Role of Placebo in energy healing

By Sandeep Kulshrestha

The role of placebo in healing practices such as Reiki is a complex interplay between psychological and physiological factors. Research indicates that Reiki, a form of energy healing, may offer benefits beyond mere placebo effects, although the placebo phenomenon itself plays a significant role in the overall efficacy of such therapies.

Evidence Supporting Reiki Beyond Placebo

Clinical Studies: A review of 13 clinical studies found that 8 demonstrated Reiki’s effectiveness over placebo, suggesting that Reiki can induce a state of relaxation and improve various health outcomes, including anxiety and depression management. The studies controlled for placebo effects by including sham Reiki groups, where untrained practitioners mimicked the hand positions of trained Reiki practitioners, thereby isolating the true effects of Reiki from psychological expectations.

Physiological Impact: Research indicates that Reiki can activate the parasympathetic nervous system, leading to physiological changes such as reduced heart rate and blood pressure. This activation is crucial for promoting relaxation and healing, suggesting that the benefits of Reiki may stem from both its energetic practices and its ability to induce a calming response in the body.

Mental Health Benefits: Systematic reviews have shown that Reiki may be particularly effective in treating symptoms of mental health conditions, such as clinically relevant levels of stress and depression. The evidence suggests that while some studies show significant improvements with Reiki compared to placebo, the overall findings remain inconclusive due to varying study designs and potential biases.

The Placebo Effect in Healing

The placebo effect is a well-documented phenomenon where patients experience real improvements in their condition due to their expectations or beliefs about treatment rather than the treatment itself. In the context of Reiki:

Expectancy and Ritual: The ritualistic nature of Reiki sessions can enhance patient expectations, possibly amplifying the placebo effect. The presence of a practitioner who provides care and attention can also contribute significantly to perceived well-being.

Comparative Studies: Some studies have indicated that while Reiki may be more effective than placebo for certain conditions, other studies found no significant difference between Reiki and sham treatments. This variability highlights the importance of rigorous study designs to account for psychological factors influencing treatment outcomes.

While there is evidence suggesting that Reiki may provide benefits beyond a placebo effect—especially in terms of relaxation and mental health—understanding the full extent of its efficacy requires further research. The interplay between psychological expectations and physiological responses remains critical in evaluating complementary therapies like Reiki. Future studies should aim for more robust methodologies to clarify these relationships and better understand how both Reiki and placebo mechanisms contribute to healing outcomes.

References:

Reiki Is Better Than Placebo and Has Broad Potential as a Complementary Health Therapy – PMC 

Frontiers | Does Reiki Benefit Mental Health Symptoms Above Placebo?

Reiki Is Better Than Placebo and Has Broad Potential as a Complementary Health Therapy – David E. McManus, 2017