Reiki for Pain Relief
Reiki for Pain Relief
Reiki is a gentle, non-invasive complementary therapy developed in Japan that works with the body's energy to promote relaxation and healing. Practitioners place their hands lightly on or above the body with the intention of supporting the flow of universal life energy. It's used alongside conventional care to manage stress, reduce pain, and promote relaxation (National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health [NCCIH], 2018). Reiki doesn't replace medical treatment but rather works with it.
How a Session Works
Sessions last 30 to 90 minutes, with the recipient lying down fully clothed. The practitioner moves through a sequence of hand positions to promote energetic balance. Important improvements were measured for all outcomes, including pain, tiredness, nausea, anxiety, depression, and overall well-being (Dyer et all 2019). Reiki is offered in hospitals, hospices, and wellness centers for complimenting treatment to conditions like chronic back pain, arthritis, fibromyalgia, cancer-related pain, and post-operative recovery.
Most recipients report a sense of calm and ease during and after sessions, along with reduced discomfort and improved mood.
What the Research Shows
The reported benefits are reflected in the research, and the evidence for Reiki as a pain management tool is growing.
A 2018 meta-analysis of four randomized controlled trials (212 participants total) found that Reiki produced a statistically significant reduction in pain scores on the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), meaning participants reported meaningfully less pain, not just a marginal shift in numbers (Demir Doğan, 2018).
A 2014 literature review calculated effect sizes across seven trials, showing meaningful benefits for pain and anxiety (Thrane & Cohen, 2014).
A 2019 effectiveness trial found significant improvements in pain, anxiety, depression, fatigue, and overall wellbeing following a single session (Dyer et al., 2019).
A 2025 systematic review and meta-analysis found significant improvements in quality of life following Reiki therapy. Subgroup analysis indicated that longer sessions were most effective for sustained outcomes (Liu et al., 2025).
A 2017 review of 13 controlled studies found that 8 of them demonstrated Reiki outperforming sham Reiki, suggesting benefits beyond relaxation or therapeutic touch (McManus, 2017).
Institutional Recognition
Mayo Clinic Press recognizes Reiki as part of integrative medicine, listing it alongside techniques used to support people through cancer treatment, including massage, acupuncture, and meditation. Major U.S. institutions including the Mayo Clinic's integrative oncology center, Cleveland Clinic, and New York Presbyterian Hospital have incorporated Reiki into their programs.
The agency's position reflects the general limitation of existing research: most studies are small, and placebo-controlled design is difficult given that Reiki involves touch.
Realistic Expectations and Safety
Reiki has an excellent safety profile. No negative effects have been reported in research studies, which is understandable given that no substance is ingested or applied to the skin, and Reiki touch is non-manipulative.
Results vary person to person. Some people feel a measurable shift after a single session; others find that cumulative sessions over time produce the most benefit. Research supports Reiki most strongly as a complement to other therapies, not as a standalone treatment.
If you're looking to try Reiki, seek practitioners with a Reiki certification such as Maren from Mandala Method Healing. Book your healing session here
Want to do Reiki at home or with clients? Check out the Reiki Level 1 Course!
References
Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). Reiki for cancer. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/departments/cancer/patient-education/reiki
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
Dyer, N. L., Baldwin, A. L., & Rand, W. L. (2019). A large-scale effectiveness trial of Reiki for physical and psychological health. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 25(12), 1156–1162. https://doi.org/10.1089/acm.2019.0022
Liu, K., Qin, Z., Qin, Y., Li, Y., Liu, Q., Gao, F., Zhang, P., & Wang, W. (2025). Effects of Reiki therapy on quality of life: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Systematic Reviews, 14(1), 72. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13643-025-02811-5
Mayo Clinic. (n.d.). Integrative medicine and health: Overview. https://www.mayoclinic.org/departments-centers/integrative-medicine-health/sections/overview/ovc-20464567
McManus, D. E. (2017). Reiki is better than placebo and has broad potential as a complementary health therapy. Journal of Evidence-Based Complementary & Alternative Medicine, 22(4), 1051–1057. https://doi.org/10.1177/2156587217728644
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. (2018). Reiki. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/reiki
Thrane, S., & Cohen, S. M. (2014). Effect of Reiki therapy on pain and anxiety in adults: An in-depth literature review of randomized trials with effect size calculations. Pain Management Nursing, 15(4), 897–908. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pmn.2013.07.008
Disclaimer
The content in this blog is for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for advice specific to your situation before starting any new treatment or wellness routine.This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I earn a small commission at no additional cost to you if you make a purchase through these links. As an affiliate, I only recommend products that I truly believe in from companies that I personally trust.