Reiki

Systematic reviews

Lee et al.11 published a systematic review of 9 RCTs of Reiki as a treatment for any condition for which trial data were available. Most of these studies had serious methodological flaws. The authors concluded that “the evidence is insufficient to suggest that Reiki is an effective treatment for any condition”.

Clinical trials

Mansour et al.6 published a pilot study with 12 students and 4 breast cancer survivors. The aim was to design and test a placebo-Reiki intervention for future placebo-controlled trials in this area. The findings suggested that a placebo-controlled trial is feasible.

Olson et al.7 conducted a controlled clinical trial of Reiki for pain control among 24 cancer patients receiving opioids. The results suggested that regular Reiki treatments over 7 days reduced pain and improved quality of life. This small study failed to control for placebo-effects. Its results are therefore less than conclusive.

Potter8 published a feasibility study of Reiki for anxiety and depression among 32 women undergoing breast biopsies. They were randomized to receiving either a Reiki session or no such treatment prior to the biopsy. The results showed no inter-group difference in the primary endpoint, anxiety.

Tsang et al.9 tested the effectiveness of Reiki for alleviating cancer-fatigue in a crossover trial. Sixteen patients with various forms of cancer were randomised to receive Reiki or rest during 6 consecutive daily sessions. While having Reiki, the patients experienced less fatigue, improved quality of life, reduced pain and anxiety. This small pilot study did not control for placebo or other non-specific effects.

The most recent RCT10 tested Reiki versus relaxation therapy versus no such adjunctive treatments in 54 prostate cancer patients. No significant difference emerged between the three groups in terms of anxiety, the primary endpoint of this small pilot study. This small study also made no attempt to control for placebo or other non-specific effects.