The Science Behind Reiki: Is It All Woo or Is There Proof?

Let’s be real—if you’ve ever mentioned Reiki or any other form of energetic healing to a skeptic, you’ve probably seen that look. The one that says, “Ah, so you believe in invisible energy, huh?” 

Listen, I get it. We live in a world that likes things that can be measured, bottled, and analyzed to death. And for those who are not familiar with my background as a pharmaceutical research analyst, I have scientific methodology ingrained in my DNA! If you can't document it, and repeat it, it didn't happen! So when we start talking about unseen energy flows and chakra systems, it can feel a little... out there.

But here’s the thing: there’s actual correlative science that supports how Reiki works. Not just mystical theory. Real studies. Real measurable effects. Let’s break it down.

What Is Reiki from a Scientific Perspective?

Reiki isn’t magic—it’s energy medicine. In scientific terms, Reiki is considered a biofield therapy, which means it works with the subtle energy fields that surround and permeate the human body.

Yup, the biofield is a real, measurable phenomenon—recognized in research papers and integrative medicine circles alike (Jain et al., 2015). It’s part of what organizes our nervous system, cellular function, and internal coherence. When that field gets disrupted (think stress, grief, trauma), Reiki helps bring it back into balance.

At Empowered Souls, we use ROHE Energetic Healing—Reiki of Holistic Evolution—a trauma-informed system that blends intuitive energy healing with elemental and nervous system wisdom. Think of it like energetic chiropractic, without the cracking.

What Does the Research Actually Say?

Here’s where it gets juicy: Reiki has been studied in clinical and academic settings, and the findings are pretty impressive.

Reiki Reduces Stress and Anxiety

A comprehensive literature review published in Pain Management Nursing looked at multiple clinical trials and found that Reiki consistently reduces anxiety, improves mood, and promotes relaxation—especially when used alongside conventional treatments (Thrane & Cohen, 2014).

It Helps with Pain Management

Reiki has been used successfully in cancer support and palliative care, especially to help manage pain and improve overall well-being during difficult treatments (Bossi et al., 2008). It’s even offered at major institutions like Cleveland Clinic and UCLA Health.

It Impacts Your Nervous System

One study showed that Reiki actually helped lab rats return to heart rate equilibrium after stress—fascinating, since rats can’t placebo themselves into healing (Baldwin et al., 2008).

Another human study tracked Reiki’s effects on EEG brain waves and cortisol levels, showing that it shifts people into parasympathetic nervous system dominance—that dreamy, relaxed “rest and digest” state where healing naturally occurs (Wardell & Engebretson, 2001).

But How Does It Work?

Here’s the science-meets-soul breakdown:

• Your body runs on electricity. Every heartbeat, brain signal, and emotional response is electrochemical.

• Your biofield helps regulate those electrical systems.

• Reiki works to "clear" disruptions, strengthen coherence, and return you to energetic flow.

The practitioner isn’t "giving" you their energy—they're facilitating a return to your own energetic balance. Your system already knows what to do. Reiki just helps it remember.

So Is It “Just” the Placebo Effect?

Even if it was (which… again, studies seem to say otherwise), the placebo effect is still a form of medicine. It’s your brain activating your body’s natural healing pathways because it feels safe and supported.

But what makes Reiki different is that it works even when people don’t expect it to—and even on animals or those in deep unconscious states, where placebo wouldn’t be at play. That’s a big deal in research circles.

Experience It for Yourself

You don’t have to know quantum physics or believe in chakras to benefit from Reiki. You just have to be open to feeling better.

At Empowered Souls, every session is tailored to your needs—whether you’re burned out, emotionally blocked, or just craving peace. Our signature ROHE Reiki system blends intuition, gentle touch, sound, and subtle science in a way that helps your energy body do what it was designed for: heal.

Ready to See for Yourself?

Come try it. Not because it’s trendy—but because it works.🔗 Book your Reiki session in Saskatoon