Reiki has notoriously been faced with an abundance of skepticism, so why has it become such a prominent and popular healing method among the most elite hospitals? Some of these hospitals supporting this practice include the Yale Cancer Center, the Mayo Clinic, and Brigham and Women’s Hospital, evidencing biological transformations in patients' bodily and mental health.

Reiki is a Japanese healing and stress reduction practice. Rei- translates to “God’s wisdom/ Higher Power”, and Ki translates to “life force energy”. Therefore it is believed the practice increases our life force “vital” energy, and decreases our stress and pain- making us more receptive to healthy living.

The practice itself usually takes place in a dimly lit room with light music to create a calming atmosphere. A Reiki professional, will run their hands over the body in a gentle way, applying no pressure. Typically the practitioner places their hands on the back and front of the torso, and head. If the client has an injury, those areas (including the limbs) can be treated as well. People often report feeling a “glowing radiance”, “serenity” and “positive energy running through and around their bodies”.

Many non-believers still beg the question, if you’re not actually touching someone or applying any pressure, how can there be a response biologically? Professionals believe the secret is in the meditative proponents. Think of Reiki less as magic, and more as meditative. Science has backed meditation for years, citing it as an effective treatment for addictions, insomnia and pain. It has even been known to lessen the negative side effects of Cancer treatments.

It is known that Reiki treats not only the body, but the mind, in unison- reducing stressors and negative emotional responses. UCLA conducted a 2008-9 study showing strong evidence that Reiki evokes a biological response in humans and animals alike. 

“The strongest evidence (rated “excellent” in the Process) was reported in the most carefully controlled of all experiments; none other than laboratory rats. In both 2006 and 2008 stressed-out lab rats received Reiki treatments and they all showed significantly reduced stress, anxiety and depression responses. “Sham” or bogus Reiki treatments were given to the placebo group and they showed no reduction in stress, anxiety or depression. Testing in humans performed between 1993 and 2006 showed ratings from Satisfactory to Excellent, all suggesting that the benefit of Reiki treatments were positive in controlling pain levels in humans.”

If you’re seeking healthy ways to deal with stress and pain, maybe it’s time to find out if Reiki works for you!