Reiki is a complementary health approach in which a practitioner gently places their hands on or just above the body of the recipient, with the intention of supporting the body’s natural healing processes and reducing stress. The practice originated in Japan in the early 20th century and is attributed to Mikao Usui. It later spread to the West through his students Chujiro Hayashi and Hawayo Takata. Authoritative health sources describe Reiki as a non-invasive technique for relaxation and well-being. The proposed “energy transfer” mechanism, however, has not been scientifically proven.

How Reiki Is Given and Received

A typical session takes place in a calm setting. The recipient remains fully clothed and either lies down or sits comfortably, while the practitioner places their hands lightly on or just above specific areas of the body (such as the head, torso, and limbs) for several minutes at a time. Some traditions also include “distance Reiki,” in which the practitioner sends Reiki without being physically present. Reported experiences often include warmth, relaxation, and drowsiness.

How to Become a Reiki Practitioner

Training is usually divided into levels:
- Level I (Shoden): self-practice and treatment of close family/friends.
- Level II (Okuden): professional-level practice, including work with clients and distance Reiki.
- Master/Teacher (Shinpiden): advanced practice and the ability to teach others.

In some countries, such as the UK, national standards and voluntary registers exist (e.g., the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council, CNHC). Good practice typically requires at least Level II training and a program covering the national “core curriculum.” Globally, however, there is no unified regulation, so it’s advisable to check a practitioner’s education, supervised practice, professional memberships, and ethical guidelines.

Health Benefits: What Research Shows

Quality of Life (QoL)
A 2025 systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (11 studies, n=661) found a small but statistically significant effect of Reiki on quality of life (standardized mean difference SMD ≈ 0.28; 95% CI 0.01–0.56). The strongest results appeared with ≥8 sessions lasting ≥60 minutes or very short acute interventions of ≤20 minutes. Heterogeneity was moderate to high (I² ≈65%), so results should be interpreted with caution.

Pain and Anxiety
A 2014 review of RCTs concluded that Reiki may help reduce pain and anxiety, but the number of studies is small and many have methodological weaknesses; higher-quality RCTs are needed.

Earlier Evidence
A 2008 systematic review (9 RCTs) reported inconsistent findings, with issues such as small sample sizes and difficulties in blinding. It found no firm evidence of clinical effectiveness beyond placebo.

Bottom line: Current evidence suggests Reiki might support relaxation and improve subjective outcomes (stress, anxiety, pain, quality of life) in some people, especially as a complement to conventional care. Effects are generally small to moderate, results are inconsistent, and many studies have a high risk of bias. Thus, Reiki cannot yet be considered a proven therapy for specific medical conditions.

What Medicine Says About Reiki

The U.S. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH, NIH) states that there is no conclusive evidence that Reiki is effective for any specific health-related purpose. The concept of an “energy field” has not been scientifically validated. However, Reiki appears to be safe, with no harmful side effects reported, and may be useful as a complementary relaxation technique - but not as a substitute for proven medical treatment.

Similarly, Cancer Research UK emphasizes that Reiki should not be viewed as a treatment for or prevention of cancer. It may be used only as a supportive therapy, alongside but never in place of standard medical care.

Practical Safety Tips and Informed Choices

Do not replace medical consultation, diagnosis, or treatment with Reiki. Always discuss complementary practices with your healthcare provider, especially if you are pregnant, recovering from surgery, or managing chronic conditions.

Choosing a practitioner: Look for proper training (at least Level II for professional practice), clear informed consent, ethical codes, and - where available - voluntary registration or professional membership that aligns with established training standards.

Reiki is a century-old Japanese practice of “hands-on healing,” now widely used as a relaxation and wellness method. Clinical research suggests possible benefits for quality of life, pain, and anxiety, but results are mixed, effects are modest, and mechanisms remain unproven. As a complement to standard care, Reiki may help some people feel calmer and more supported. As a replacement for medical treatment, it is not recommended.