Reiki, a recognized biofield therapy, channels universal life energy to promote healing and restore balance. This review explores Reiki's historical origins with Dr Mikao Usui, its global dissemination, and distinctions from related practices such as Qigong and Tai Chi. It outlines the structured training levels, including attunement processes that enhance practitioners' capacity to channel energy. Current evidence suggests Reiki benefits stress reduction, pain management, and emotional well-being, with systematic reviews indicating improved quality of life in diverse populations.
Science of Energy Healing
The findings of this systematic review suggest that Reiki may have supportive effects on symptom management, psychological well-being, comfort, and quality of life among some breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Improvements were most commonly reported in fatigue, emotional distress, stress, relaxation, and overall comfort.
Usui Reiki demonstrated effectiveness as a complementary practice for student mental health, with greater benefits observed with continuous application. Group-based remote Usui Reiki, applied in two different modalities, showed positive effects in reducing the intensity of stress, anxiety, and depression symptoms among final-year nursing students.