Not every article ever written on Reiki is included here, this is a sampling.
If you find any other articles I would love to include them in this list.
If there are any errors in links also let me know so I can try and correct them.
Thanks, I greatly appreciate it!
Some of these articles taken from PubMed and other sources have abstracts and sometimes
they don't that is why you only see titles and authors.
Prim Care. 2010 Mar;37(1):165-79.
Biofield therapies: energy medicine and primary care.
Rindfleisch JA.
Department of Family Medicine, Odana Atrium Family Medicine Clinic, University of
Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, 5618 Odana Road, Madison, WI
53719, USA. adam.rindfleisch@fammed.wisc.edu
Energy medicine modalities, also known as biofield therapies, are perhaps the most mysterious and controversial complementary alternative medicine therapies.
Although many of these approaches have existed for millennia, scientific
investigation of these techniques is in its early stages; much remains to be
learned about mechanisms of action and efficacy. These techniques are increasingly used in clinical and hospital settings and can be incorporated into
an integrative primary care practice. This article describes several energy medicine and biofield therapies and outlines key elements they hold in common.
Several specific approaches are described. Research findings related to the
efficacy of energy medicine are summarized, and proposed mechanisms of action and
safety issues are discussed. Guidelines are offered for primary care providers
wishing to advise patients about energy medicine or to integrate it into their
practices, and Internet and other resources for obtaining additional information are provided. Copyright 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
PMID: 20189005 [PubMed - in process]
Holist Nurs Pract. 2010 Mar-Apr;24(2):79-88.
Energy healing and pain: a review of the literature.
Fazzino DL, Griffin MT, McNulty RS, Fitzpatrick JJ.
Prepare Me 4 Surgery, Encinitas, California, USA.
This article includes a review of the literature on research related to energy healing and pain from 1980 through 2008. The types of energy healing considered include Reiki, therapeutic touch, and healing touch. There has been limited research testing these holistic interventions and their effect on pain even though there is attention to the modalities in the nursing practice literature. Recommendations for future research include studies with larger and diverse samples and comparisons among the various modalities.
PMID: 20186018 [PubMed - in process]
Brain Res Bull. 2010 Jan 15;81(1):66-72.
A randomised controlled single-blind trial of the effects of Reiki and positive imagery on well-being and salivary cortisol.
Bowden D, Goddard L, Gruzelier J.
Psychology Department, Goldsmiths, University of London, ITC Building, New Cross, London SE14 6NW, United Kingdom. deborahebowden@hotmail.co.uk
The study investigated whether participants who received Reiki would show greater health and well-being benefits than a group who received no Reiki. A method of blinding participants to Reiki was also tested, where non-contact Reiki or No-Reiki with random assignment was given to 35 healthy psychology undergraduates whose attention was absorbed in one of three tasks involving self-hypnosis/relaxation. Participants experienced ten 20-min intervention sessions over a period of two and a half to 12 weeks. Reiki was directed by the experimenter who sat behind the participants as they were absorbed in the tasks. Self-report measures of illness symptoms, mood and sleep were assessed pre-post-intervention as was salivary cortisol. While the Reiki group had a tendency towards a reduction in illness symptoms, a substantive increase was seen in the No-Reiki. The Reiki group also had a near-significant comparative reduction in stress, although they also had significantly higher baseline illness symptoms and stress scores. The Reiki blinding was successful - the groups did not differ statistically in their beliefs regarding group membership. The results are suggestive that the Reiki buffered the substantive decline in health in the course of the academic year seen in the No-Reiki group.
PMID: 19819311 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
J Holist Nurs. 2009 Dec;27(4):276-81.
Reflection of a 7-year patient care program: implementing and sustaining an integrative hospital program.
Ernst LS, Ferrer L.
Saint Barnabas Health Care System, Saint BarnabasMedical Center, 94 Old Short Hills Road, Livingston, NJ 07039, USA. lernst@sbhcs.com
Integrative alternative therapies, also known as holistic therapies, have many applications in hospitals and health centers. These may include relaxation therapies, meditation, massage, reflexology, and Reiki or healing touch. Patients today are looking for these services, and institutions continue to explore ways to provide them without affecting their bottom line. The Integrative Cardiac Wellness Program is such a service, and its growth and longevity comes out of the personal investment of the staff to the program and to their patients. The literature review on the permanence of caring practice shows that caring about your work with patients, not just the job, is critical in longevity (Graber & Mitcham, 2004). The holistic nurses' and staff 's commitment to their professional growth within their specialty and their personal spiritual practice as experts in the field forms the backbone of the Integrative Wellness Program's success. It has been in existence for 7 years, providing integrative healing therapies to more than 7,000 patients, making it one of the most experienced. The program now serves cardiac surgery patients, and patients who have been diagnosed with cancer.
PMID: 20009019 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Altern Ther Health Med. 2009 Jul-Aug;15(4):56-7.
Effects of Reiki on pain and anxiety in the elderly diagnosed with dementia: a series of case reports.
Meland B.
Usui System of Natural Healing, Evanston, Illinois, USA.
PMID: 19623833 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Nurs Sci Q. 2009 Jul;22(3):250-8.
Reiki and changes in pattern manifestations.
Ring ME.
University of Vermont.
The purposes of this qualitative research study were to describe the changes in pattern manifestations that individuals experienced associated with receiving Reiki, and to present the theoretical understanding of these changes. The unitary field pattern portrait research method was utilized because it was ontologically, epistemologically, and methodologically consistent with the science of unitary human beings. Reiki was found to be associated with changes in awareness from dissonance and turbulence to harmony and well-being by helping individuals knowingly participate in actualizing their own capacities for healing. Reiki was found to be an appropriate voluntary mutual patterning nursing modality.
PMID: 19567731 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Mayo Clin Womens Healthsource. 2009 Jul;13(7):7.
Energy therapies. Tapping the life force to promote well-being.
[No authors listed]
PMID: 19498331 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
J Bodyw Mov Ther. 2009 Jul;13(3):215-28. Epub 2008 Jul 30.
Charge transfer in the living matrix.
Oschman JL.
Nature's Own Research Association, PO Box 1935, Dover, New Hampshire, USA. joschman@aol.com
The living matrix is defined as the continuous molecular fabric of the organism, consisting of fascia, the other connective tissues, extracellular matrices, integrins, cytoskeletons, nuclear matrices and DNA. The extracellular, cellular and nuclear biopolymers or ground substances constitute a body-wide reservoir of charge that can maintain electrical homeostasis and "inflammatory preparedness" throughout the organism. Recent research has emphasized the significance of charge transfer in relation to the scavenging or neutralization of free radicals delivered to sites of injury during and after the oxidative burst. Evidence comes from studies of the role of electrons in mitigating the consequences of inflammation when living systems are connected to the earth (earthing). The phenomenon helps explain how bodywork and movement therapies can facilitate the resolution of acute or chronic injuries, and how patients with inflammatory conditions may "deplete" a therapist during hands-on treatments. It is suggested that barefoot contact with the earth as well as hands-on and hands-off therapies facilitate healing by stimulating the migration of charges into sites of acute or chronic inflammation. One hypothesis to explain the effects of earthing is that charges from the ground substance reservoir prevent "collateral damage" to healthy tissues in the vicinity of an injury. A second hypothesis is that earthing allows electrons to replenish charge in the ground substance reservoirs, making electrons available throughout the body.
PMID: 19524846 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Int J Nurs Pract. 2009 Jun;15(3):145-55.
Facilitating comfort for hospitalized patients using non-pharmacological measures: preliminary development of clinical practice guidelines.
Williams AM, Davies A, Griffiths G.
The Western Australian Centre for Cancer and Palliative Care, Curtin University of Technology, Perth, Western Australia, Australia. anne.m.williams@health.wa.gov.au
Nurses often use non-pharmacological measures to facilitate comfort for patients within the hospital setting. However, guidelines for use of these measures are commonly inadequate or absent. This paper presents 12 clinical practice guidelines that were developed from the findings of a literature review into non-pharmacological measures that are thought to facilitate patient comfort. The non-pharmacological measures addressed in these guidelines are: Aromotherapy, Distraction, Guided Imagery, Laughter, Massage, Music, Reiki, Heat or Cold, Meditation, Reflexology, Reposition and Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation. These are preliminary guidelines for the use of non-pharmacological measures and further research and development of such guidelines is recommended.
PMID: 19531072 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Holist Nurs Pract. 2009 May-Jun;23(3):129-41, 142-5; quiz 146-7.
Nurses' lived experience of Reiki for self-care.
Vitale A.
Christine E Lynn College of Nursing, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL 33431, USA. avitale5@fau.edu
The purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore the lived experience of nurses who practice Reiki for self-care. In-person interviews were conducted with 11 nurses who met specific study criteria, using open-ended questions to examine the experience of nurses who are Reiki practitioners, to understand their perceptions of Reiki use in self-treatment, and to appreciate its meaning for them. The Colaizzi method was utilized in data analysis and independent decision trail audits were completed to promote study rigor and trustworthiness of results. Thematic categories and major and minor thematic clusters emerged around the topics of daily stress management, self-healing, spirituality, and interconnectedness of self, others, and beyond. Implications of the study findings for nursing practice and nursing education are discussed. Potential applications of study findings to Jean Watson's transpersonal caring theory located within a caring science framework are explored and recommendations for future research are offered.
PMID: 19411991 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2009 Feb;15(1):35-7. Epub 2008 Sep 27.
Biofield therapies: biophysical basis and biological regulations?
Movaffaghi Z, Farsi M.
Clinical skills Center, Education Development Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences (MUMS), Ahmad Abad Street, Ghaem hospital, P.O. Box 91735-345, Mashhad, Iran. movaffaghiz@mums.ac.ir
Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is increasingly popular in biomedical health care. One area of alternative medicine, biofield therapies, claims to manipulate individuals 'energy field' in order to enhance healing and wellbeing. This article reviews some recent studies addressing the characterization of endogenous energy fields and the way they affect the physiologic processes.
PMID: 19161953 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Alternative and Complementary Therapies. 2008, 14(1): 37-42.
A systematic review of the use of reiki in health care
Herron-Marx S, Price-Knol F, Burden B, Hicks C. A systematic review of the use of Reiki in health care.
Authors' objectives
The main purpose of the study was to determine what the national and international evidence reveals about the use of Reiki in health care.
Authors' conclusions
This review demonstrates that Reiki has potential as both a treatment modality and an adjunct therapy in health care. However, further research is needed to establish a rigorous evidence base as a platform for the practice of Reiki.
Quantum Biology Research Lab, Northport, NY 11768, USA. grein@estee.com
This review article extends previous scientific definitions of the biofield (endogenous energy fields of the body) to include nonclassical and quantum energy fields. The biofield is defined further in terms of its functional property to act as a resonance target for external forms of energy used as treatment modalities in energy medicine. The functional role of the biofield in the body's innate self-healing mechanisms is hypothesized, based on the concept of bioinformation which, mediated by consciousness, functions globally at the quantum level to supply coherence, phase, spin, and pattern information to regulate and heal all physiologic processes. This model is used to explain a wide variety of anomalies reported in the scientific literature, which can not be explained by traditional biophysics and bioelectromagnetics.
PMID: 15025879 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
J Altern Complement Med. 2008 Nov 8. [Epub ahead of print]
Reiki for the Treatment of Fibromyalgia: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA., Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
PMID: 18991519 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2008 Oct 8;(4):CD006535.
Touch therapies for pain relief in adults.
Surgery, Prince of Wales
Hospital, Ward 3D, Prince of Wales Hospital, Ngan Shing Street Shatin, Hong
Kong, Hong Kong, China, HKSAR.BACKGROUND: Pain is a global public health problem affecting the lives of large numbers of patients and their families. Touch therapies (Healing Touch (HT), Therapeutic Touch (TT) and Reiki) have been found to relieve pain, but some reviews have suggested there is insufficient evidence to support their use. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effectiveness of touch therapies (including HT, TT, and Reiki) on relieving both acute and chronic pain; to determine any adverse effect of touch therapies. SEARCH STRATEGY: Various electronic databases, including The Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, AMED and others from their inception to June 2008 were searched. Reference lists and bibliographies of relevant articles and organizations were checked. Experts in touch therapies were contacted. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) or Controlled Clinical Trials (CCTs) evaluating the effect of touch on any type of pain were included. Similarly, only studies using a sham placebo or a 'no treatment' control was included. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Data was extracted and quality assessment was conducted by two independent review authors. The mean pain intensity for completing all treatment sessions was extracted. Pain intensity from different pain measurement scales were standardized into a single scale. Comparisons between the effects of treatment groups and that of control groups were made. MAIN RESULTS: Twenty four studies involving 1153 participants met the inclusion criteria. There were five, sixteen and three studies on HT, TT and Reiki respectively. Participants exposed to touch had on average of 0.83 units (on a 0 to ten scale) lower pain intensity than unexposed participants (95% Confidence Interval: -1.16 to -0.50). Results of trials conducted by more experienced practitioners appeared to yield greater effects in pain reduction. It is also apparent that these trials yielding greater effects were from the Reiki studies. Whether more experienced practitioners or certain types of touch therapy brought better pain reduction should be further investigated. Two of the five studies evaluating analgesic usage supported the claim that touch therapies minimized analgesic usage. The placebo effect was also explored. No statistically significant (P = 0.29) placebo effect was identified. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Touch therapies may have a modest effect in pain relief. More studies on HT and Reiki in relieving pain are needed. More studies including children are also required to evaluate the effect of touch on children.
PMID: 18843720 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Hosp
Peer Rev.
2008 Sep;33(9):121-2.
Massages, reiki, oh my! Make patients feel at home.
[No authors listed]
PMID:
18780590 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE
Jpn. J. Clin. Oncol., August 1, 2008; 38(8): 512-20.
Complementary and alternative medicine in present day oncology care: promises and pitfalls.
A Munshi, LH Ni, and MS Tiwana; Department of Radiation Oncology 120, Tata Memorial Hospital, Parel, Mumbai 400012, India. anusheel8@hotmail.com
J Health Psychol, July 1, 2008; 13(5): 712-8.
H Dale and N Hunt; University of Nottingham, UK.
MEDLINE ABSTRACT
The objective of the study was to examine the desire for spiritual and religious treatment options in chronically ill adults. Email interview data (N = 12) generated themes for religion, spirituality, and desired treatments. The resultant questionnaire data (N = 83) analysed the popularity of treatments. Thirty-five wide-ranging spiritual and religious treatment options were identified for use in the questionnaire; 47 per cent of the sample was interested in spiritual or religious treatments. There is a need for spiritual and religious treatment options, and translation of treatments into practice would assist coping for many people.
Beginnings. 2008 Summer;28(3):4-5.
Energy and biofield therapies in practice.
Nemeth L.
Resource Development and Public Relations for AHNA.
PMID: 19271554 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Clin
J Oncol Nurs. 2008 Jun;12(3):489-94.
Reiki as a clinical intervention in oncology nursing practice.
Bossi
LM, Ott
MJ, DeCristofaro
S.
Children's Hospital Boston, MA, USA. larraine.bossi@childrens.harvard.edu
Oncology nurses and their patients are frequently on the cutting edge of new therapies and interventions that support coping, health, and healing. Reiki is a practice that is requested with increasing frequency, is easy to learn, does not require expensive equipment, and in preliminary research, elicits a relaxation response and helps patients to feel more peaceful and experience less pain. Those who practice Reiki report that it supports them in self-care and a healthy lifestyle. This article will describe the process of Reiki, review current literature, present vignettes of patient responses to the intervention, and make recommendations for future study.
PMID: 18515247 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE
Explore (NY).
2008 May-Jun;4(3):201-9.
Bioenergy healing: a theoretical model and case series.
Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA.
PMID:
18466852 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE
Holist
Nurs Pract. 2007 Jul-Aug;21(4):167-79; quiz 180-1.
An integrative review of Reiki touch therapy research.
Villanova University, 800 Lancaster Avenue, Villanova, PA 19085, USA. annern2@gmail.com
Reiki touch therapy is a complementary biofield energy therapy that involves the use of hands to help strengthen the body's ability to heal. There is growing interest among nurses to use Reiki in patient care and as a self-care treatment, however, with little supportive empirical research and evidence to substantiate these practices. The purpose of this integrative review is to begin the systematic process of evaluating the findings of published Reiki research. Selected investigations using Reiki for effects on stress, relaxation, depression, pain, and wound healing management, among others is reviewed and summarized. A summary of Reiki studies table illustrates the study descriptions and Reiki treatment protocols specified in the investigations. Synthesis of findings for clinical practice and implications for future research are explored.
PMID: 17627194 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE
Nurs
Clin North Am. 2007 Jun;42(2):243-59, vi.
Energy-based modalities.
Department of Target
Populations, School of Nursing, University of Texas Health Science
Center-Houston, 6901 Bertner Avenue, Room 764, Houston, TX 77030, USA. joan.c.engebretson@uth.tmc.edu
Research on touch therapies is still in the early stages of development. Studies of Therapeutic Touch, Healing Touch, and Reiki are quite promising; however, at this point, they can only suggest that these healing modalities have efficacy in reducing anxiety; improving muscle relaxation; aiding in stress reduction, relaxation, and sense of well-being; promoting wound healing; and reducing pain. The multidimensional aspects of healing inherent in patient care continue to be expanded and facilitated by our understanding and application of energy therapies.
PMID:
17544681 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE
Oncology (Williston Park), April 1, 2007; 21(4 Suppl): 10-22; discussion 22.
Management of cancer pain with complementary therapies.
Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, Integrative Medicine Service New York, New York, USA.
MEDLINE ABSTRACT
Pain is one of the most feared consequences of cancer. Pain is a major symptom in 75% of hospitalized cancer patients. Poorly relieved pain contributes to the suffering of the patient and family, which may motivate them to seek additional complementary and alternative therapies. Evidence-based complementary therapies are being used for symptom control and to improve quality of life. There is recent research on several complementary therapies-acupuncture, mind-body therapies, massage, reflexology, and Reiki--that provides evidence for pain management. These therapies are not well utilized due to a lack of information on benefits, risks, and resources. There is a call for education to alert patients, families, nurses, and physicians to the benefits of evidence-based complementary therapies and to the dangers of "unproven" cancer therapies. Oncology nurses are ideally positioned to assess patients' pain, to educate patients, to determine with the patient and physician the most appropriate and safe complementary therapy for pain, to refer patients to appropriate resources, and in some cases to provide the therapy itself. This article will discuss specific complementary therapies for pain control and will arm nurses with the confidence to intervene with knowledge, referrals, and ideas for hands-on implementation.
Clin
J Oncol Nurs. 2007 Apr;11(2):253-8
The use of biofield therapies in cancer care.
Suburban Hospital, Bethesda, MD, USA. bpierce@suburbanhospital.org
Biofield therapies form a subcategory of the domain of energy therapies, as defined by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Specific biofield therapies addressed in this article include Therapeutic Touch, Healing Touch, Polarity Therapy, Reiki, and Qigong. This article will identify core concepts in biofield therapies, review controlled trials of the use of biofield therapies with patients with cancer, describe the process of biofield therapies implementation in one cancer center, and suggest research to benefit not only patients with cancer but also family members and oncology professionals.
PMID:
17573275 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Integr
Cancer Ther. 2007 Mar;6(1):25-35.
Pilot crossover trial of Reiki versus rest for treating cancer-related fatigue.
Tsang
KL, Carlson
LE, Olson
K.
Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
Fatigue is an extremely
common side effect experienced during cancer treatment and recovery. Limited
research has investigated strategies stemming from complementary and alternative
medicine to reduce cancer-related fatigue. This research examined the effects of
Reiki, a type of energy touch therapy, on fatigue, pain, anxiety, and overall
quality of life. This study was a counterbalanced crossover trial of 2
conditions: (1) in the Reiki condition, participants received Reiki for 5
consecutive daily sessions, followed by a 1-week washout monitoring period of no
treatments, then 2 additional Reiki sessions, and finally 2 weeks of no
treatments, and (2) in the rest condition, participants rested for approximately
1 hour each day for 5 consecutive days, followed by a 1-week washout monitoring
period of no scheduled resting and an additional week of no treatments. In both
conditions, participants completed questionnaires investigating cancer-related
fatigue (Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy Fatigue subscale [FACT-F]) and
overall quality of life (Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy, General
Version [FACT-G]) before and after all Reiki or resting sessions. They also
completed a visual analog scale (Edmonton Symptom Assessment System [ESAS])
assessing daily tiredness, pain, and anxiety before and after each session of Reiki or
rest. Sixteen patients (13 women) participated in the trial: 8 were randomized
to each order of conditions (Reiki then rest; rest then Reiki). They were
screened for fatigue on the ESAS tiredness item, and those scoring greater than
3 on the 0 to 10 scale were eligible for the study. They were diagnosed with a
variety of cancers, most commonly colorectal (62.5%) cancer, and had a median
age of 59 years. Fatigue on the FACT-F decreased within the Reiki condition
(P=.05) over the course of all 7 treatments. In addition, participants in the
Reiki condition experienced significant improvements in quality of life (FACT-G)
compared to those in the resting condition (P <.05). On daily assessments (ESAS)
in the Reiki condition, presession 1 versus postsession 5 scores indicated
significant decreases in tiredness (P <.001), pain (P <.005), and anxiety
(P<.01), which were not seen in the resting condition. Future research should
further investigate the impact of Reiki using more highly controlled designs
that include a sham Reiki condition and larger sample sizes.
PMID: 17351024 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Evid. Based Complement. Altern. Med., March 1, 2007; 4(1): 115-123.
Healing by Gentle Touch Ameliorates Stress and Other Symptoms in People Suffering with Mental Health Disorders or Psychological Stress.
Clare Weze, Helen L Leathard, John Grange, Peter Tiplady, and Gretchen Stevens
The Centre for Complementary Care, Muncaster Chase Ravenglass, Cumbria, CA18 1RD, Faculty of Health and Social Care, St Martin's College Lancaster, Lancashire LA1 3JD, Centre for Infectious Diseases and International Health, Royal Free and University College Medical School 46 Cleveland Street, London W1P 6DB and Meadow Croft, Wetheral Carlisle, Cumbria CA4 8JG, UK.
MEDLINE ABSTRACT
Previous studies on healing by gentle touch in clients with various illnesses indicated substantial improvements in psychological well-being, suggesting that this form of treatment might be helpful for people with impaired quality of mental health. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of healing by gentle touch in subjects with self-reported impairments in their psychological well-being or mental health. One hundred and forty-seven clients who identified themselves as having psychological problems received four treatment sessions. Pre- to post-treatment changes in psychological and physical functioning were assessed by self-completed questionnaires which included visual analogue scales (VAS) and the EuroQoL (EQ-5D). Participants recorded reductions in stress, anxiety and depression scores and increases in relaxation and ability to cope scores (all P < 0.0004). Improvements were greatest in those with the most severe symptoms initially. This open study provides strong circumstantial evidence that healing by gentle touch is safe and effective in improving psychological well-being in participants with self-reported psychological problems, and also that it safely complements standard medical treatment. Controlled trials are warranted.
PMID: 17342249
J Holist Nurs, December 1, 2006; 24(4): 231-40; discussion 241-4.
A pilot study of healing touch and progressive relaxation for chronic neuropathic pain in persons with spinal cord injury.
DW Wardell, DH Rintala, Z Duan, and G Tan; University of Texas Houston Healthcare system, USA.
MEDLINE ABSTRACT
This pilot study assessed the role of Healing Touch (HT), an energy-based therapy, in modulating chronic neuropathic pain and the associated psychological distress from post spinal cord injury. Twelve veterans were assigned to either HT or guided progressive relaxation for six weekly home visits. The instruments selected showed sensitivity, although there was a large variation among the groups. There was a significant difference in the composite of interference on the Brief Pain Inventory (t = -2.71, p = .035). The mean score of the fatigue subscale of the Profile of Moods decreased (ns) in the HT group and in the subscale of confusion yet remained stable in the control group. The Diener Satisfaction With Life Scale showed increased well-being in the HT group and no change in the control group. Participants reported various experiences with HT sessions indicating that it may have benefit in the complex response to chronic pain.
Holist
Nurs Pract. 2006 Nov-Dec;20(6):263-72; quiz 273-4.
The effect of Reiki on pain and anxiety in women with abdominal hysterectomies: a quasi-experimental pilot study.
Community Medical Center, Toms River, NJ, USA. annern2@gmail.com
The purpose of this pilot
study was to compare reports of pain and levels of state anxiety in 2 groups of
women after abdominal hysterectomy. A quasi-experimental design was used in
which the experimental group (n = 10) received traditional nursing care plus
three 30-minute sessions of Reiki, while the control group (n = 12) received
traditional nursing care. The results indicated that the experimental group
reported less pain and requested fewer analgesics than the control group. Also,
the experimental group reported less state anxiety than the control group on
discharge at 72 hours postoperation. The authors
recommend replication of this study with a similar population, such as women who
require nonemergency cesarian section deliveries.
PMID:
17099413 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE
J
Altern Complement Med. 2006 Nov;12(9):911-3.
Using Reiki to decrease memory and behavior problems in mild cognitive
impairment and mild Alzheimer's disease.
Crawford
SE, Leaver
VW, Mahoney
SD.
Passamaquoddy Tribe at Pleasant Point, Perry, ME, USA. phadrus@ptc-me.net
OBJECTIVES: This empirical study explored the efficacy
of using Reiki treatment to improve memory and behavior deficiencies in patients
with mild cognitive impairment or mild Alzheimer's disease. Reiki is an ancient
hands-on healing technique reputedly developed in Tibet 2500 years ago. DESIGN:
This study was a quasi-experimental study comparing pre- and post-test scores of
the Annotated Mini-Mental State Examination (AMMSE) and Revised Memory and
Behavior Problems Checklist (RMBPC) after four weekly treatments of Reiki to a
control group. SETTINGS/LOCATION: The participants were treated at a facility
provided by the Pleasant Point Health Center on the Passamaquoddy Indian
Reservation. SUBJECTS: The sample included 24 participants scoring between 20
and 24 on the AMMSE. Demographic characteristics of the sample included an age
range from 60 to 80, with 67% female, 46% American Indian, and the remainder
white. INTERVENTIONS: Twelve participants were exposed to 4 weeks of weekly
treatments of Reiki from two Reiki Master-level practitioners; 12 participants
served as controls and received no treatment. OUTCOME MEASURES: The two groups
were compared on pre- and post-treatment scores on the AMMSE and the Revised
Memory and Behavior Problems Checklist (RMBPC). RESULTS: Results indicated
statistically significant increases in mental functioning (as demonstrated by
improved scores of the AMMSE) and memory and behavior problems (as measured by
the RMBPC) after Reiki treatment. This research adds to a very sparse database
from empirical studies on Reiki results. CONCLUSION: The results indicate that
Reiki treatments show promise for improving certain behavior and memory problems
in patients with mild cognitive impairment or mild Alzheimer's disease.
Caregivers can administer Reiki at little or no cost, resulting in significant
societal value by potentially reducing the needs for medication and
hospitalization.
PMID: 17109583 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Journal of Alternative & Complementary Medicine; Sep2006, Vol. 12 Issue 7, p625-631,
The Effect of Johrei Healing on Substance Abuse Recovery: A Pilot Study.
Authors:Brooks, Audrey J.,Schwartz, Gary E.,Reece, Katie,Nangle, Gerry
Abstract:
Objective: The purpose of the present study was to determine the effectiveness of Johrei healing, a form of energy healing, on substance use and psychologic
symptoms in a sample of clients receiving substance abuse treatment. Methods: Twenty-one (21) persons in residential substance-abuse treatment participated
in a randomized, wait-list control pilot study of Johrei healing. Twelve (12) of the participants received three 20-minute Johreisessions for 5 weeks in addition to their regular treatment. Results: The results are from the first treatment wave. Individual healing sessions were evaluated pre-post with the
Johrei Experience Scale. Participants showed significant decreases in stress/depression and physical pain and increases in positive emotional/spiritual
state, energy, and overall well-being after an individual Johrei healing session. The Global Assessment of Individual Need (GAIN), Profile of Mood States
(POMS), General Alcoholics Anonymous Tools of Recovery, and 12-Step Participation scales were administered before and after the 5-week intervention to
assess change in substance use, psychologic distress, mood, and 12-Step participation. Improvements in depression and trauma symptoms, externalizing
behaviors (GAIN), and vigor (POMS) were found for the treatment group. Despite comparable 12-Step attendance the treatment group showed greater improvement than the wait-list control group in the use of 12-Step recovery tools. No difference in substance use was found between the two groups. Conclusions:
Variables related to substance use and relapse showed improvement in the treatment group suggesting that Johrei healing shows promise and should be studied with a larger sample, over a longer treatment period, with sham controls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
J
Altern Complement Med. 2006 Sep;12(7):679-83.
Challenging the new orthodoxy in integrative medicine.
Still Waters Institute for the Study of Health in Complex Systems, Gabriola Island, British Columbia, Canada. ptr_mcook@yahoo.ca
This paper offers a critique of the paradigm adopted in integrative medicine. Several concerns are raised in relation to this paradigm, including the absence of any explicit and well-defined criteria for appropriate therapeutic selection or referral, inherent biases, and the significantly reduced clinical efficacy of the traditional and alternative therapies utilized. In particular, the obvious lack of a clear and cogent theoretical model for integration is noted. The central features of existing models in world medicine are outlined, and the requirements for a universal model are discussed in relation to its capacity to address the specific concerns are raised. To develop this model fully, the need to reopen critical debate on the nature of medicine, and for rigorous model testing and peer review, are noted and the challenge to do so is delivered.
PMID: 16970539 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE
Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep, July 1, 2006; 6(4): 347-53.
Use of complementary and alternative medicine in epilepsy.
V Ricotti and N Delanty
MEDLINE ABSTRACT
Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) has become much in vogue, and CAM practitioners have increased in tandem with this. The trend of using CAM for treating epilepsy does not differ from that in other medical conditions, with nearly one half of patients using CAM. In this article we review the major complementary and alternative medicines used for treatment of epilepsy. They include mind-body medicines such as reiki and yoga; biologic-based medicine such as herbal remedies, dietary supplements, and homeopathy; and manipulative-based medicine such as chiropractic. In the available literature, there is a sense of the merit of these therapies in epilepsy, but there is a paucity of research in these areas. Individualized therapies such as homeopathy and reiki cannot be compared with medicines in a conventional pharmaceutical model. Hence, many studies are inconclusive. In a science of double-blind, randomized controlled trials, appropriate designs and outcome measurements need to be tailored to CAM. This article explains the principles of the major CAM therapies in epilepsy, and discusses peer-reviewed literature where available. More effort needs to be put into future trials, with the assistance of qualified CAM professionals to ensure conformation to their therapeutic principles.
Holist Nurs Pract. 2006 Jul-Aug;20(4):191-6.
The use of selected energy touch modalities as supportive nursing interventions: are we there yet?
Villanova University, Villanova, PA, USA. annern2@gmail.com
There is growing interest among nurses in complementary therapies that are noninvasive, do not rely on expensive technology, and are holistic in focus. Besides the use of therapeutic touch, nurses are exploring other energy touch therapies, such as Reiki. This article examines the status of selected energy therapies and progress made toward nursing intervention utilization, including recommendations for nursing education applicable for 21st-century nursing practice.
PMID: 16825921
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE
Holist
Nurs Pract. 2006 Mar-Apr;20(2):95-101.
A pilot study: Reiki for self-care of nurses and healthcare providers.
Monmouth Medical Center, Long Branch, NJ 07740, USA. abrathovde@sbhcs.com
The purpose of this study was to determine if Reiki energy therapy, level I, was taught as a self-care practice to healthcare providers, would their caring perceptions change? Methodological triangulation technique, including a self-report caring scale and interviews, was used, demonstrating positive changes in perceptions of participants' caring behaviors.
PMID:
16518156 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE
Journal of Alternative & Complementary Medicine; Jan/Feb2006, Vol. 12 Issue 1, p15-22,
Personal Interaction with a Reiki Practitioner Decreases Noise-Induced Microvascular Damage in an Animal Model.
Authors:Baldwin, Ann L.,Schwartz, Gary E.
Abstract:
Objective: To determine whether Reiki, a process of transmission of healing energy, can significantly reduce microvascular leakage caused by exposure to
excessive noise using an animal model. Rationale: Reiki is beginning to be used in hospitals to accelerate recovery. Despite many anecdotes describing
Reiki's success, few scientific studies are reported and none of those use animals. Animal models have the advantage over human subjects in that they
provide well-controlled, easily interpretable experiments. The use of noise is relevant to hospital patients because of the excessive ambient noise in
hospitals in the United Kingdom and United States. Loud noise can lead to several nonauditory disorders in humans and animals that impair recovery. In the
rat, stress from noise damages the mesenteric microvasculature, leading to leakage of plasma into the surrounding tissue. Design: One group of four rats
simultaneously received daily noise and Reiki, while two other groups received "sham" Reiki or noise alone. A fourth group did not receive noise or
additional treatment. The experiment was performed three times to test for reproducibility. Outcome Measures: Average number and area of microvascular leaks
to fluorescent albumin per unit length of venule. Results: In all three experiments, Reiki significantly reduced the outcome measures compared to the other
noise groups (sham Reiki and noise alone) ( p < 0.01). Conclusions: Application of Reiki significantly reduces noise-induced microvascular leakage in an
animal model. Whether or not these effects are caused by Reiki itself, or the relaxing effect of the Reiki practitioner, this procedure could be useful for
minimizing effects of environmental stress on research animals and hospital patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Journal of Alternative & Complementary Medicine; Jan/Feb2006, Vol. 12 Issue 1, p7-13,
In Vitro Effect of Reiki Treatment on Bacterial Cultures: Role of Experimental Context and Practitioner Well-Being.
Authors:Rubik, Beverly, Brooks, Audrey J.,
Schwartz, Gary E.
Abstract:
Objective: To measure effects of Reiki treatments on growth of heat-shocked bacteria, and to determine the influence of healing context and practitioner
well-being. Methods: Overnight cultures of Escherichia coli K12 in fresh medium were used. Culture samples were paired with controls to minimize any
ordering effects. Samples were heat-shocked prior to Reiki treatment, which was performed by Reiki practitioners for up to 15 minutes, with untreated
controls. Plate-count assay using an automated colony counter determined the number of viable bacteria. Fourteen Reiki practitioners each completed 3 runs
(n = 42 runs) without healing context, and another 2 runs (n = 28 runs) in which they first treated a pain patient for 30 minutes (healing context). Well-
being questionnaires were administered to practitioners pre-post all sessions. Results: No overall difference was found between the Reiki and control plates
in the nonhealing context. In the healing context, the Reiki treated cultures overall exhibited significantly more bacteria than controls ( p <0.05).
Practitioner social ( p < 0.013) and emotional well-being (p < 0.021) correlated with Reiki treatment outcome on bacterial cultures in the nonhealing
context. Practitioner social ( p < 0.031), physical ( p < 0.030), and emotional ( p < 0.026) well-being correlated with Reiki treatment outcome on the
bacterial cultures in the healing context. For practitioners starting with diminished well-being, control counts were likely to be higher than Reiki-treated
bacterial counts. For practitioners starting with a higher level of well-being, Reiki counts were likely to be higher than control counts. Conclusions:
Reiki improved growth of heat-shocked bacterial cultures in a healing context. The initial level of well-being of the Reiki practitioners correlates with
the outcome of Reiki on bacterial culture growth and is key to the results obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Trustee.
2005 Nov-Dec;58(10):14-6, 21-2, 1.
Integrating integrative medicine--a how-to guide..
Adding complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) to your hospital's treatment options doesn't have to be complicated or expensive--and the consumer appeal may be well worth it.
PMID:
16382730 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE
Perspect
Psychiatr Care. 2005 Oct-Dec;41(4):184-7.
The use of Reiki in psychotherapy.
malilnvis@yahoo.com
PMID:
16297024 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE
Orthop Nurs, July 1, 2005; 24(4): 259-69.
Energy healing: a complementary treatment for orthopaedic and other conditions.
EM DiNucci; Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
Inside
Business. July 2005 v7 i7 pSS9(1).
The role of Reiki in cancer treatment.(Community Health Partners Regional Health System)(Disease/Disorder overview)
Wendy Langenderfer.
Full Text: COPYRIGHT 2005 Great Lakes Publishing Company
J
Altern Complement Med. 2005 Jun;11(3):455-7.
Positive well-being changes associated with giving and receiving Johrei healing.
Reece K, Schwartz GE, Brooks AJ, Nangle G.
Center for Frontier
Medicine in Biofield Science, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721-0068,
USA.
OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to examine the effects of giving and receiving Johrei, a spiritual energy healing practice, on measures of well-being. METHODS: Participants (N = 236) rated 21 items pertaining to feelings plus an overall well-being measure, before and after a Johrei session. RESULTS: Receivers experienced a significantly greater decrease in negative emotional state than givers; however, givers and receivers experienced a comparable increase in positive emotional state and overall well-being. CONCLUSIONS: The practice of Johrei and other energy and spiritual healing techniques, may have positive health effects for givers as well as receivers. Future research examining different energy and spiritual healing practices (for example, Reiki and Therapeutic Touch) and using various control groups (for example, treatment-naive subjects instructed to "send loving energy") can explore the generality and mechanisms underlying these apparently robust effects.
PMID:
15992229 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE
Int
J Palliat Nurs. 2005 May;11(5):248-53.
The increasing use of reiki as a complementary therapy in specialist palliative care.
Burden
B, Herron-Marx
S, Clifford
C.
Compton Hospice, Wolverhampton, West Midlands, UK. Barbaracompt@aol.com
Palliative medicine and
complementary therapies (CTs) have developed within the NHS as parallel
philosophies of care. As a result, the last decade has seen an increase in the
integration and usage of CTs, as adjunct therapies to conventional medical
treatment. Documented benefits of relaxation, decreased perception of pain,
reduced anxiety and improved sense of wellbeing have been shown to enable an
enhanced quality of life, where curative treatment is no longer an option. Reiki
is a more recent addition to the range of CTs available to cancer patients. As
an energy-healing intervention it has gained in popularity as a non-invasive and
non-pharmacological approach. Anecdotal evidence suggests that the profound relaxation effect has a positive
impact on alleviating anxiety, stress, perception of pain and promotes a feeling
of wellbeing particularly relating to the nature of psychospiritual wellbeing.
However, there is very little evidence to support its application within
clinical practice, and none within the specific field of specialist palliative
care (SPC). This article will consider the position of reiki as an emerging CT
within SPC. The function of the hospice movement, the role of CTs together with
an understanding of energy healing will also be explored. Within this context,
the rise in popularity of reiki and its potential benefits for SPC patients will
be discussed. These considerations will then form the basis of the justification
for further research in SPC.
PMID:
15944500 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE
J
Altern Complement Med. 2004 Dec;10(6):1077-81.
Autonomic nervous system changes during Reiki treatment: a preliminary study.
Mackay
N, Hansen
S, McFarlane
O.
Institute of Neurological Sciences, South Glasgow University Hospital NHS Trust, 1345 Govan Road, Glasgow G51 4TF, Scotland, UK.
OBJECTIVES: to investigate if a complementary therapy, Reiki, has any effect on indices of autonomic nervous system function. DESIGN: Blind trial. SETTING/LOCATION: Quiet room in an out-patient clinic. SUBJECTS: Forty-five (45) subjects assigned at random into three groups. Interventions: Three treatment conditions: no treatment (rest only); Reiki treatment by experienced Reiki practitioner; and placebo treatment by a person with no knowledge of Reiki and who mimicked the Reiki treatment. OUTCOME MEASURES: Quantitative measures of autonomic nervous system function such as heart rate, cardiac vagal tone, blood pressure, cardiac sensitivity to baroreflex, and breathing activity were recorded continuously for each heartbeat. Values during and after the treatment period were compared with baseline data. RESULTS: Heart rate and diastolic blood pressure decreased significantly in the Reiki group compared to both placebo and control groups. CONCLUSIONS: The study indicates that Reiki has some effect on the autonomic nervous system. However, this was a pilot study with relatively few subjects and the changes were relatively small. The results justify further, larger studies to look at the biological effects of Reiki treatment.
PMID:
15674004 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
J
Altern Complement Med. 2004 Dec;10(6):1107-13.
Biofield energy healing from the inside.
Warber
SL, Cornelio
D, Straughn
J, Kile
G.
University of Michigan, Michigan Integrative Medicine,
715 East Huron Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48104-1555, USA. swarber@umich.edu
OBJECTIVES:
Biofield energy healing involves controversial concepts, and although numerous
controlled trials have evaluated the effects, little attention has been paid to
the phenomenon from the perspective of the therapists themselves. DESIGN:
Qualitative research. SETTINGS/LOCATION: Large Midwest metropolitan area.
Interviews were generally conducted in the therapists' place of business.
SUBJECTS: Experienced biofield energy therapists from several different
disciplines. INTERVENTIONS: In-depth semistructured interviews, tape-recorded,
transcribed verbatim, videotapes of demonstrations. OUTCOME MEASURES: We used a
grounded theory approach to uncover relevant dimensions and themes related to
the process of biofield energy healing. RESULTS: Major overall themes related to
the "nature of energy" and the "healer-client relationship."
Seven dimensions of the nature of energy include sources of energy, entities
with energy, human energy anatomy, descriptions of energy, movement of energy,
action of energy, and perception of energy. The dimensions build on one another
to describe an energetic world view. The other major theme, the healer-client
relationship, contains the central concept of healing facilitation as the goal
of the experience. Compatibility and collaboration are critical to that process,
as are creating a sense of trust and adhering to ethical standards.
Communication underpins the whole process. CONCLUSIONS: The biofield energy
therapists share a common energetic world view, wherein they must surrender to a
universal energy while simultaneously creating a therapeutic alliance with the
client who is also an active agent in healing process. This understanding has
the potential to alter our assumptions about in
biofield energy healing.
PMID:
15674009 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE
Altern
Ther Health Med. 2004 Sep-Oct;10(5):48-56.
Integrative healthcare: arriving at a working definition.
Boon
H, Verhoef
M, O'Hara
D, Findlay
B, Majid
N.
Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto.
A
variety of integrative healthcare programs and clinics have been initiated both
in Canada and the United States. Many different terms (eg, integrative medicine,
integrated medicine, multidisciplinary care, integrative health care) are used
to describe these initiatives. The diversity of terminology and absence of a
shared conceptual framework makes it difficult to assess when integration is actually happening. The
objective of this paper was to explore current efforts to conceptualize
integrative healthcare and to identify its components. A qualitative content
analysis of articles identified in an extensive literature review resulted in
the identification of four key components of integrative care:
philosophy/values, structure, process and outcomes. These were used to guide the
development of a definition of integrative healthcare that should be seen as an
"ideal type" or goal toward which practitioners and health systems
could strive.
PMID:
15478786 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE
Home Health Care Management & Practice, Vol. 16, No. 6, 480-486 (2004)
Reiki: The Re-Emergence of an Ancient Healing Art in Modern Times
Theresa C. Gilberti, PhD
Pennsylvania
Reiki has experienced a tremendous rebirth and expansion since its rediscovery by Dr. Mikao Usui in the early 1900s. The number of Reiki practitioners has grown to several hundred thousand worldwide. After Reiki instruction and attunements by a Reiki master/teacher, the practitioners, through intention alone, pull concentrated life force into their bodies and pass it through the hands to the client. The Reiki session places the client into a deep state of relaxation and peace, allowing the body to rebalance and heal. Reiki is not a religion, dogma, or creed, nor can it create or cause anyone harm. In fact, Reiki is beneficial to the practitioner and the client. Anyone can learn Reiki. There are no special skills or education necessary to learn this ancient healing art—only an open mind and heart.
DOI: 10.1177/1084822304265847
Altern
Ther Health Med. 2004 May-Jun;10(3):42-8.
Long-term effects of energetic healing on symptoms of psychological
depression and self-perceived stress.
PMID: 15154152 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE
Townsend Letter for Doctors and Patients. Feb-March 2004 i247-248 p26(1).
Full Text:
COPYRIGHT 2004 The Townsend Letter Group
Altern
Ther Health Med. 2004 Jan-Feb;10(1):14.
Holistic nursing and spiritual healing.
PMID: 14727494 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE
Director.
2003 Winter;11(1):33-4.
Comment in:
Integrative care--Reiki.
PMID: 12630139 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE
Healing, Intention and Energy Medicine
Science, Research Methods and Clinical Implications
edited by Jonas, Wayne B., Crawford Cindy C.
This book has a 30 page annotated bibliography and a 48 page comprehensive bibliography. The authors found over 2200 published reports, including books, articles, dissertations, abstracts and other writings on spiritual healing, energy medicine, and mental intention effects.
published by Churchill Livingstone an imprint of Elsevier Limited