Researchers at University Hospitals Connor Whole Health recently conducted a comprehensive study to determine the impact of Reiki therapy on cancer outpatients undergoing infusion treatments. In particular, the study focused on assessing improvements in symptoms such as pain, fatigue, anxiety, nausea, and overall well-being among the patients. This extensive research, which spanned from March 2022 to February 2024, included a total of 268 unique patients across two infusion centers. The study’s conclusive results have now been published in the Journal of Pain and Symptom Management.
Over the course of their treatment, patients participated in Reiki sessions lasting 15-20 minutes each. During these sessions, a trained practitioner would place their hands either on or above the patient’s body, aiming to facilitate relaxation and healing. To objectively measure the changes in symptoms, patients completed the Edmonton Symptom Assessment System (ESAS) both before and after their Reiki sessions. The findings of this research were quite illuminating, showing clinically significant improvements in all measured symptoms. Pain levels decreased by 1.78 points, fatigue by 1.33 points, anxiety by 2.09 points, and nausea by 2.30 points, while overall well-being improved by 1.37 points.
Participant Demographics and Results
The demographic data collected during the study revealed that the participant pool was composed predominantly of female (57.5%) and White (71.6%) individuals, with an average age of 63.3 years. The significant reduction in symptoms across the board highlights the potential for Reiki therapy as a valuable complementary treatment for cancer patients undergoing infusion therapy. These findings suggest that Reiki could help improve the quality of life for those experiencing the debilitating side effects of their cancer treatments.
Patients who participated in the study reported high levels of satisfaction with their Reiki sessions. Many noted enhanced relaxation, symptom alleviation, and emotional changes. Additionally, there was a strong indication that patients were likely to pursue further Reiki sessions if given the opportunity. This positive feedback reinforces the notion that Reiki therapy can be a beneficial adjunct to conventional medical treatments, potentially helping to mitigate some of the physical and emotional burdens faced by cancer patients.
Implications and Future Research
The significant results from this study underscore the potential benefits of incorporating Reiki therapy into conventional cancer care. Future research should aim to explore the long-term effects of Reiki therapy on cancer patients, as well as its efficacy in different stages of cancer treatment. Expanding the demographic diversity of participants in future studies could also provide a more comprehensive understanding of Reiki’s benefits across various populations. By continuing to investigate and validate complementary therapies like Reiki, the medical community can better support the holistic well-being of cancer patients.
