Radiance Series: The Research Round Table with Reiki Women Podcast

In this Radiance: Reiki in Clinical Settings roundtable, Reiki researchers and contributors to the Reiki Women Podcast explore how Reiki is studied and integrated into healthcare. They discuss what pilot studies can reveal, why early findings must be interpreted carefully, and how pilot research can inform feasibility testing, larger randomized trials, effectiveness studies, and implementation research.

The conversation explores measurable outcomes such as pain, anxiety, blood pressure, and medication use, alongside qualitative and mixed-methods approaches that capture lived experience. The guests also discuss possible mechanisms, the debate around “sham Reiki” and control groups, the challenge of separating touch, attention, and practitioner factors, research funding, reporting standards, responsible communication of findings, and the role of women in Reiki research.

NOTE: We regret in this conversation that we didn’t appropriately cite Dr. Ann Baldwin as a co-researcher of the 2019 A Large-Scale Effectiveness Trial of Reiki for Physical and Psychological Health with 1411 participants. This is the largest Reiki study conducted to date. Thank you Dr. Baldwin AND Dr. Dyer for this impressive study.

Watch here:

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✨ ABOUT THE GUESTS

Dr. Natalie Dyer, Ph.D., is a research scientist, neuroscientist, and shamanic energy healer who bridges 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. Her research includes yoga, mindfulness, integrative healthcare, and Reiki’s potential role in psychological and physical wellbeing. She is President and Research Director of the Center for Reiki Research, practices Japanese Usui Reiki, and incorporates North American, European, and Tibetan shamanism into her healing practice.

Learn more: http://drnataliedyer.com / Instagram: @dr.natalie.dyer

Dr. Ann Baldwin is a Research Professor of Physiology and Psychology at the University of Arizona and director of Mind-Body-Science. With academic degrees in Physics, Radiation Physics, and Physiology, she brings a strong scientific background to the study of stress, wellbeing, and mind-body practices. Her research explores stress and healthier stress responses, and she has investigated the effects of the system of Reiki on cardiac function, peripheral blood flow, and heart rate variability in humans and animals. She has published more than 110 peer-reviewed scientific articles, contributed to research funded by organizations including the NIH and NSF, and authored *Reiki in Clinical Practice: A Science-Based Guide*.

Learn more: http://www.mind-body-science.com/

Akleema Ali is a Reiki Master Teacher and founder of The Reiki Lighthouse in Trinidad & Tobago. She has been a health and wellness writer for 20 years, publishing on mental health, depression, meditation, Reiki techniques, and Reiki research. She began working with the Center for Reiki Research in 2021 and has been serving on its Board for the past two years. She is passionate about supporting research that deepens understanding of Reiki, fosters greater acceptance within integrative healthcare, and builds bridges between practitioners, researchers, and the wider healing community.

Dr. Elisenda Cana is a dedicated Reiki practitioner who began her journey in 2023 and has embraced daily practice ever since. She first studied Reiki in Spain and later deepened her understanding by training in Japan with a monk master. With a background in pharmacy and a PhD in Global Health, she brings scientific and holistic perspectives to exploring Reiki and its potential benefits for health and wellbeing.

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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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