The Effect of Reiki Applied to Cancer Patients on Pain, Anxiety, and Stress Levels: A Randomized Controlled Study

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of Reiki applied to cancer patients on their pain, anxiety, and stress levels.

Methods: This three-armed, double-blinded, and randomized follow-up trial, which involves experimental, placebo and control groups, enrolled 58 cancer patients at a medical center in Türkiye. The data for the research was collected a total of four times, including pre-test, 4th day follow-up, 21st day follow-up and 3rd month follow-up periods, using the Visual Analog Scale, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory and Perceived Stress Scale. The experimental group received Reiki, the placebo group received Sham Reiki and the control group received Progressive Relaxation Exercise for 4 days.

Results: In the within-group time comparison of Reiki and Progressive Relaxation Exercise groups, a significant decrease in pain and anxiety levels over time between the pre-test and other measurement times was found, and the most significant decrease occurred in the Reiki group. There was no significant difference in cortisol levels between groups. There was a significant interaction in Perceived Stress Scale median scores between groups. In the 3rd month follow-up, it was found that the lowest stress levels were in the Reiki group. It was concluded that Reiki is effective in the long term for pain and anxiety, and it is more effective in reducing stress levels compared to Progressive Relaxation Exercise. Reiki was found to be effective on pain and anxiety in the long term and more effective than Progressive Relaxation Exercise in reducing stress levels.

Conclusions: Reiki is more effective in reducing the pain, anxiety, and stress levels of cancer patients compared to Sham Reiki and Progressive Relaxation Exercise.

Implications for nursing practice: The use of Reiki, a complementary and integrative therapy method, as a nursing intervention can be recommended for improving pain, anxiety, and stress levels in cancer patients.

Keywords: Anxiety; Cancer; Nursing; Pain; Reiki; Stress.