LifeSpark has conducted a pilot research project studying Oncology nurses who learn Reiki and the impact it has on their Resilience. See details under HOSPITAL PROGRAM.
2021 LifeSpark Survey of Remote Sessions
Before COVID-19, all sessions were conducted in person. However, in March 2020, LifeSpark switched to remote/distant sessions to keep everyone safe. In July 2020, we began sending surveys via email on the first week of each month to the recipients of our program.
Between July 1, 2020, and June 31, 2021, 1,837 distant sessions were delivered to 164 people, and 208 surveys were filled out. Participants reported that stress, pain, and depression were the top issues, and on a five-point scale, 91% rated the distant sessions as helpful by scoring the sessions at a 4 or 5.
2019 LifeSpark Survey at UCHealth
In 2019, the last full year of LifeSpark’s presence at UCHealth Anschutz Cancer Center before COVID-19, we provided 719 sessions in their Infusion Center. Their staff created a before and after self-report survey for patients receiving our therapies. Thirty-five patients participated, and their responses reported that pain dropped by about a third, and stress and anxiety dropped by about two-thirds after just one session.
2012 LifeSpark Study with 108 individuals with cancer
A number of years ago, we conducted
an informal study of our weekly hands-on program. Surveys were filled out by 108 LifeSpark participants in-person before the first and before the twelfth sessions. (At that time our program was 3 months long.) Results showed statistically significant improvements in physical and emotional states. Depression, somatization, anxiety, and fatigue decreased while physical well-being, functional well-being, and peace/meaning improved.
Research by others
Over 150 studies demonstrate that Reiki and Healing Touch may improve depression and anxiety, and support a sense of well-being.
A Harvard University study with 1,411 sessions reported that a single session of Reiki significantly improved pain, anxiety, depression, nausea, and fatigue.
A University of Iowa study showed significant improvement in the immune system of cervical cancer patients using Healing Touch compared to the control group.
A study at St Joseph Hospital in Minnesota demonstrated a shorter hospital stay and improved mood with Healing Touch.
Two studies published in mainstream medical journals indicate that Reiki may reduce fatigue in cancer patients, and reduce pain for advanced cancer patients.
Yale study with heart patients indicated that Reiki may improve heart rate variability for patients hospitalized for a heart incident.
Potential Benefits of Reiki and Healing Touch (as indicated in the research)
Positive improvement in energy and well-being
Decreased pain, anxiety, and depression
Support for healing after surgery and medical procedures
A feeling of being cared for and nurtured
Resources for additional research information
Reiki in Clinical Practice: A Science-Based Guide. Baldwin A. 2020.
Healing Touch Research Brief: A Summary of Topics on Research and Strategies For the Future. 2020 Edition. Healing Beyond Borders, www.HealingBeyondBorders.org
Reiki Research Studies: Vitale A. An Integrative Review of Reiki Touch Therapy Research, Holistic Nursing Practice. 2007 (7-8):167-179.
Reiki Research Studies: Miles P, True G. Reiki-Review of a Biofield Therapy: History, Theory, Practice and
Research. Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine. 2003;9(2):62-72. www.ReikiInMedicine.org
