Below is an annotated bibliography concerning the complementary and alternative medicine treatment of Reiki. This therapy is explained as one person, the Reiki practitioner, channeling a form of energy that they then transfer to another person to aid with healing (Freeman, 2009).
This article begins with the explanation that fibromyalgia is a disease that causes chronic pain and physical, muscular tenderness (Assefi, Bogart, Goldberg, & Buchwald, 2008). The authors then give a background concerning Reiki, and then further explain that their hypothesis, based on the results of previous studies, was that Reiki would be an effective treatment for the chronic pain related to fibromyalgia (Assefi, et al, 2008).
The researchers’ chosen method was to recruit 100 participants and then randomize them into four groups. One group employed the touch-version of Reiki, a second group used the distance form of Reiki, the third group used sham touch Reiki, and the fourth group used sham, distance Reiki (Assefi, et al, 2008). The treatments were conducted twice a week for 8 weeks (Assefi, et al, 2008).
This study found that the Reiki participants, whether participating in the touch group or the distance group, did not see any significant positive influence from either treatment (Assefi, et al, 2008). This study, according to the authors, may be the first one to accurately test Reiki for chronic pain treatment (Assefi, et al, 2008).
This study may be an excellent example of the fact that the Reiki treatment is reliant on the skill of the practitioners (Assefi, et al, 2008). Although those who led the treatment in this study were considered Reiki masters, there is still a level of individual skill that needs to be recognized. In essence, part of the evaluation is of these studies is an evaluation of the actual Reiki master or masters as well (Assefi, et al, 2008).
Bowden, D., Goddard, L., & Gruzelier. (2010). Research report: A randomised controlled single-blind trial of the effects of Reiki and positive imagery on well-being and salivary cortisol. Brain Research Bulletin, 81, 66-72. doi:10.1016/j.brainresbull.2009.10.002
The authors of this study hypothesized that people who participated in Reiki would see a reduction in stress related indicators, and would therefore notice an improved overall wellbeing. Additionally, the researchers tested their arrangement for a fully blind test group (Bowden, Goddard, & Gruzelier, 2010).
The study was conducted by recruiting 35 psychology undergraduates. These participants were then divided into groups who received either self-hypnosis relaxation training with visualized immune function, self-hypnosis with verbal instructions concerning immune function, or verbal instructions without self-hypnosis but focusing on deep relaxation. Within each of these groups the researchers developed two sub-groups. One group received Reiki and one did not (Bowden, et al, 2010). By doing so, the researchers effectively removed as many outside influences on the results concerning Reiki.
The authors found that those who participated in the Reiki groups recorded slight improvements in their rate of illness compared to those who did not participate in the Reiki groups (Bowden, et al, 2010). More significantly, the Reiki participants recorded noticeable improvements in stress reduction (Bowden, et al, 2010).
The approach that the researchers took in this study was very thorough in that they ensured that the results purely reflected the effectiveness of Reiki. The study also highlighted the possibility of Reiki being used to help with stress and overall wellness to a level seen in a physical, biological response (Bowden, et al, 2010).
The authors of this study originally sought to understand if Reiki therapy specifically helped chemotherapy patients with their overall comfort and wellbeing (Catlin, & Taylor-Ford, 2011). However, what their study discover was that the treatment that provided the greatest comfort was more dependent upon regular, meaningful patient interaction with the nursing staff (Catlin, & Taylor-Ford, 2011).
The research was accomplished using a double-blind study made up of three different groups (Catlin, & Taylor-Ford, 2011). The researchers recruited 189 participants in order to ensure they had a large enough population for all three groups. The participants were allotted to these three groups and received standard care treatment, sham-Reiki, or authentic Reiki treatment (Catlin, & Taylor-Ford, 2011).
The researchers found that the results indicated that the sham-Reiki gave similar or even better results than the actual Reiki (Catlin, & Taylor-Ford, 2011). The authors theorize that this may be due to the placebo effect, but also the personal interaction with caring nurses (Catlin, & Taylor-Ford, 2011). They also took steps to ensure that energy transfer was not happening by accident in the sham-Reiki (Catlin, & Taylor-Ford, 2011).
This is a very well done study in that they demonstrated the power of human influence. Although not a strong demonstrator of Reiki, there is honest value in these results. Further research may demonstrate that the power of Reiki is based more in relationships and personal support instead of purely methods.
In this study the researchers hypothesized that Reiki would produce a positive result when treating nurses who were experiencing burnout syndrome (BS) (Diaz-Rodríguez, Arroyo-Morales, Cantarero-Villanueva, Férnandez-Lao, Polley, & Fernández-de-las-Peñas, 2011). Part of this hypothesis included the recognition that BS can be evaluated through physical response such as higher blood pressure and salivary biological makeup, and therefore the researchers should be able to see any results through these same indicators (Diaz-Rodríguez, et al, 2011).
The methodology of the study involved the recruiting of 18 female nurses who had all been diagnosed with BS (Diaz-Rodríguez, et al, 2011). The researchers then divided the participants into two groups and gathered baseline readings for saliva and blood pressure. One group then received a Reiki treatment while the other group received a placebo treatment (Diaz-Rodríguez, et al, 2011).
The authors found that a single Reiki treatment showed a significant improvement in blood pressure as well as salivary stress indicators (Diaz-Rodríguez, 2011). The researchers further hypothesize that if these nurses were to receive more training, and continue with the treatment that they would see even greater results (Diaz-Rodríguez, et al, 2011).
Although this sample group was small, this study is still significant in that the researchers were able to record these results with only one treatment. It is also significant that these positive results were substantiated through measureable physical responses.
This article highlights the fact that much of the established medical community is attempting to understand Reiki at the same time that their patients are asking questions about the treatment (Ferraresi, Clari, Moro, Banino, Boero, Crosio, Dayne, Rosset, Scarpa, Serra, Surace, Testore, Colombi, & Piccoli, 2013). This review seeks to present the evidence from several studies that seem to show a possibility that Reiki would be an effective treatment for dialysis related issues and pain (Ferraresi, et al, 2013).
The methodology of the authors was to highlight six, specific reviews and trials (Ferraresi, et al, 2013). The authors noted that 4 of the 6 research articles recognized significant improvements for the Reiki groups. Curiously, even with this evidence from their own research, the authors conclude that Reiki should only be applied sparingly, but that further research needs to be conducted (Ferraresi, et al, 2013).
It would appear to this author that the writers of this article are still hesitant to recommend a treatment option that they do not fully understand. It is significant to note that the evidence speaks for itself in that the authors found, in most studies, statistically significant results yet they choose to either dismiss these results as low-grade or irrelevant to the quality of life for the patient (Ferraresi, et al, 2013). This may though, be yet another review that demonstrates the “complementary” side of complementary and alternative medicine. The results would seem to show that Reiki has a place as an authentic option in dialysis care.
The researchers in this study hypothesized, based on previous research, that Reiki would help pediatric patients deal more effectively with pain related to oral surgery (Kundu, Lin, Oron, & Doorenbos, 2013). They tested this hypothesis with 38 children participating in a double-blind, randomized controlled study (Kundu, et al, 2013).
A choice that this author found very curious is that the study was done with the Reiki given prior to the surgery, and that was the only Reiki treatment shared. In other words, this was really more of a study to see if Reiki could be applied as a pre-emptive strike against postoperative pain (Kundu, et al, 2013). The researchers’ method for this was to divide the participants into two groups, with 19 in each group, who were then treated with either authentic Reiki, or sham Reiki.
The conclusion that the authors determined was that a single, pre-operative treatment was Reiki is not effective in lessening post-operative pain, at least for pediatric patients. They did also recognize that it is possible to do a double-blind randomized controlled study with Reiki (Kundu, et al, 2013).
As previously noted, this author believes that what this study really highlights is that Reiki may not be effective as a pre-emptive treatment for post-operative pain. It is also significant to note that this study was focused on one treatment session that was accomplished right before the surgery was set to take place. No additional Reiki treatment was offered post-operative (Kundu, et al, 2013).
Morse, M., & Beem, L. (2011). Benefits of Reiki therapy for a severely neutropenic patient with associated influences on a true random number generator. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine (New York, N.Y.), 17(12), 1181-1190. doi:10.1089/acm.2010.0238
In this study the authors initially shared up front that they feel that Reiki, on its own, is now considered a proven treatment for pain and stress (Morse, & Beem, 2011). Therefore, the intent of this study is to see if a Random Number Generator (RNG) would recognize any changes in the patient, as the treatment was ongoing (Morse, & Beem, 2011).
The researchers worked specifically with one patient who was suffering from Hepatitis C types 1 and 2, and a host of other diseases (Morse, & Beem, 2011). The key point for this particular patient was that his body had not responded well to conventional treatment (Morse, & Beem, 2011).
The patient received Reiki treatment in a community environment as well as one-on-one sessions (Morse, & Beem, 2011). Prior to beginning the Reiki sessions the patient was only given a 5% chance of healing, following the sessions his health had improved enough to be able to participate in other treatment options. A year after the treatment he is still free of the virus (Morse, & Beem, 2011). The researchers concluded that in the case of this patient, it was the Reiki treatment that allowed him to be able to heal, and fully recover (Morse, & Beem, 2011).
Although this study only involved one patient, the authors did an excellent job of confirming the actual energy transfer that was taking place, and noting the recovery in the patient. Of special interest is the fact that this patient was not responding to conventional treatment, and yet Reiki helped his body to take advantage of this care. This is truly the definition of complementary medical care (Morse, & Beem, 2011).
O'Mathúna, D. P. (2011). Reiki for Psychological Outcomes and Pain Relief. Alternative Medicine Alert, 14(9), 98-101. This article starts out with a general explanation of Reiki including some of the concepts behind the practice. The primary focus, or hypothesis, of this article is to present a review of different studies that had been completed demonstrating the effectiveness of Reiki treatment especially in the realms of psychological and pain issues (O'Mathúna, 2011).
The author’s methodology was to highlight several studies conducted using Reiki. Many of the studies cited found no significant difference between Reiki groups and those who received no treatment (O'Mathúna, 2011). Other studies cited showed that Reiki, both locally and over distance, showed significant results. These studies were conducted in the realms of depression, anxiety, overall emotional wellbeing, and pain relief (O'Mathúna, 2011). Curiously, the studies reviewing pain relief noticed the greater results. However, the nature of many of these studies was that the results were based on the perception of the patients (O'Mathúna, 2011).
The author notes that these studies are still very limited. However, the author pointed out that it appears as though Reiki may be more effective at treating pain and some related issues, when compared to the application of Reiki for emotional and psychological treatments (O'Mathúna, 2011).
The author does an excellent job of compiling information from a number of studies, and providing an overview of their results. He also gives sound recommendations at the end of the article in which he encourages doctors to inform potential Reiki patients concerning the limited amount of evidence for the effectiveness of Reiki. Therefore, Reiki should not be the patient’s only treatment choice.
Townsend, J. (2013).
Temari Reiki: A new hands-off approach to traditional Reiki. International Journal of Nursing Practice, 1934-38. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/ijn.12042/full This article includes an introduction and overview of Reiki as a treatment for wellbeing and healthcare. The author points out that traditional Reiki typically involves a physical touch on the part of the practitioner in order to share their own personal energy. This paper highlights a more recent form of Reiki, entitled Temari, which does not include any type of touch. The author feels that this is a superior form of Reiki (Townsend, 2013).
The authors’ hypothesis is based on a methodology formed through her personal experience and has demonstrated to her that Temari Reiki is a more focused form of Reiki in that she is able to direct energy specifically to the areas that the client is most concerned about, usually due to injury or illness. Her clients have stated that they sensed the focused energy accelerated the healing process (Townsend, 2013).
Since this article is basically a review and survey, the author mostly describes her own personal experiences, and shares some vignettes from some of her patients. One key point to her conclusion concerning the superiority of Temari Reiki is that this form of Reiki focuses on accessing the chakras, or energy points or centers of the body, instead of physical touch (Townsend, 2013). This seems to be the more significant highlight from the survey. The author feels that she has possibly uncovered the location of two new chakras that she has been able to manipulate successfully for her patients.
This survey gives a good, general definition of Reiki, and especially Temari Reiki. However, the level of verified data is somewhat lacking. To be fair, it should be noted that the author recognizes this fact and states the need for more research to be accomplished.
vanderVaart, S., Berger, H., Tam, C., Goh, Y., Gijsen, V. J., de Wildt, S. N., Taddio, A., &Koren, G. (2011). The effect of distant reiki on pain in women after elective Caesarean section: a double-blinded randomised controlled trial. BMJ Open, 1(1), 1.
The authors of this study begin with an explanation of Caesarean section (C-section) deliveries, as well as the recognition that opioid pain medications are transferred to infants within breast milk (vanderVaart, Berger, Tam, Goh, Gijsen, de Wildt, Taddio, & Koren, 2011). The researchers also highlight the fact that Reiki has been demonstrated to be effective against pain in other studies (vanderVaart, et al, 2011).
The hypothesis for this trial was that distance Reiki would also prove to be effective against the pain of recovery from a C-section (vanderVaart, et al, 2011). They also desired to ensure that they were using an effective double-blind trial arrangement for this study (vanderVaart, et al, 2011).
The participants were recruited over the course of a 7-month period. There were a total of 80 participants with 40 included in the group that received Reiki, and 40 in the control group (vanderVaart, et al, 2011). Those receiving the distance Reiki were given their first treatment no less than 30 minutes prior to their surgery. They also received a distance Reiki treatment in the morning of the following two days, for a total of three Reiki treatments. Each treatment lasted for approximately 20 minutes (vanderVaart, et al, 2011).
The researchers found that there was no noticeable difference for the participants who received distance Reiki when compared to the control group (vanderVaart, et al, 2011). The researchers noted that their results are contrary to other Reiki studies. Some of the limitations of this study may be significant in that the authors used only one Reiki master, and only three brief treatments, using only the distance version of Reiki (vanderVaart, et al, 2011). In evaluation, these limitations may be the best indicator for the possible use of these results. Each study reviewing Reiki must recognize how their limitations directly influence their results.
References
Assefi, N., Bogart, A., Goldberg, J., & Buchwald, D. (2008). Reiki for the treatment of fibromyalgia: a randomized controlled trial. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine (New York, N.Y.), 14(9), 1115-1122. doi:10.1089/acm.2008.0068 http://ehis.ebscohost.com/eds/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?sid=3183ee15-0d6a-49b4-851d-aae5a0cfab82%40sessionmgr115&vid=5&hid=4108
Bowden, D., Goddard, L., & Gruzelier. (2010). Research report: A randomised controlled single-blind trial of the effects of Reiki and positive imagery on well-being and salivary cortisol. Brain Research Bulletin, 81, 66-72. doi:10.1016/j.brainresbull.2009.10.002 http://www.sciencedirect.com.proxy1.ncu.edu/science/article/pii/S0361923009003177
Catlin, A., & Taylor-Ford, R. (2011). Investigation of standard care versus sham Reiki placebo versus actual Reiki therapy to enhance comfort and well-being in a chemotherapy infusion center. Oncology Nursing Forum, 38(3), 212-220. http://xt6nc6eu9q.search.serialssolutions.com/?genre=article&atitle=Investigation+of+Standard+Care+Versus+Sham+Reiki+Placebo+Versus+Actual+Reiki+Therapy+to+Enhance+Comfort+and+WellBeing+in+a+Chemotherapy+Infusion+Center.&title=Oncology+Nursing+Forum&issn=0190535X&isbn=&volume=38&issue=3&date=20110501&aulast=Catlin%2c+Anita&spage=E212&pages=&rft.sid=EBSCO:Academic+Search+Index:60297902
Diaz-Rodríguez, L., Arroyo-Morales, M., Cantarero-Villanueva, I., Férnandez-Lao, C., Polley, M., & Fernández-de-las-Peñas, C. (2011). The application of Reiki in nurses diagnosed with Burnout Syndrome has beneficial effects on concentration of salivary IgA and blood pressure. Revista Latino-Americana de Enfermagem (RLAE), 19(5), 1132-1138. http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S010411692011000500010&lng=en&nrm=iso&tlng=en
Ferraresi, M., Clari, R., Moro, I., Banino, E., Boero, E., Crosio, A., Dayne, R., Rosset, L., Scarpa, A., Serra, E., Surace, A., Testore, A., Colombi, N., & Piccoli, B. (2013). Reiki and related therapies in the dialysis ward: an evidence-based and ethical discussion to debate if these complementary and alternative medicines are welcomed or banned. BMC Nephrology, 14(129). doi:10.1186/1471-2369-14-129 http://ehis.ebscohost.com/eds/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?sid=caac4f06-6a07-42ee-b780-43910a72c50a%40sessionmgr114&vid=7&hid=104
Freeman, L.W. (2009) Mosby's complementary & alternative medicine: A research-based approach. (3rd ed). St. Louis, MO: Mosby.
Kundu, A., Lin, Y., Oron, A., & Doorenbos, A. (2013). Reiki therapy for postoperative oral pain in pediatric patients: Pilot data from a double-blind, randomized clinical trial, Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 1744-3881, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ctcp.2013.10.010. http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1744388113000881
Morse, M., & Beem, L. (2011). Benefits of Reiki therapy for a severely neutropenic patient with associated influences on a true random number generator. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine (New York, N.Y.), 17(12), 1181-1190. doi:10.1089/acm.2010.0238 http://ehis.ebscohost.com/eds/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?sid=69b21aa6-15b7-4e9b-b0aa-b5f5881b71c1%40sessionmgr4003&vid=4&hid=104
O'Mathúna, D. P. (2011). Reiki for Psychological Outcomes and Pain Relief. Alternative Medicine Alert, 14(9), 98-101. http://ehis.ebscohost.com/eds/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?sid=caac4f06-6a07-42ee-b780-43910a72c50a%40sessionmgr114&vid=7&hid=104
Townsend, J. (2013). Temari Reiki: A new hands-off approach to traditional Reiki. International Journal of Nursing Practice, 19, 34-38. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/ijn.12042/full
vanderVaart, S., Berger, H., Tam, C., Goh, Y., Gijsen, V. J., de Wildt, S. N., Taddio, A., & Koren, G. (2011). The effect of distant reiki on pain in women after elective Caesarean section: a double-blinded randomised controlled trial. BMJ Open, 1(1), 1. doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2010-000021 http://xt6nc6eu9q.search.serialssolutions.com/?ID=DOI:10.1136%2fbmjopen-2010-000021&genre=article&atitle=The+effect+of+distant+reiki+on+pain+in+women+after+elective+Caesarean+section%3a+a+double-blinded+randomised+controlled+trial.&title=BMJ+Open&issn=20446055&isbn=&volume=1&issue=1&date=20110901&aulast=vanderVaart%2c+Sondra&spage=1&pages=1-9&rft.sid=EBSCO:Publisher+Provided+Full+Text+Searching+File:66937307
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