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Mind-body and energy-based therapies have gained significant attention within nursing and healthcare due to their potential to complement conventional treatments, reduce stress, improve patient outcomes, and promote holistic healing. These approaches include practices such as mindfulness meditation, Reiki, therapeutic touch, yoga, tai chi, and acupressure. For this report, a peer-reviewed article focusing on **Reiki therapy** was selected to evaluate its use, effectiveness, applicability within nursing practice, and future implications for the profession. Reiki is a biofield energy therapy in which practitioners use hand placements to promote relaxation, reduce pain, and facilitate healing. The chosen study provides valuable insights into the role of energy-based therapies in modern nursing practice.

Explanation of Why the Therapy Was Used

The selected article, published in a peer-reviewed nursing journal, examined the use of Reiki therapy for patients experiencing postoperative pain and anxiety following orthopedic procedures. The therapy was used because postoperative pain is a common challenge that can significantly delay recovery, impair mobility, and increase the risk of complications. Traditional pain management often relies heavily on pharmacological interventions such as opioids, which carry risks of addiction, adverse effects, respiratory suppression, constipation, and dependency. As a result, healthcare providers are increasingly exploring non-pharmacological therapies to reduce opioid use and enhance patient comfort.

Reiki therapy was selected in the study because past research suggests that energy-based interventions help activate the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting relaxation and reducing sympathetic stress responses. The researchers used Reiki with the intention of lowering pain perception, decreasing physiological stress markers, and improving emotional well-being during the recovery period. Additionally, Reiki is non-invasive, safe, easy to administer, and has minimal contraindications, making it an appealing complementary therapy for hospitalized patients.

Effectiveness of the Therapy

The results of the study demonstrated that patients who received Reiki therapy showed significantly lower pain scores compared to the control group, which received standard postoperative care. Participants also reported decreased anxiety, improved sleep quality, and a greater sense of emotional calm. Physiological markers such as heart rate, blood pressure, and respiratory rate showed measurable improvements following Reiki sessions, indicating enhanced relaxation.

The authors concluded that Reiki may serve as an effective adjunct therapy in pain management by modulating the autonomic nervous system and reducing stress responses. While the mechanism of action is not fully understood, the observed outcomes align with previous research demonstrating reductions in cortisol levels, improved mood, and enhanced patient satisfaction. Importantly, the study emphasized that Reiki does not replace conventional medical treatment but instead complements it by improving overall patient experience and reducing reliance on pharmaceutical pain management.

Utilization in Nursing Practice

Reiki therapy has several potential applications in nursing practice across diverse settings, including hospitals, outpatient clinics, long-term care facilities, mental health units, and palliative care environments. Nurses can use Reiki to assist patients experiencing pain, anxiety, insomnia, emotional distress, or spiritual discomfort. Because nurses frequently provide direct patient care and emotional support, incorporating Reiki aligns naturally with the holistic and caring nature of the profession.

In my current practice area, which focuses on adult postoperative care, Reiki could be beneficial in helping patients manage pain, reduce preoperative anxiety, and support overall recovery. Many postoperative patients experience fear, stress, and difficulty sleeping—conditions that Reiki has been shown to alleviate. Additionally, incorporating Reiki during preoperative teaching or postoperative rounds may promote a more calming environment, increase patient trust, and support positive patient-nurse relationships.

Beyond physical pain management, Reiki could be applied in mental health settings to reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. In oncology units, it may provide comfort and emotional support for patients undergoing aggressive treatments. In hospice care, Reiki can help address spiritual distress, support peaceful transitions, and improve quality of life.

Possible Challenges in Implementing Reiki Therapy

Despite the benefits, implementing Reiki therapy in a clinical setting presents several challenges. One major barrier is skepticism or lack of understanding among healthcare providers. Some clinicians may question the scientific basis of energy therapies, viewing them as alternative or non-evidence-based. This skepticism may limit acceptance and reduce the likelihood of integration into standard practice.

Another challenge involves institutional policies and credentialing requirements. Many hospitals require formal training or certification before staff can practice Reiki on patients. Obtaining administrative approval for its integration may require substantial time, multiple committee reviews, and presentation of evidence-based research supporting its effectiveness.

A practical challenge is staffing and time constraints. Nurses often have high patient loads and may find it difficult to incorporate a 15–30-minute Reiki session into their daily workflow. Without dedicated time or support from leadership, nurses may be unable to routinely offer Reiki despite its potential benefits.

Patients’ cultural beliefs may also present challenges. Some individuals may feel uncomfortable with energy-based therapies due to religious, cultural, or personal beliefs. Therefore, it is essential for nurses to provide education, obtain consent, and respect patient preferences.

Future Implications for Nursing

The future of Reiki and similar mind-body therapies in nursing is promising. As healthcare continues to shift toward integrative and holistic models, increased interest in non-pharmacological interventions is expected. The opioid crisis has accelerated the need for safe, effective, non-addictive treatments for chronic and acute pain. Reiki may become more widely accepted as part of multimodal pain management strategies.

Research on Reiki and energy healing is growing, and improved methodologies may help clarify mechanisms and efficacy, leading to increased credibility among healthcare professionals. Nursing curricula may also begin incorporating Reiki and other complementary therapies into undergraduate and graduate education, preparing future nurses to practice holistic care confidently.

Additionally, increased patient demand for integrative therapies may drive institutions to expand complementary medicine programs. Hospitals may employ certified Reiki practitioners, offer staff training, and incorporate Reiki into patient care plans. As patient satisfaction becomes increasingly important in healthcare quality metrics, Reiki may contribute to improved experiences and outcomes.

References

1. Baldwin, A., & Trent, N. (2019). The effects of Reiki on pain and anxiety in postoperative patients.
2. Vitale, A. (2007). Integrating Reiki into nursing practice.
3. Thrane, S., & Cohen, S. (2014). Effect of Reiki therapy on pain and anxiety in children.
4. Wardell, D. W. (2001). Biological correlates of Reiki Touch.
5. McManus, D. (2017). Reiki is better than placebo.
6. Miles, P. (2003). Reiki in hospitals: A review.
7. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Reiki fact sheet.
8. Anderson, J. G. (2015). Complementary therapies and patient outcomes.
9. Dossey, B. M. (2016). Holistic nursing and energy medicine.
10. Jain, S., & Mills, P. J. (2010). Biofield therapies in clinical practice.