Effects of Reiki on Pain and Anxiety in Women Hospitalized for Obstetrical- and Gynecological-Related Conditions

Abstract

Purpose: To determine the effect of Reiki on pain and anxiety in women in antepartum, intrapartum, postpartum, gynecology, and gyn/oncology, settings. Method: This exploratory, comparative study used a Likert-type scale of 0 to 10 to measure pain and anxiety, and a survey asking about lingering effects of treatment. Results: Mean pain scores after Reiki significantly decreased from 3.24 to 1.52 (n = 203; z = -11.67, p < .001). Mean anxiety scores after Reiki significantly decreased from 3.56 to 1.28 (n = 195; z = -11.42, p < .001). Women were asked if the effects lingered for any length of time post-Reiki treatment, and 91 of 101 responded affirmatively that decreased pain and/or anxiety continued. Conclusion: Findings from this study confirm the positive and lingering effects of Reiki in women hospitalized for obstetrical and gynecological conditions.

Keywords: Reiki; childbirth/maternal child health; energy-based therapies/energy work; group/population; healing modalities; pain and pain management; psychosocial/mental health; specific conditions; women.