Positive Health Online

Abstract

SHORE writes about a trial on the long-term effects of energetic healing on symptoms of depression and stress.

Background

The aim of the study was to examine the long-term effects of Reiki healing on symptoms of depression and self-perceived stress.

Methodology

46 patients were randomly assigned to one of three groups: hands-on Reiki, distance Reiki, or distance-Reiki placebo, with patients blinded to treatment conditions. Each patient received a 1 to 1.5 hour treatment weekly for 6 weeks. Beck Depression, Beck Hopelessness, and Perceived Stress were completed at baseline, port treatment, and one year later.

Results

At the end of treatment, there was a significant reduction in symptoms of psychological distress in both treatment groups compared with controls (p < 0.05), and these differences persisted at one-year follow-up (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Reiki, whether administered hands-on or at distance, leads to long-lasting improvements in people's emotional state.

References

Shore AG. Long-term effects of energetic healing on symptoms of psychological depression and self-perceive stress. Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine 10 (3): 42-48, May-Jun 2004.