No strong randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have focused on the clinical effects of Reiki treatment have been published.

Studies looking at various biological markers have yielded preliminary evidence that Reiki moves the body in the direction of relaxation and enhanced immune response (Wetzel1989; Wardell and Engebretson 2001) and speeds healing (Wirth 1996).

Two studies have shown that Reiki can be blinded, which opens the door for more rigorous investigations. One feasibility study demonstrated the possibility of single blinding (Mansour 1999). For the NIH-funded study of Reiki and stroke, the Reiki treatments were double blinded (Shiflett 2002).

A program evaluation of a hospital-based HIV First degree Reiki classes showed significant reduction in anxiety and pain after 20 minutes of Reiki treatment. Self-treatment was as effective as treatment received from another student (Miles 2003).

Other studies support the usefulness of Reiki in reducing pain (Wirth 1993; Olson and Hanson 1997). Clearly more research is needed.

            Professionals and patients who have seen Reiki successfully used to support conventional western medical treatment are encouraged to write case reports.                Well documented accounts are instructive to those who want to include Reiki treatment in a comprehensive health care regime aimed at either maintaining well-being or managing disease.

The article "The Bridge to Conventional western Medicine: A Call for Reiki Case Reports," originally published in Reiki Magazine International and available on this site under References and Resources/Articles, offers suggestions for writing a medically credible case report.

Medical Papers on Reiki

Many of the papers and articles listed here are available off-site at
ReikiInMedicine.org.

- REIKI Vibrational Healing. Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine. 2003;9(4):74-83.

- Miles P, True G. REIKI--Review of a Biofield Therapy: History, Theory, Practice and Research. Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine. 2003;9(2):62-72.

- Miles P. Preliminary report on the use of REIKI for HIV-related pain and anxiety. Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine. 2003;9(2):36.

- Schmehr R.  Case Report: Enhancing the Treatment of HIV/AIDS with REIKI Training and Treatment. Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine. 2003;9(2):120.

- Schiller R. REIKI: A Starting Point for Integrative Medicine. Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine.2003;9(2):20-21.

- Alandydy P. Guidelines for Hospital REIKI Practice. 2003.

Articles on Reiki 

- Miles P. The Bridge to Conventional western Medicine: A Call for Case Reports. REIKI Magazine International. 2002;4(3):32-33

- Schmehr R. Case Report: Enhancing the Treatment of HIV/AIDS with REIKI Training and Treatment. REIKI Magazine International. 2002;4(3):34-35

- Miles P. Ask your question: REIKI and surgery. REIKI Magazine International. 2002;4(4):14

- Miles. P, Simple Steps for Self Healing

- Miles P. From Here to Serenity. Yoga Journal; March/April 2000   www.yogajournal.com/health/62_1.cfm

- Miles P. How Doctors can Help.  Spirituality and Health; Fall 2000 www.spiritualityhealth.com/newsh/items/article/item_38.html

- Miles P. Healing Naturally: Symptoms and Suggestions. CRIA Update.  Forum summary from Complementary Therapies and HIV Disease, June 9, 1999.   www.thebody.com/cria/summer99/symtoms.html

- Miles P. Complementary Medicine: A User's Guide. CRIA Update. Summer 1999;8(3): pp 3.

www.thebody.com/cria/summer99/user_guide.html

- Schiller R. REIKI: A Starting Point for Integrative Medicine. Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine.2003;9(2):20-21.

- Schmehr R. Enhancing the treatment of HIV/AIDS with REIKI training and treatment. Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine. 2003;9(2):pp 120.

- Nguyen L. Healthy Alternative: Old medicine meets new as a lifestyle. New York Daily News; New York, NY; Feb 19, 2001; www.nydailynews.com

- REIKI therapy provides emotional well-being. Patient Education Management. November 2002;9(11):130-132.

- McDaniel B. What the doctor ordered: REIKI in hospitals. REIKI Magazine International. 2000;3(3):24-27.

- Joan Chittister   http://www.spiritualityhealth.com/newsh/items/article/item_3771.html

- Astin JA. Why patients use alternative medicine: results of a national survey. JAMA, 1998;279(19):1548-1553.

- Miles P, True G. REIKI-Review of a Biofield Therapy: History, Theory, Practice &Research.Altern Ther, 2003;9(2):62-72.