Reiki Cancer Research: Reiki Treatments Work! Well, we knew that :-)
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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.
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