Reiki can significantly reduce clinically relevant anxiety levels compared to placebo treatments [4][5]
- Stress Management: Research demonstrates Reiki’s effectiveness in reducing stress levels, with some studies showing large effect sizes [5][6]
- Depression Relief: Evidence indicates Reiki may help reduce symptoms of depression, particularly when clinically relevant [5][7]
- Relaxation Response: Reiki appears to activate the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting a state of deep relaxation [8]
As a complementary approach to traditional psychiatric care, Reiki offers a non-invasive, side-effect-free option that can enhance overall treatment outcomes [5][9]. It’s increasingly being integrated into hospital settings, with over 800 hospitals in the United States now offering Reiki to patients [10].
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[1] Guo et al., 2024
[2] Zadro & Stapleton, 2022
[3] “What is Reiki | Living Healthy Chicago” video
[4] Dyer et al., 2019
[5] Zadro & Stapleton, 2022
[6] Yüce & Taşcı, 2021
[7] Erdogan & Cinar, 2016
[8] Bat, 2021
[9] Guo et al., 2024
[10] Dyer et al., 2019
