Reiki and stress: how this healing art from Japan can help you

Whether you are just looking for ways to improve your well-being, or you’ve already heard of Reiki, we can all use more balance and healing in our lives. I am here to tell you how this energy-centered practice can help.

Reiki in Japanese means life energy, or spiritual energy, and was originally created in Japan in the 1900s. It has now spread all across the world becoming accessible to many. Currently many have received Reiki as a complementary therapy for serious diseases like cancer and coronary artery disease to find pain relief and increase their quality of life. However, Reiki can be used for general well-being, as well as for stress reduction and emotional healing.

The physical body is something that we can all see, feel, and even hear. It is what we live in and interact with every day. However emotions, stress, and pain are also things we all feel and see, but the energy behind them not all of us can see – although we all feel the impact.

This is where Reiki comes in – a holistic practice that attempts to bridge the gaps wherever the origin of your needs. 

What exactly is Reiki?

Originating almost 100 years ago in Japan, the Japanese word Reiki which means life energy or spiritual energy was turned into a practice and technique.

Centred on this life energy and understanding of ki “chi”, the practice understands balance and energy, provides relaxation and can help with pain and promote healing. 

It is believed when our energy is disturbed whether in the case of everyday stressors, a disease, or our past, our life energy is disturbed, or our ki. 

Our ki is accessible to Reiki practitioners – whether it be you practising Reiki on yourself or a practitioner – through energy. 

Why Reiki?

• Safe
• Holistic
• Natural
• Non-invasive
• Can be self-practiced
• Tailored to your needs and unique circumstance
• Relatively short sessions to feel improvements

Current uses of Reiki in healthcare 

While Reiki is not universally used by all healthcare systems and practices, there has been a growing number of hospitals and healthcare systems promoting Reiki. The increase in hospitals promoting Reiki is probably due to an increase in preliminary data and research suggesting Reiki can provide wellness, pain relief, and mental health benefits, among other positive outcomes.

Various healthcare settings where Reiki is provided:

• Integrative Medicine Service at Memorial Sloan Kettering’s Cancer Center for pain relief and symptom management
• Hospice and Palliative Care
• New York Presbyterian for patients having surgery  and for patients experiencing high levels of stress

While this is not meant to be a comprehensive list, this list does show that many hospitals are providing Reiki or referring their patients to Reiki as complementary care. Many patients with different conditions and scenarios find success in managing their stress, well-being, and pain that are associated with their acute symptoms as well as chronic symptoms such as neuromuscular pain. 

This gives credence to the idea that Reiki is a versatile practice which can provide a whole host of benefits to people in different situations, including stress relief, general well-being, and mental health.

Evidence supporting Reiki:

The current research suggests some positive evidence that Reiki can provide results in pain, symptom and stress management.

In a 2007 crossover clinical trial, it was found that participants in both the rest group (who had scheduled rest throughout the week) and the Reiki group who had consecutive sessions experienced a reduction in cancer-related fatigue. Patients had a variety of cancers, with colorectal being the most common diagnosis and a median age of 59 years old. The Reiki group also experienced significant improvement in their quality of life as provided by the study questionnaire.

A blind, controlled study involving 46 patients undergoing knee replacement surgery found positive effects on pain, anxiety, and blood pressure. Out of the three groups, which included a standard of care group and a Sham Reiki group where patients received an inauthentic version of Reiki, the Reiki group had the largest reduction in pain, blood pressure, and anxiety, suggesting Reiki can be used to improve anxiety and pain.

Other studies can be found showing positive or mixed results in medical conditions and in general use of Reiki. As Reiki is currently growing in use, the question can be asked if the positive effects of Reiki are placebo. Simply put, are the results due to the person believing they felt better while their symptoms suggested they actually did not find relief? 

A study review from 2022 examined this question by conducting a systematic review of randomized clinical trials, specifically, in the mental health of adults and Reiki. The study suggested Reiki may be better than placebo in some areas of mental health, including in coping, anxiety, and depression symptoms. Additionally, a similar study specifically in a university environment following 89 participants found significant improvements in perceived stress levels among those who received Reiki.

These studies represent just a sample of the research conducted on Reiki and its effects on stress. While more research is needed to fully understand Reiki's mechanisms and efficacy in stress management, these studies provide preliminary evidence suggesting its potential benefits in reducing stress, anxiety, and promoting overall well-being.

How Reiki affects stress and the autonomic nervous system

So how might Reiki affect the nervous system, stress, hormones, and your overall well-being and mental health? As the research is currently still undergoing and evolving, more rigorous research is needed to conclude definitively. However, it is likely that the mechanisms leading to improvements involve the autonomic nervous system.

Specifically, the opposing parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems regulate mechanisms involving the body's “resting and digesting” and “fight or flight” systems respectively. 

One proposed mechanism proposes that Reiki may activate the parasympathetic branch, also known as the "rest and digest" system, while simultaneously inhibiting the sympathetic branch, responsible for the "fight or flight" response. By promoting this shift towards parasympathetic dominance, Reiki sessions may induce deep relaxation, reduce physiological arousal, and counteract the effects of chronic stress on the body.

Stress is a complex physiological and psychological response to various environmental, social, and internal stimuli. Reiki is believed to work not only through the autonomic nervous system but through various other mechanisms that are psychological, such as through physical touch, amongst other possible mechanisms. It is likely there are multiple mechanisms working in tandem.

Additionally, Reiki's effects on energy flow and balance within the body, as well as its potential to release emotional blockages, may contribute to its stress-relieving effects. Through these various mechanisms, Reiki has the potential to support individuals in managing stress and enhancing their overall well-being.

Reiki practitioners and Reiki sessions

Before we speak about how a typical Reiki session may undergo and what you might experience. It’s important to note there are different kinds of Reiki practitioners who have differing levels of masteries – level 1 all the way up to level 4. Generally speaking, level 1 practitioners learn the basics of Reiki, including its practices, history,  principles, and hand positions for self-healing and treating others (only family and friends). This might be a place to start if you want to practice Reiki as part of something you can do at home for self-wellness. 

However, to receive Reiki professionally you will want someone who is at least a level 2 Reiki practitioner (Okuden). Reiki mastery goes up to level 4, which is a master who can teach others and has received the highest level of certification. Please make sure when going to a Reiki practitioner that they are at least a level 2 practitioner.

Typically a classic Reiki session is conducted anywhere from 45 minutes to 90 minutes if done with a practitioner, varying based on your needs and your Reiki practitioner (shorter 10-20 minute sessions are also sometimes done and you can begin with 10-20 minute sessions on yourself).

The person receiving the Reiki may lay down or sit and remain clothed. The practitioner will with consent place their hands on the main energy centers of the body through the course of the session. Common energy centres include the crown chakra located at the top of the head and the throat chakra located at the throat.

In the duration of the session, the practitioner will transmit and transmute energy through these energy points and chakras via their palms and hands, with possible emphasis on chakra points pertinent to you.

Often people feel:

• Tingling sensations
• Warmth
• Calm
• Cold
• Hope
• Relaxation
• Sometimes nothing at all

Deeper possible effects of Reiki on emotions

Reiki is often believed to address emotional blocks, which are thought to manifest as stagnant or blocked energy within the body's energy system. 

According to Reiki philosophy, emotional blocks can arise from past traumas, negative experiences, or unresolved emotions that become stored in the body and disrupt the flow of life force energy (ki or chi). During a Reiki session, practitioners channel healing energy to the recipient, aiming to dissolve these emotional blocks and restore energetic balance. The gentle touch and intention behind Reiki may help individuals release pent-up emotions, process unresolved feelings, and cultivate a greater sense of emotional well-being.

Through the relaxation and inner awareness facilitated by Reiki, recipients may experience emotional catharsis, clarity, and a renewed sense of emotional equilibrium. While the scientific understanding of Reiki's effects on emotional blocks is still evolving, many individuals report subjective benefits, such as emotional release, relaxation, and a greater sense of inner peace, following Reiki sessions.

It should also be noted, that if Reiki doesn’t work right away, you may want to try at least a few sessions, typically three are suggested, and you may find relief with another practitioner, or go to a practitioner if you are trying self-reiki.

How Reiki can fit into your life now

Reiki is a great addition to your wellness exercise toolkit, which can help you prepare for the next day, centre yourself after a long day, or look even deeper for healing depending on how you approach Reiki.

Reiki also seems to be a great addition or complement to conventional medical interventions such as chemotherapy for cancer and such for pain management, although not a replacement for conventional treatment. 

Additionally, Reiki can also help with emotional wounds and energy shifts someone may need to make from their past or current stress and trauma. 

Whether you decide to seek Reiki with a trained practitioner, or try self-reiki, it should be noted that if you have a serious medical condition, Reiki should be seen as a complementary therapy, not as a curative measure, and you should consult your physician in these cases, not just a Reiki practitioner.

FAQs

Can you do Reiki alongside other forms of therapy?

Yes.

Can you perform Reiki on yourself?

Yes, and it can be a great form of stress relief and form of self-care that’s accessible from your own home.

Can you receive Reiki from someone?

Yes, there are many practitioners who are formally trained, and typical sessions can range in price and time.

Is Reiki covered by insurance?

In most cases it is not. However, the price range does vary depending on the practitioner – and it’s always possible for you too.

Is Reiki scientifically proven to work?

The research is undergoing and evolving, but there are studies suggesting positive effects and hospitals providing Reiki as an alternative or complementary therapy.

Summary

Reiki is Holistic. It isn’t just about the mental, or just about the physical, but both, and an overall restoration and improvement to you. And as we know, often the mental and physical are linked. 

While the scientific understanding of Reiki's effects on emotional blocks is still evolving, many individuals report subjective benefits, such as emotional release, relaxation, and a greater sense of inner peace, following Reiki sessions.

As the philosophy of Reiki is grounded in holistic medicine and thought, it is imperative to continue that tradition and also integrate other scientific -backed therapies such as the ones your doctor may suggest if you have a serious medical or mental condition. A balanced approach is key, and Reiki is possibly a powerful tool and philosophy that can be the missing key or complement to your current care regimen.