How Reiki Affects the Body: A Scientific Perspective

reikirosegold
May 26
2 min read

Updated: Oct 3

For centuries, Eastern traditions have understood what Western medicine is only beginning to explore - that energy flows through the body in ways that profoundly influence health and well-being. Science is now catching up, validating what healers and practitioners of Reiki have known for generations: energy healing can ease pain, reduce stress, and support the body's natural balance. I learned this firsthand during my own cancer treatment. While medical care worked on the physical disease, Reiki became a bridge that helped me manage body aches, find a deeper sense of calm, release anxiety, and process the emotions that came with it all. This integration of ancient wisdom and modern science is where true whole-body healing begins.

Supporting Pain Relief

Several clinical studies have explored Reiki's role in pain management, particularly for cancer patients, post-surgical recovery, and chronic pain. One study published in the Journal of Evidence-Based Complementary & Alternative Medicine showed that Reiki significantly reduced pain levels and improved overall well-being in patients receiving palliative care.

Activating the Parasympathetic Nervous System

Reiki help shift the body into the parasympathetic state - also known as "rest and digest." This allows the body to exit the fight-or-flight stress response, lower cortisol levels, reduce heart rate, and promote cellular repair. Studies have shown that Reiki recipients often experience decreased blood pressure, slower breathing, and a deep sense of calm.

Influence on Brain Wave Activity

Some research has showen increases in alpha and theta brain waves during sessions - similar to the effects seen in deep meditation. This helps reduce anxiety, improve mood, and create a sense of emotional spaciousness. Participants often report feelings of peace, clarity, and emotional release.

Energy Fields and Biofield Science

Reiki is considered a form of biofield therapy, which places it within the broader framework of biofield science. Though more difficult to measure, this growing field studies the body's elecromagnetic field and its role in health. While subtle energy fields can't yet be measured with the same precision as blood pressure or brain waves, emerging tools such as Gas Discharge Visualization (GDV), Electrophotonic Imaging (EPI) and Heart Rate Variability (HRV), help researchers understand and validate how energy fields shape human health.