Reiki: what the research says

No reliable studies show Reiki helps any health problem. Some people find it restful. Use it alongside medical care, never instead.

What a session is

A practitioner places their hands lightly on or just above your body. Reiki is based on the idea of a life energy; science has not shown that this energy exists.

What the research says

• Worry, anxiety and low mood: No reliable studies show Reiki helps anxiety, low mood or any health problem. A review found too few studies to tell. No good evidence yet · Cochrane, 2015 · NCCIH, 2018
• Back, neck and muscle tension: No reliable studies show Reiki helps pain. Most studies so far are small or low quality. No good evidence yet · NCCIH, 2018 · NCCIH, 2016
• Stress, sleep, grief and menopause: No reliable studies show Reiki helps with these. Some people find a session restful. No good evidence yet · NCCIH, 2018

More on each need: Feel calmer · Lift your mood · A relaxed body · Handle stress better · Sleep better · Grief and loss · Menopause wellbeing

Is it safe?

Reiki has not been shown to cause harm. Use it alongside, never instead of, care from your doctor, and don't let it delay seeing one about a health problem. NCCIH, 2018

Sessions on Sissoo complement medical care and never replace it. Please don’t stop or change any treatment without talking to your doctor. If you feel very low or think about ending your life, call your local emergency number now.

Sessions on Sissoo

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Checked 17 October 2026. Next check by April 2027. How we rate the evidence.