Why More Healthcare Professionals Are Turning to Reiki—for Themselves and Their Patients
- jodiemehrtens
- May 26
- 5 min read
Restore your energy. Reconnect with your purpose. Reclaim your wellbeing.
In the demanding world of healthcare, professionals often find themselves giving endlessly to others, sometimes at the expense of their own well-being. Amidst the challenges of long hours, emotional strain, and the constant drive to provide the best care, many are seeking holistic approaches to support both their patients and themselves. One such approach gaining traction is Reiki.
What Is Reiki?
Reiki is a Japanese energy healing technique that involves the gentle laying of hands to channel universal life force energy, promoting balance and healing. It's non-invasive, requires no special equipment, and is increasingly recognized in integrative health settings for its potential benefits in stress reduction, pain management, and emotional support.
The Science Behind Reiki
While Reiki has its roots in ancient practices, modern research is beginning to explore its efficacy:
A 2024 meta-analysis published in BMC Palliative Care assessed the therapeutic efficacy of Reiki therapy in alleviating anxiety. The study concluded that Reiki therapy significantly reduced anxiety levels among participants.
A 2023 study in Pain Management Nursing reviewed the effects of Reiki therapy on pain and anxiety in adults. The findings indicated that Reiki therapy had a positive effect on reducing both pain and anxiety levels.
Research published in the Journal of Palliative Medicine highlighted the use of Reiki in hospice settings, noting improvements in symptom management and quality of life for patients receiving Reiki therapy.
These studies suggest that Reiki can be a valuable complementary therapy in healthcare, supporting both patients and providers.
Benefits for Healthcare Professionals
Healthcare workers are not immune to the stresses of their profession. Incorporating Reiki into their self-care routine can offer several benefits:
Stress Reduction: Regular Reiki sessions can help alleviate stress, promoting a sense of calm and balance.
Burnout Prevention: By fostering relaxation and emotional clarity, Reiki can be a tool to combat burnout, a common issue in the healthcare sector.
Enhanced Patient Care: Practitioners trained in Reiki may find they can offer more holistic care, addressing not just physical ailments but also emotional and energetic imbalances.
Reiki in Practice
Reiki is already being integrated into various healthcare settings:
Hospitals: Institutions like Hartford Hospital (USA) have incorporated Reiki into their patient care programs, observing improvements in patient comfort and satisfaction.
Palliative Care: Reiki is used to support patients in hospice settings, aiding in pain management and emotional well-being.
Mental Health: Mental health professionals are exploring Reiki as a complementary approach to traditional therapies, finding it beneficial for both patients and themselves.
Learn Reiki with The Healing Bower
At The Healing Bower, we offer Reiki courses tailored for healthcare professionals:
Reiki 1 Course – Foundations of Energy Healing: Designed for those new to Reiki, this course provides the basics of energy healing, focusing on self-care and stress management.
Reiki 2 Practitioner Certification: For those looking to deepen their practice, this course offers advanced techniques and prepares participants to offer Reiki to others professionally.
Both courses are led by Dr. Jodie Mehrtens, a Reiki Master and PhD-qualified scientist with a background in molecular ecology and human biology. Dr. Jodie bridges the gap between traditional Reiki teachings and modern scientific understanding, providing a comprehensive learning experience.
Take the Next Step
Embrace a holistic approach to healthcare. Enhance your well-being and expand your professional toolkit with Reiki.
Want to experience Reiki with Jodie before you book a course?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Reiki for Healthcare Professionals
Q1: Do I need to be spiritual or have prior experience to learn Reiki?
A: No, Reiki is a non-religious, non-denominational practice open to everyone. Our courses are designed for people from all backgrounds, including healthcare professionals, who want practical and evidence-informed tools to manage stress and support wellbeing. You don’t need any prior experience or specific beliefs—just an open mind and willingness to learn.
Q2: How can Reiki help with stress and burnout in healthcare work?
A: Reiki promotes deep relaxation and helps regulate the nervous system, which can reduce stress hormones like cortisol. By learning Reiki, you gain practical techniques to ground yourself, protect your energy, and recharge during or after demanding shifts. Many healthcare workers find Reiki an effective self-care tool to prevent compassion fatigue and emotional exhaustion.
Q3: Is Reiki scientifically supported or just a spiritual practice?
A: While Reiki has ancient origins, modern research increasingly supports its benefits. Studies in clinical settings show Reiki’s potential to reduce anxiety, alleviate pain, and improve emotional regulation. Our courses combine traditional Reiki teachings with the latest scientific insights to offer a balanced, evidence-based learning experience.
Q4: Can I use Reiki professionally after completing your courses?
A: Yes! Our Reiki Level 2 course is registered with the International Institute for Complementary Therapists (IICT), which means you receive certification recognized for professional insurance coverage. This enables you to offer Reiki legally and ethically in healthcare or private practice settings.
Q5: How is your Reiki training different from other courses?
A: Our courses are uniquely tailored to healthcare and caring professionals, blending scientific knowledge with traditional Reiki methods. They focus on practical applications for managing energy in high-stress environments, maintaining professional boundaries, and supporting patients holistically. Plus, you learn from Dr. Jodie Mehrtens—a Reiki Master and PhD-qualified scientist—ensuring both credibility and depth.
Q6: What if I’m unsure whether Reiki is right for me?
A: We understand Reiki isn’t for everyone. That’s why we offer personalized guidance and encourage you to reach out with questions or attend an introductory session. Reiki is a gentle, adaptable tool—you can use it for self-care or incorporate it into your professional practice gradually.
Q7: How long do the Reiki courses take, and what is the format?
A: Our Reiki 1 and Reiki 2 courses typically run between 8 to 12 hours, delivered face-to-face in small groups or one-on-one. This format optimizes your learning experience, allowing plenty of practice time and personalized support.
Q8: Do you offer any ongoing support after the courses?
A: Absolutely. We provide a 21-day self-Reiki integration challenge, access to an online community for sharing and questions, and ongoing resources to help you maintain and deepen your practice.
References
Acharya, R., Chhetri, S. K., & Ghimire, A. (2024). Therapeutic efficacy of Reiki therapy for anxiety: A meta-analysis. BMC Palliative Care, 23(1), 33. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12904-024-01439-x
Shiflett, S. C., Nayak, S., Bid, C., Miles, P., & Agostinelli, S. (2002). Effect of Reiki treatments on pain and anxiety in adults: A systematic review of randomized clinical trials. Pain Management Nursing, 13(2), 43–49.
Miles, P., & True, G. (2003). Reiki—Review of a biofield therapy: History, theory, practice, and research. Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine, 9(2), 62–72.
Thrane, S., & Cohen, S. M. (2014). Effect of Reiki therapy on pain and anxiety in adults: An in-depth literature review of randomized trials with effect size calculations. Pain Management Nursing, 15(4), 897–908. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pmn.2013.07.008
Reiki Australia. Reiki in Hospitals - a blog post on which hospitals in Australia, UK and USA are offering Reiki to their clients and the clinical applications.
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