Reiki in hospitals
Reiki resources (a series)
In alignment with the National Institute of Health’s1 classification of Reiki as “a complementary health approach,” Reiki has a supportive role in many respected hospitals alongside energy therapies such as Qi gong, Tai Chi and Acupuncture.
The resources below include links to information sources along with “blurbs” for readability. In addition, using “reiki” as a search term (on linked sites) returns additional resources, including ongoing research studies.
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
“What is Reiki? Reiki (pronounced ‘ray-key’) in Japanese means ‘universal life force energy,’ which is described as the energy flowing through all living things. Reiki is a relaxation technique that supports the body's natural ability to balance itself and to experience a sense of well-being.” Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School Teaching Hospital
Cleveland Clinic
“Reiki is an energy-healing practice that many people describe as deeply calming and therapeutic — but it shouldn’t be used in place of conventional treatments.” Cleveland Clinic, Wellness
Cleveland Clinic provides valuable context about Reiki’s uses in an article entitled Complementary Medicine. Reinforcing that Reiki does not replace traditional medicine, the article explains that Reiki “complements” other approaches and provides a helpful list of complementary therapies.
Johns Hopkins
Organized within “wellness and prevention,” Johns Hopkins lists Reiki under external energy.
Mayo Clinic
“The practice of reiki aims to balance a person's energy flow. The therapy is passive for the person receiving it and has no known side effects. Studies have shown it may reduce pain in people with cancer and may ease anxiety and depression.” Mayo Clinic, Integrative Oncology
Northwestern Medicine
“Energy medicine practices are found in diverse cultures and healing traditions. They are increasingly being offered within the hospital setting as a gentle intervention with the potential to improve quality of care and complement the efforts of Western physicians.” Northwestern Medicine, Energy Medicine
Yale New Haven Health
“Reiki is a complementary health approach in which practitioners place their hands lightly on or just above a person, with the goal of facilitating the person's own healing response. Patients often report relaxation and stress-reduction effects.” Yale New Haven Health, Integrative Medicine
National Institutes of Health National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.