Reiki

Reiki is a form of energy healing developed in Japan in the early 20th century by Mikao Usui. Proponents describe ki (life energy) as flowing through the body and through energy channels; illness and distress are thought to result from blocked or imbalanced energy. Practitioners aim to channel ki through the hands, placing palms on or just above the recipient’s body, or through distant healing.

Practice and training vary by lineage. In most approaches, the practitioner places hands in a series of positions to transfer or balance energy during a session, which commonly lasts about 30 to 90 minutes and emphasizes relaxation and stress reduction. Western schools often teach three levels and may use ritual symbols or attunements to focus intention or enable distant healing; traditional Japanese practice emphasizes a quieter, more spiritual approach. Reiki is usually offered as a complementary therapy alongside conventional care, not as a substitute for medical treatment.

Evidence and reception: Reiki is categorized as a complementary and alternative medicine practice. Systematic reviews have found limited, methodologically weak evidence for small improvements in anxiety, pain, or quality of life, with no robust data showing definitive health benefits. Critics argue that any positive effects may stem from placebo responses, relaxation, or practitioner attention. Safety is generally considered high, with few reported adverse effects, though practitioners warn against using Reiki in place of evidence-based medical care.

See also: energy healing, mindfulness, palliative care.