Reiki and Science: Measuring What We Don’t Understand

One issue researchers struggle with when looking into studying Reiki is how to measure Reiki when we don’t scientifically know what it is made of.  A study by Kent et al (2020) demonstrated one way to objectively measure the changes to cells after Reiki treatment.  The photon emissions of mouse cells were measured before, during, and after Reiki or non-Reiki exposure. The measurement showed a larger increase post-treatment for the cells that received Reiki. While additional research is needed, this study shows one way that Reiki healing may be objectively measured. 

Resource

Webster, L. C., Holden, J. M., Ray, D. C., Price, E., & Hastings, T. M. (2020).

          The Impact of Psychotherapeutic Reiki on Anxiety. Journal of Creativity in Mental

          Health, 15(3), 311–326. https://doi.org/10.1080/15401383.2019.1688214