A recent meta-analysis published in Systematic Reviews (2025) examined the effects of Reiki therapy on quality of life across various populations. The study included 11 randomized controlled trials with a total of 661 participants. Findings indicated that Reiki therapy significantly improved quality of life, with a standardized mean difference of 0.28 (95% CI 0.01–0.56, P = 0.043) compared to control groups.

Subgroup analyses revealed that interventions involving at least 8 sessions, each lasting 60 minutes or more, were most effective. Additionally, acute interventions of 20 minutes or less also showed positive outcomes. These benefits were observed in cancer patients, individuals with chronic conditions, and healthy adults.

The study suggests that Reiki therapy can serve as a valuable complementary treatment to enhance well-being, alleviate stress, and improve overall quality of life. However, the authors note that further research is needed to confirm these findings and establish optimal treatment protocols.

1. Effects of Reiki therapy on quality of life: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials | Systematic Reviews | Full Text