Can Reiki Support Your Mind and Body? What to Know Before You Book a Session
By Geraldo Neto
Reiki is a Japanese technique that’s all about gentle touch and relaxation.
The idea is that a practitioner can help “move energy” in your body to help you feel better, physically and emotionally.
You might still be thinking, “Energy? That sounds vague.”
Fair.
But here’s what is important to know:
Reiki sessions are safe and non-invasive
You stay fully clothed
Most people report feeling calm, relaxed, or even sleepy afterward
Some use it to help with pain, anxiety, or sleep problems
If you’re picturing a mystical ritual, think again.
Most Reiki sessions feel more like a quiet nap than a spiritual ceremony.
The Science: What Does the Research Say?
Let's get straight to the point: people want to know if Reiki actually works.
You might be wondering,
"How can something based on 'energy' that science can't measure possibly have real effects?"
That's a completely fair question, and it's why many scientists are skeptical.
The traditional explanation of Reiki involves working with a life force energy that doesn't fit neatly into our current scientific understanding.
The big question: Is there any proof that Reiki works, or is it just a nice way to relax?
But here's a little piece of information that might surprise you:
Even though the how is still unclear, research is starting to show that Reiki might help people feel better in ways we can actually see and measure.
While many studies have had issues with their design, like not having enough participants or making it hard to hide who's getting real Reiki , newer reviews are pulling together what we know.
Here's what the research suggests about how Reiki might impact your health:
It could help you manage pain. Several studies and reviews indicate that Reiki can be effective for reducing pain.
It's shown promise in helping people with pain after surgery, like a C-section , and reducing pain for cancer patients.
It might ease mental strain. When it comes to how you feel emotionally, the picture is still developing, but there are positive signs.
Anxiety: Some large reviews suggest Reiki can significantly reduce anxiety, especially with shorter interventions or for people dealing with chronic health issues.
However, a major review (the gold standard Cochrane review) from 2015 said there wasn't enough high-quality research to say for sure if Reiki helps with anxiety or depression because the studies were too small.
Stress: Reiki is often seen as a stress reliever.
Studies, including one with healthcare workers during the intense period of the COVID-19 pandemic, suggest it can help reduce stress levels. The idea is that it might help activate your body's natural relaxation response.
Depression: Similar to anxiety, there are hints that Reiki might benefit people experiencing clinically significant depression.
Improving overall quality of life, which Reiki seems to do , can also help lift mood.
But, as with anxiety, the Cochrane review didn't find enough evidence to make a definitive statement.
It may improve your overall well-being. Beyond specific symptoms, research consistently points to Reiki having a positive effect on how good you feel overall and your quality of life.
It seems to help reduce that feeling of psychological distress and contribute to a better sense of well-being, especially for people dealing with illness or stress.
Now, let's talk about the placebo effect.
Could the benefits simply be because you expect to feel better or because of the caring interaction with the practitioner?
This is a key part of the scientific debate.
Researchers try to separate this out by using "sham" Reiki, where someone who isn't trained mimics the hand positions.
What's really interesting is that studies on animals and even bacteria have shown effects from Reiki compared to sham treatments, suggesting that maybe it's not just about psychological expectation.
So, while the traditional explanation involving energy transfer is hard for conventional science to grasp, a more accepted idea is that Reiki might work by helping to trigger your body's relaxation response.
Here's the cheat code:
Don't get hung up on the energy explanation if it doesn't make sense to you.
Focus on the outcomes the research is starting to show.
While the science is still catching up and needs more high-quality studies, the evidence we have suggests potential benefits for pain, anxiety, stress, and overall well-being.
What Does a Reiki Session Feel Like?
If you’ve never tried Reiki, you might wonder, “Will I feel anything?”
Most people say yes, but it’s not dramatic.
Here’s what you might notice:
Warmth or tingling where the hands are placed
A sense of deep calm
Sometimes, emotions bubble up-tears, laughter, or just a big sigh of relief
Some people feel nothing during the session, but sleep better or have less pain later
There’s no right or wrong reaction.
If you walk out feeling lighter, that’s a win.
Should You Try Reiki?
Let’s get practical.
You don’t want to waste time or money on something that doesn’t work.
So, who actually benefits from Reiki?
People with chronic pain who want extra relief
Anyone dealing with stress, anxiety, or trouble sleeping
Folks who just want to relax and recharge
And here’s the real-life advantage: Reiki is safe.
No side effects, no drug interactions, no risk of harm.
You can use it alongside your regular medical care - no need to choose one or the other.
How to Get the Most Out of Reiki (Insider Tip)
Here’s what most people don’t realize:
You can learn basic Reiki for self-care.
Many practitioners offer short courses
You can practice on yourself at home
Even a few minutes a day can help you feel calmer and more balanced
Think of it as a tool in your wellness toolbox.
You don’t have to believe in energy fields to get the benefits - just show up, relax, and see what happens.
Bottom Line: Is Reiki Worth It?
Reiki isn’t a cure at all, and it won’t replace your doctor.
But if you’re looking for a safe, gentle way to support your health-especially for stress, pain, or sleep-it’s a solid option.
The science isn’t perfect, but the risk is low and the potential upside is real.
Would you try something that might help you feel better, even if you’re not sure how it works?
That’s the real question.
And for many people, the answer is yes.
References
Costa, J. R. D., Marcon, S. S., Nitschke, R. G., Santo, F. H. D. E., Piexak, D. R., Oliveira, S. G., Goes, H. L. F., & Soto, P. J. L. (2022). Reiki for promotion of health and sleep quality in hospital nursing professionals. Revista brasileira de enfermagem, 75(5), e20210535. https://doi.org/10.1590/0034-7167-2021-0535
Demir Doğan M. (2018). The effect of reiki on pain: A meta-analysis. Complementary therapies in clinical practice, 31, 384–387. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctcp.2018.02.020
Joyce, J., & Herbison, G. P. (2015). Reiki for depression and anxiety. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (4).
Lee, M. S., Pittler, M. H., & Ernst, E. (2008). Effects of reiki in clinical practice: a systematic review of randomised clinical trials. International journal of clinical practice, 62(6), 947–954. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1742-1241.2008.01729.x
vanderVaart, S., Gijsen, V. M., de Wildt, S. N., & Koren, G. (2009). A systematic review of the therapeutic effects of Reiki. Journal of alternative and complementary medicine (New York, N.Y.), 15(11), 1157–1169. https://doi.org/10.1089/acm.2009.0036
Zadro S and Stapleton P (2022) Does Reiki Benefit Mental Health Symptoms Above Placebo? Front. Psychol. 13:897312. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.897312