Reiki During Chemo Relieves Some Symptoms, Study Finds

Reiki therapy can ease symptoms from chemotherapy, suggests a study published in The Journal of Pain and Symptom Management.

People who practice Reiki believe that everyone has energy that flows through the body, and Reiki balances that energy to prompt the body’s own healing response. During a Reiki session, a trained practitioner gently places their hands on or over your body. 

For the study, Reiki was given to 268 people with cancer during a chemotherapy infusion. They rated their pain and other symptoms before and after receiving 15 to 20 minutes of Reiki therapy.

After receiving Reiki, the people in the study had less pain, fatigue, anxiety, and nausea. The participants said that the Reiki therapy made them feel relaxed, and they wanted another session. They also reported feeling emotions like gratitude.

More research is needed to know how long the benefits of Reiki last after a session.

Science does not support the idea of a universal life force or energy healing. However, Reiki may still be helpful because of its relaxing nature.

Previous studies have also found that Reiki can improve symptoms from cancer and cancer treatment without causing new side effects. 

Sometimes people who receive Reiki report headaches, tiredness, weakness, or an upset stomach. People who believe in energy healing say that this is from the body releasing toxins.

Many cancer centers now offer Reiki. You can also find Reiki practitioners outside of your cancer treatment center.