
Does Reiki work on animals?
October 5, 2026Radiance Series: Dr. Natalie Dyer on Large Scale Research on Reiki with Reiki Women Podcast
In Episode 1 of the Reiki Women Podcast’s Radiance Series: Reiki in Clinical Settings, we speak with Dr. Natalie Dyer, neuroscientist, biofield therapy practitioner, teacher, and president and research director of the Center for Reiki Research. Dr. Dyer shares how her spiritual experiences and scientific training, including her work at Harvard’s mindfulness lab eventually led her toward researching the system of Reiki.
She explains the mission and growth of the Center for Reiki Research, its global community, research webinars, and annual online Reiki research conference.
We also explore findings from a large-scale 2019 effectiveness study of private Reiki sessions, including reported improvements in pain, anxiety, fatigue, and nausea. The conversation considers what participants experience during sessions, how those experiences may relate to outcomes, and what further research is needed.
Other topics include Reiki treatment access for underserved communities, hospital-based Reiki programs, volunteer burnout, reimbursement, cost-effectiveness, distance Reiki for rural populations, and how practitioners can become involved in research.
This conversation offers a thoughtful look at the current research landscape and the possibilities for bringing the system of Reiki into more accessible and sustainable clinical settings.
Watch here:
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About Dr. Natalie Dyer
Dr. Natalie Dyer, Ph.D., is a research scientist, neuroscientist, and shamanic energy healer dedicated to bridging scientific research and mystical experience. She earned her Ph.D. in Neuroscience from Queen’s University and completed postdoctoral fellowships in Psychology at Harvard University and Harvard Medical School. Natalie researches yoga, mindfulness, integrative healthcare, and Reiki’s potential role in supporting psychological and physical wellbeing. She is also the President and Research Director of the Center for Reiki Research, where she helps advance and share research on the system of Reiki. Alongside her scientific work, Natalie practices Japanese Usui Reiki and incorporates elements of North American, European, and Tibetan shamanism into her healing practice.
Learn more about Natalie: http://drnataliedyer.com
Instagram: @dr.natalie.dyer
About the Podcast
Reiki Women Podcast shares the voices of women-identified Reiki practitioners from around the world. Through stories of healing, lineage, and spiritual practice, we explore the culture and community of Reiki practice.
Join hosts Bronwen Logan, Carrie Varela, and Michaela Daystar as they reflect on the system of Reiki and the women who shape its path.
Meet the Hosts :
🌿 Bronwen Logan — @reikiwithbronwen
🌿 Carrie Varela — @reikihealingsociety
🌿 Michaela Daystar — @heartscapes.insight
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