Reconnective Healing: what the research says

No reliable studies show Reconnective Healing helps any health problem. Too few studies exist to tell. Some people find it restful.

What a session is

You lie or sit still, often with your eyes closed, while the practitioner holds their hands near but not on your body; sessions can also be at a distance. Practitioners believe this connects you with 'energy, light and information'; science has not shown this exists.

What the research says

• Back, neck and shoulder pain: No reliable studies show it helps. A review found only five small, very different studies, too few to reach any conclusion. No good evidence yet · Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 2017
• Worry, stress and low mood: Not studied in reliable research. A Spanish review of a similar hands-off energy method found no useful benefit for mental health problems. No good evidence yet · Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 2017
• Sleep, menopause and grief: Not studied in the sources we use. No good evidence yet

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

Is it safe?

No study has checked its safety, though similar energy methods such as Reiki have not been shown to cause harm. Use it alongside, never instead of, care from your doctor, and don't let it delay seeing one. 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.

Checked 22 October 2026. Next check by April 2027. How we rate the evidence.