Integrating Reiki into Psychological and Physiological Well-Being: Evidence-Based Insights

Journal of Psychology, Recovery, and Forensic Research

Volume 1, Issue 4

Integrating Reiki into Psychological and Physiological Well-Being: Evidence-Based Insights

Author: Dr. Galineh Esteach
Editor in Chief: Cice Rivera, MS, PhD, CAP
Publisher: Bout Me Healing

Peer-Reviewed By:
Dr. Elizabeth Harmon, PhD – Clinical Psychology
Dr. Samuel Nguyen, PhD – Integrative Health Psychology

Abstract

Reiki is a complementary healing practice that emphasizes energy balance and relaxation, often reported to support mental and physical well-being (Lee et al., 2014). This article reviews the psychological and physiological benefits of Reiki, including reductions in anxiety, depression, and stress-related symptoms, while highlighting its role in supporting conventional medical treatments. Evidence from clinical studies and anecdotal reports suggests that regular Reiki practice can improve emotional regulation, sleep quality, pain management, and overall quality of life. Practical recommendations for self-administered Reiki and integration into clinical settings are discussed.

Keywords

Reiki; complementary therapy; relaxation; anxiety reduction; depression management; psychological well-being; self-care

  1. Introduction

Reiki is a holistic healing approach originating from Japan, focused on balancing the body’s energy system to promote self-healing and emotional regulation (Baldwin, 2015). Individuals report improvements in both mental and physical well-being, including reduced stress, increased clarity, and enhanced resilience (Thrane & Cohen, 2014). Reiki can be applied either through practitioner-administered sessions or self-practice, allowing flexibility in its use.

  1. Mechanisms of Action and Psychological Impact

2.1 Energy Balance and Nervous System Regulation
Reiki is believed to facilitate autonomic nervous system balance, leading to physiological relaxation such as reduced heart rate and improved respiratory patterns (Baldwin, 2015). Relaxation, in turn, positively affects emotional regulation and stress resilience (Field, 2014).

2.2 Emotional and Cognitive Benefits
Practitioners and participants often report enhanced clarity, reduced anxiety, and emotional stabilization (Lee et al., 2014). Reiki provides a structured mindfulness-like practice that allows individuals to process emotional challenges, improving coping capacity during stressful life events (Thrane & Cohen, 2014).

2.3 Complementary Support for Medical Treatment
Reiki has been safely applied in medical settings, including during chemotherapy, post-surgical recovery, and intensive care, showing potential reductions in pain and anxiety (Vitale, 2007). Importantly, Reiki is used alongside, rather than as a replacement for, standard medical care.

  1. Self-Practice and Daily Integration

Regular self-administered Reiki can enhance long-term benefits. Daily practice reinforces the mind-body connection, encourages emotional self-awareness, and strengthens resilience (Lee et al., 2014). Self-treatment sessions can last from 10–30 minutes and may include attention to specific physical or emotional concerns.

  1. Clinical and Practical Considerations
       •   Reiki is safe, non-invasive, and can be integrated into diverse clinical settings (Field, 2014).
       •   Evidence suggests improvements in anxiety, depression, pain, sleep quality, and overall well-being (Thrane & Cohen, 2014; Vitale, 2007).
       •   Reiki is most effective when practiced consistently, either independently or in conjunction with a trained practitioner.
       •   Individuals should not adjust medications or medical treatments without consulting a healthcare provider.

  2. Case Example

One client reported significant improvements in anxiety management, meditation capacity, and emotional coping after integrating daily Reiki sessions into her routine. She experienced enhanced focus, emotional stability, and the ability to provide caregiving support to a terminally ill family member. This aligns with reported outcomes in complementary therapy literature emphasizing stress reduction and resilience enhancement (Lee et al., 2014).

  1. Conclusion

Reiki offers a promising complementary approach to psychological and physiological well-being. While further research is needed to strengthen the evidence base, current findings indicate benefits for emotional regulation, relaxation, pain management, and overall health. Consistent practice—both self-administered and practitioner-assisted—supports resilience, self-awareness, and improved quality of life.

References

Baldwin, A. L. (2015). Reiki: A comprehensive guide. North Atlantic Books.

Field, T. (2014). Massage therapy research review. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 20(4), 224–229.

Lee, M. S., Pittler, M. H., & Ernst, E. (2014). Effects of Reiki in clinical practice: A systematic review of randomized clinical trials. International Journal of Clinical Practice, 68(11), 1342–1351.

Thrane, S., & Cohen, S. M. (2014). Effect of Reiki therapy on pain and anxiety in adults: An in-depth literature review of randomized trials with effect size calculations. Pain Management Nursing, 15(4), 897–908.

Vitale, A. T. (2007). The effectiveness of Reiki in promoting well-being. Holistic Nursing Practice, 21(6), 263–268.