Why Isn't Reiki More Widely Studied?
A Look at Reiki Research
Reiki is growing in popularity, but if you've ever wondered why it's not a mainstream part of medical science yet, you're not alone! Despite its deeply healing effects, Reiki remains under-researched, often misunderstood, and even dismissed by traditional medicine. So, what’s the deal? Let’s get into it.
The Challenges of Reiki Research
1. It’s Still the New Kid on the Block
While Reiki has been formally practiced for over a century, it only started gaining mainstream attention in the 1990s. According to a 2007 National Health Interview Survey, less than 1% of U.S. adults had tried energy healing therapies like Reiki in the previous year.¹ Compared to conventional medicine, Reiki is still finding its footing in the world of scientific validation. 🧪
2. Every Reiki Experience is Unique
Reiki isn’t a cookie-cutter practice. Each session is different, shaped by the practitioner, the recipient, and even the energy of the moment. Unlike pharmaceutical treatments, where dosages and effects can be precisely measured, Reiki works with subtle energy that doesn’t fit neatly into traditional scientific methods. 🔬 That makes large-scale, repeatable studies challenging.
3. Science is Skeptical
The scientific community demands hard, measurable proof, and because Reiki operates on energetic principles that aren’t fully understood yet, skepticism is high. But let’s not forget—doctors also once believed anesthesia was unnecessary for surgery, thinking the pain was an important part of the healing process.² My point is that science evolves, as it should, and a lack of widespread acceptance today doesn’t mean something won’t be validated or embraced in the future. (Just a reminder—I’m pro allopathic medicine. See your doctors and take your meds!)
The Biggest Barrier: No Profit = No Funding
Here’s the real kicker: there’s no financial incentive to study Reiki. 🤑
Follow the money. Most big research studies are backed by pharmaceutical companies, medical institutions, or government agencies, all of which focus on research that leads to profitable treatments.
No patents, no problem (for Big Pharma). Reiki isn’t a pill you can patent, bottle up, and sell at a markup—so private companies don’t see a financial reason to fund research.
No insurance benefits. Unlike conventional treatments, Reiki doesn’t fit into the Western insurance model, making it a tough sell for coverage.
Bottom line? Research follows the money, and since Reiki isn’t a moneymaker for big corporations, getting funding for studies is like trying to sell a map to people who profit from keeping you lost.
The Future of Reiki Research
Despite these challenges, Reiki is slowly making its way into the scientific conversation. Many hospitals and wellness centers, including Mayo Clinic and Mount Sinai,³ now incorporate Reiki as a complementary therapy for stress relief, pain management, and emotional well-being.⁴ 👐🏻
For Reiki to gain broader acceptance, we need more independent funding, greater awareness, and collaboration between holistic healers and the medical community.
Final Thoughts
Just because Reiki isn’t widely studied doesn’t mean it isn’t effective. The lack of research speaks more to how medical funding operates than to Reiki’s impact. Those who have experienced Reiki firsthand understand its transformative power—now, it’s just a matter of science catching up.
For Reiki to be taken seriously in the medical world, we need to advocate for more research, encourage open-mindedness, and push for a healthcare system that prioritizes healing—not profit.
Supporting independent Reiki practitioners (like me!) helps keep this practice alive and thriving. ❤️🔥 You can also advocate for holistic health policies, support wellness organizations, donate to independent research initiatives, and share your own experiences with Reiki to help spread awareness.
Sources:
Baldwin, Ann L., C. Wagers, and Gary E. Schwartz. “Reiki Training for Caregivers of Hospitalized Pediatric Patients: A Pilot Program.” Global Advances in Health and Medicine, vol. 2, no. 2, 2013, pp. 16–21. PubMed Central, PMC3712613.
Brown, Michael. Surgery and Emotion: The Era Before Anaesthesia. National Center for Biotechnology Information, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2018, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK481552/.
The Integrative Healthcare Institute. “Hospital-Based Reiki and Documentation.” Integrative Healthcare, https://www.integrativehealthcare.org/mt/hospital-based-reiki-and-documentation/. Accessed 18 Feb. 2025.
Baldwin, Ann L., and William J. Hammerschlag. “Biofield-Based Therapies: A Systematic Review of Physiological Effects on Practitioners during Treatment.” Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, vol. 2014, 2014. PubMed Central, PMC4147026.