Reiki healing

Traditional belief

Reiki was developed in Japan in the early 20th century by Mikao Usui. Practitioners describe it as channelling universal life energy to support relaxation and balance.

Practitioner method

Where a brief consultation is offered, it covers how you are and what you hope for. You then rest, fully clothed, while the practitioner places their hands lightly on or just above a series of positions. Many people simply find it quiet and restful. Please tell your practitioner about any health condition, and keep following your doctor’s advice.

Experimental evidence

A 2015 Cochrane review found too little evidence to say whether Reiki helps adults with anxiety or depression (Cochrane review, 2015). A wider 2010 review of “biofield” therapies including Reiki rated some comfort outcomes, such as pain intensity, more favourably and called for better studies (Jain & Mills, 2010).