October 13, 2026
Reiki
Reiju: What We Know and What We Don’t Know
What Reiju means, how its transmission has evolved, and what we can —and cannot— say about its history, its effects and lineage in Reiki.
It is known that more than 20% of adults in the United States live with some form of mental illness, and access to effective treatments remains a challenge, especially in low-income populations. Integrative medicine seeks to complement conventional approaches with therapies that promote well-being in a holistic manner. In this context, Reiki, seen in the United States as a Japanese-origin bioenergetic therapy, has piqued the interest of the scientific community.
A recent study published in Global Advances in Integrative Medicine and Health evaluated the feasibility and effects of Reiki on patients with mental health diagnoses at a community clinic in Minnesota. The results are encouraging and open the door to new possibilities in complementary mental health treatment.
The main goal of the study was to determine the feasibility of incorporating Reiki into a mental health clinic for low-income individuals. Additionally, the study aimed to measure its impact on the emotional and physical symptoms of patients before and after receiving a session.
The research was conducted between July 2021 and May 2023 at the Zumbro Valley Health Center, where 91 patients with stable mental health diagnoses participated in Reiki sessions. Pre- and post-treatment surveys were used to measure variables such as anxiety, pain, fatigue, stress, sadness, agitation, happiness, energy, relaxation, and calm.
Two advanced-level Reiki masters provided sessions lasting up to 60 minutes. Patients could receive the treatment while sitting or lying down, with their eyes open or closed. Reiki was applied through light hand contact or by holding the hands 1 to 2 inches away from the body. The option of distance Reiki was also offered due to pandemic restrictions.
The findings were compelling: after just one Reiki session, patients experienced a significant reduction in pain, fatigue, anxiety, stress, sadness, and agitation. At the same time, there was an increase in happiness, energy, relaxation, and calm. Among the most common diagnoses of the participants were major depression (71%), post-traumatic stress disorder (47%), and generalized anxiety disorder (43%).
The study concluded that Reiki is not only a viable intervention within the clinical flow of a mental health consultation but also contributes to the emotional well-being of patients. Its implementation in clinical settings should continue to be explored to improve the quality of life for those suffering from mental health disorders.
This study reinforces the idea that Reiki can play an important role within integrative medicine. While it does not replace conventional treatments, it can be a valuable complementary tool. Reducing stress and promoting emotional balance can be key to the recovery and well-being of patients.
For those wishing to delve deeper into the research, the full study can be accessed through the following link: Effect of Reiki on Measures of Well-Being in Low-Income Patients with Mental Health Diagnoses.
The integration of practices such as Reiki into medical care continues to progress, offering hope to many people seeking a more holistic approach to their mental health. Science and tradition can walk hand in hand when the common goal is human well-being.
Do you want to learn Reiki? Find a course tailored to your needs here.
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