A study conducted at University Hospitals Connor Whole Health between 2022 and 2024 sheds light on the profound impact of Reiki therapy in managing pain, fatigue, and anxiety in cancer outpatients. Published in the Journal of Pain and Symptom Management, this research highlights Reiki’s potential as a complementary therapy in clinical settings, particularly for patients undergoing infusion treatments such as chemotherapy.
What the Study Revealed
The retrospective review, conducted between March 2022 and February 2024, evaluated 392 Reiki sessions provided to 268 cancer outpatients at two infusion centers. Participants received 15- to 20-minute Reiki sessions during their treatments, with trained practitioners aiming to induce relaxation and healing responses by placing their hands on or slightly above the patient’s body.
Before and after each session, patients completed the Edmonton Symptom Assessment System (ESAS) to measure pain, fatigue, anxiety, nausea, and overall well-being. The results were remarkable, showing clinically significant improvements across all symptoms:
- Pain: Average reduction of 1.78 points.
- Fatigue: Reduction of 1.33 points.
- Anxiety: Reduction of 2.09 points.
- Nausea: Reduction of 2.30 points.
- Well-being: Improvement of 1.37 points.
These findings highlight Reiki’s ability to provide short-term relief for some of the most challenging symptoms faced by cancer patients.
Patient Feedback and Satisfaction
The study also gathered qualitative feedback from participants, who reported experiencing profound relaxation, emotional release, and a sense of gratitude during their Reiki sessions. Many patients expressed a desire for additional sessions, reflecting high levels of satisfaction with the therapy. This positive reception underscores the acceptance of Reiki as part of integrative cancer care.
A Step Towards Whole-Person Care
Francoise Adan, MD, Chief of Whole Health and Well-being at University Hospitals, emphasized the importance of integrative approaches in healthcare: “This study provides valuable insights into the effects Reiki can have on our patients.” The research aligns with the mission of UH Connor Whole Health to provide whole-person care, ensuring that patients’ physical, emotional, and spiritual needs are addressed.
Future Directions
While this study demonstrates the short-term benefits of Reiki, further research is needed to explore its long-term impact and expand its availability to more healthcare settings. By continuing to prioritize integrative therapies, healthcare providers can offer a more holistic approach to patient care.
Why This Matters
For cancer patients, managing symptoms like pain, fatigue, and anxiety can significantly improve quality of life. This study not only validates the therapeutic potential of Reiki but also reinforces its role as a valuable complement to conventional medical treatments. By integrating practices like Reiki into clinical settings, we move closer to a healthcare model that treats the whole person, not just the disease.
Reiki therapy offers a beacon of hope for patients facing the challenges of cancer treatment. If you’re interested in exploring Reiki or incorporating it into your healthcare journey, visit us and discover how it can support your well-being.
Jordi Ibern
