Research: Reiki Treatments Work! Well, we knew that :-)
September 27, 2025
Reiki Treatments Reduce Distress & Fatigue in Cancer Patients
University of Pennsylvania Integrative Oncology Program Evaluation
Researchers: Kimberly A. Fleisher, MEd • Elizabeth R. Mackenzie, PhD • Eitan S. Frankel, BA • Christina Seluzicki, BA • David Casarett, MD • Jun J. Mao, MD, MSCE
Integrative Cancer Therapies • 2013
Patient Satisfaction & Engagement
Liked Reiki
Found Helpful
Plan to Continue
Would Recommend
Pre & Post Reiki Session Symptom Scores
Measured on 0-10 scale (0=none, 10=extreme) • All changes P < .001
Key Findings
Greater than 50% reduction in distress, anxiety, depression, pain, and fatigue after a single Reiki session (P < .001 for all measures)
Study Methodology
Objective: To evaluate outcomes of an integrative Reiki volunteer program in an academic medical oncology center
Design: Mixed methods study with quantitative and qualitative analyses
Duration: February 1, 2010 to October 27, 2010
Setting: University of Pennsylvania cancer center – during chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or inpatient stays
Intervention: Reiki sessions by certified volunteers (10-30 minutes, personalized hand placements)
Measurement: Modified Distress Thermometer (validated tool) completed before and immediately after sessions
Program Model: All-volunteer staff of certified Reiki Masters or Reiki 2 practitioners
Statistical Analysis: Paired Student’s t-test for pre-post comparisons
Study Participants
Total Participants
213 first sessions
Total Sessions
305 evaluated
Gender Distribution
63.9% women
Session Length
10-30 minutes
Treatment Locations
Qualitative Findings: Patient Experience Themes
- Relaxation & Peace: Most commonly reported experience – “relaxed,” “calm,” “peaceful”
- Symptom Relief: Reduced anxiety, stress, fatigue, muscle tension, and pain
- Physiological Response: Lowered blood pressure and heart rate
- Sense of Connection: Connection with self, emotions, and spiritual well-being
- Positive Thinking: Enhanced sense of healing and body’s capacity to heal
- Freedom & Release: Emotional vulnerability and relief from diagnosis burden
You can find the original finding published here here written up by Elizabeth Mackenzie.
For more research graphs and blogs about the benefits and working of the system of Reiki click here.
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