#Wellness

Reiki and Mental Health: What Mayo Clinic Researchers Found

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“She hadn’t recognized herself in the mirror on the way in.” A client’s words, Reiki 4 Well Being.

What would it take for Reiki to fit into the daily rhythm of a busy community mental health clinic? That was the practical question behind a 2025 study on Reiki and mental health by a team that included Mayo Clinic researchers.

What the Researchers Did

Between July 2021 and May 2023, Reiki was offered to outpatients with a stable mental health diagnosis at Zumbro Valley Health Center, a community behavioral health clinic in Rochester, Minnesota that serves a largely low-income population. Of the 122 patients invited, 91 completed a session, about three in four. Eighty-one percent of them were women, and the most common diagnoses were major depressive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder.

Each person’s first session lasted up to an hour, at no cost, and was given by one of two Reiki master teachers following written guidelines. Because the study ran during the COVID-19 pandemic, patients could also choose to receive Reiki remotely. Before and after the session, they rated pain, fatigue, anxiety, stress, sadness, and agitation, along with happiness, energy, relaxation, and calm, on a simple 0 to 10 scale.

What Patients Reported

The main aim of this Reiki and mental health study was feasibility: could Reiki fit into the rhythm of a real outpatient clinic that already has plenty asking for its time? On that question the researchers reported a clear yes, with recruitment, retention, data quality, and patient acceptance all holding up, and no adverse effects or negative feedback reported.

The second question was what patients said they felt. After a single Reiki session, ratings of pain, fatigue, anxiety, stress, sadness, and agitation were lower, and ratings of happiness, energy, relaxation, and calm were higher. The changes were statistically significant, which means they were larger than chance alone would be likely to explain. Stress showed the biggest drop, a median of 4 points, while relaxation and calm each rose by a median of 4 and anxiety and sadness each fell by a median of 3.

What This Study Can’t Tell Us

This was a feasibility pilot rather than a randomized controlled trial, and the authors say so plainly. A pilot study is a bit like a first date: promising, but nobody is picking out curtains yet. There was no comparison group of patients who sat quietly for an hour without Reiki, so we can’t say how much of the shift came from the practice itself. The authors note that expectation and the placebo effect could account for some of it, and I would add that simply having dedicated, unhurried care in the middle of a hard week may play a part too.

Patients rated themselves on a simple scale instead of validated questionnaires like the PHQ-9 or GAD-7, and the study looked at a single session, not change over time. The patients were also predominantly White and from the Midwest, so the findings may not apply everywhere. The researchers describe the results as early work that could help shape future controlled studies of Reiki and mental health.

Why This Reiki and Mental Health Study Matters

What stands out about this study is who it looked at. The patients were managing diagnosed mental health conditions on limited incomes, and the authors note that complementary care options for low-income patients are limited. To their knowledge, this is the first study to look at Reiki and well-being in mental health in an underserved population. The researchers asked whether Reiki could realistically be offered there, and patients rated themselves calmer and more relaxed afterward. The authors present Reiki as a complement to standard therapies, which is how I see it too.

If you read my post on the Yale study of Reiki and heart health, you will notice a similar spirit in this Reiki and mental health research: a small, early study that asks a careful question and is honest about its limits. My post on how Reiki supports the body’s natural balance goes a little deeper on the nervous system side.

A Moment From My Own Sessions

I see a version of this in my own sessions. A client once described herself as feeling contorted when she arrived, and by the end of our time together her face had relaxed and she looked like herself again, calm and present. She said that when she caught her reflection on the way in, she hadn’t recognized herself. I’m not offering that as proof, since one client’s story is just that, but it is the kind of shift these patients rated on their own scales, and I’m glad researchers are taking the time to ask.

An Unhurried Hour

An unhurried hour is hard to come by in a busy week. If you’d like one, I’d love to have you experience a Reiki session for yourself, in person or by Zoom, and you can find the details and book a time on my Reiki sessions page. If you would rather ease in first, my free 5-day Reiki, Reconsidered series is a gentle place to start.

A gentle note: I’m a Reiki Master Teacher, not a licensed health professional. Reiki is a complement to medical and mental health care and never a replacement for it, so if you’re living with a mental health condition, please keep working with your doctor or therapist.

Source: Prasad K, et al. Effect of Reiki on Measures of Well-Being in Low-Income Patients with Mental Health Diagnoses. Global Advances in Integrative Medicine and Health. 2025;14. Read the study on PubMed | Free full text on PubMed Central | DOI

Curious How Reiki Could Support You?

If you’re curious how a Reiki session could support you, you’re welcome to book one, or take a little time to explore the practice first.

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Reiki 4 Well Being • Kandi Mullen, RMT
17+ years in practice. Teaching since 2009. | Pinellas Park, FL | Reiki4WellBeing.com

What a Yale Study Found About Reiki and Heart Health

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If you have ever typed something like does Reiki actually do anything into a search bar, especially late at night after a hard week, you are far from the only one. Interest in complementary practices like Reiki has been growing for years, and a fair question tends to travel right alongside that interest: is there any real research behind this, or is it just something people say makes them feel better?

It is a fair question. Rigorous research on complementary practices has historically been thin, and a lot of what is written about Reiki online leans more on personal testimony than on data. But there is at least one study worth knowing about, because of where it happened and who conducted it. Researchers at Yale-New Haven Hospital studied Reiki on their cardiac unit, and their findings were published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, one of the most respected cardiology journals in the world.

What Researchers Wanted to Know

After a heart attack, doctors pay close attention to something called heart rate variability, or HRV. It is a measurable sign of how well a person’s autonomic nervous system, the part of the body that runs largely on its own, is functioning during recovery. Lower HRV in the weeks after a heart attack is linked to worse outcomes, which is part of why medications like beta blockers, which raise HRV by increasing parasympathetic activity, are a standard part of post-heart attack care.

For someone lying in a hospital bed in the days after a heart attack, this is not just an abstract number. It reflects whether the nervous system is still braced, keyed up as if bracing for another blow, or beginning to settle into the calmer, rest and digest state that supports real recovery.

The Yale research team wanted to know something more specific: could Reiki produce a similar shift. Could a noninvasive practice, delivered by hospital nursing staff already trained in it, measurably change a recovering patient’s nervous system activity, and how would that compare to simply resting quietly or listening to calming music.

To find out, they screened 229 hospitalized patients recovering from acute coronary syndrome. Forty-nine met the study criteria and were randomly assigned, within 72 hours of admission, to receive Reiki from a trained nurse, listen to slow classical music, or simply rest while their heart activity was continuously monitored.

What They Found

In the group that received Reiki, HRV increased significantly from where it had started. In the resting group, it barely moved. In the music group, it dropped slightly. The researchers reported that the increase seen with Reiki was significantly greater than what happened with either music or simple rest, and that the size of that shift was similar in magnitude to what had previously been documented with propranolol, a commonly prescribed beta blocker, in an earlier heart attack recovery trial.

This was not an outside therapy brought in as an alternative to hospital care. The Reiki sessions were delivered by the cardiac unit’s own trained nurses, folded directly into standard patient care, with zero complications reported.

— Findings from the Yale-New Haven Hospital study, Journal of the American College of Cardiology, 2010

Read the full study

The study also tracked emotional state using a simple self-report scale before and after each session. Patients who received Reiki reported more of the positive states, feeling happier, calmer, and more relaxed, and less of the negative ones, including feeling stressed, angry, and anxious. And notably, there were no complications reported in the Reiki group at all.

Being Honest About the Limits

It is worth being precise about what this study does and does not say. The researchers themselves were careful in their own conclusion, describing a potential clinical role for Reiki in post-heart attack inpatient care, not a replacement for medical treatment and not a cure. The sample size was small, 49 patients, and the measurement window was short, a single hospital stay rather than months or years of recovery. The authors were direct about this too, calling for longer studies to see whether the benefits they measured could translate into lasting improvements in heart health over time.

What the study does offer is something genuinely rare in this field: a randomized, controlled comparison, conducted at a major academic medical center, with continuous physiological monitoring rather than self-report alone. That combination is part of why this particular study gets cited again and again by people looking for research-backed information on Reiki.

A Practice Worth Knowing, Wherever You Are in Your Health

I am a Reiki Master Teacher, so I will say plainly that I did not need a Yale study to believe in the value of this practice. But I understand why some people do want the research, and I think it is a good thing to want. Reiki supports the nervous system’s natural ability to restore balance. That is the mechanism this study points toward, and it lines up with what I have watched happen in sessions and in my own daily self-practice over the years.

If you found this research interesting, you may also want to read my post on Reiki and Mental Health: What Mayo Clinic Researchers Found, another early study that asks a careful question.

Curious How Reiki Could Support You?

If you’re curious how a Reiki session could support you, or you’d like to learn a self-practice of your own, I’d love to hear from you.

Book a Session Reach Out with Questions

Reiki 4 Well Being • Kandi Mullen, RMT
17+ years in practice. Teaching since 2009. | Pinellas Park, FL | Reiki4WellBeing.com

A Gentle Reminder of Hope

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Finding Hope in Uncertain Times

The World Feels Heavy—But Hope Still Shines

A while back, I wrote something very similar to this. Today, I felt like giving it a fresh take and sharing it again—hoping it might spark a little light or hope for someone who needs it—finding hope in uncertain times.

finding hope in uncertain times

In nearly every aspect of life, we are witnessing sweeping transformations across the globe—changes so profound that the once-familiar, stable world we knew now feels unrecognizable. Things feel heavy right now—like the world is full of uncertainty and shadows. But even in the darkest nights, little sparks of hope can still shine through. And yes, the road ahead might be tough, but we’ve got more strength within us to move forward. We just need to take it one step at a time.

Finding Hope in Uncertain Times Reminder to Keep that Hope Alive:

The Sunrise Always Comes: A Metaphor for Hope

Think about the sunrise. No matter how long or cold the night, the sun always rises, painting the sky with new light. That’s the thing about hope—it rises, too. And sometimes, the most powerful healing starts quietly, right inside your own heart.

You’re Not Alone—Lean on Others

Even when the world feels divided, there’s so much kindness and connection happening every day. Reach out, ask for help, lean on loved ones and friends—you don’t have to carry it all. Together, we’re so much stronger.

Resilience is in Your Bones—You’ve Overcome Before

You’ve made it through hard things before. Humanity has faced so much, and yet, here we are—still standing, still fighting, still finding ways to rise. You’ve got that same fire in you.

Small Acts, Big Impact—Ripples of Kindness Matter

You might feel like just one person, but every good thing you do sends ripples out into the world—into the universe. A kind word, a helping hand, a moment of courage—it all matters.

Look for the Helpers (and Be One)

Instead of getting stuck in the “what’s wrong,” focus on the “how can we fix it?” Some of the brightest changes started with someone refusing to give up.

Take Care of You, Too—Self-Care is Strength

You can’t pour from an empty cup. Practice self-Reiki, rest, breathe, do things that fill you up. Self-care isn’t selfish—it’s how you stay strong and resilient enough to keep shining.

Reconnect with What Lights You Up

What makes your soul feel alive? Music, art, nature, laughter? Go there. Let those joys renew your spirit.

Learn, Grow, Speak Up—Your Voice Matters

Knowledge is power. The more you understand, the more you can advocate for change. Your voice matters.

Tomorrow is a New Day—Hold On

However hard today feels, the sun will rise again. Hold onto that. Brighter days will come.

Gratitude is a Lifeline—Notice the Little Things

Even in chaos, there’s still beauty. A warm cup of tea, a smile from a stranger, the way the light hits the trees. Notice those little things—they’re tiny anchors of hope.

Hope is a Quiet Flame—And You Carry It

The truth is, hope isn’t always loud. Sometimes it’s a quiet whisper, a stubborn little flame that refuses to go out. And you? You carry that light inside you. Your courage, your kindness, your resilience—it all matters.

Keep Going—One Step at a Time

So keep going, my friend. One step, one breath, one small act of hope at a time. The world needs your light. And together, we’ll find our way forward.

Want to explore Reiki’s role in fostering hope? Try a session or research further—your healing journey starts with a single step.

Learn how Reiki may benefit you, let’s connect now!

The Impact of Reiki on Mental Health & Well-Being” (NCBI Study)

Finding Space for Daily Reiki Practice: Small Moments, Big Shifts

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Daily self-Reiki hands on heart
Daily Reiki practice

Life has a funny way of filling up our daily schedule with a lot of busy tasks. Between work, family, errands, and the occasional Netflix binge, it’s easy to let our daily Reiki practice slide to the bottom of our daily list of to dos. And yet, Reiki is one of those rare gems that asks so little of us while giving so much in return. It’s simple, accessible, and doesn’t require any special tools or elaborate rituals. So why don’t we practice daily? Well, let’s be honest—sometimes it’s not about creating the time or space in our day; it’s about remembering to slow down and let Reiki weave its magic into our day.

Think about it: Reiki doesn’t demand a perfectly quiet room or an hour of uninterrupted solitude. It’s happy to meet us where we are—whether that’s fifteen minutes in the morning before the coffee brews, a longer self-treatment during a lunch break, or even a few moments of self-Reiki before bed. It’s like a gentle friend who’s always there, ready to help us reconnect to the healing power within.

But here’s the thing: life has a way of making us forget. We get caught up in the daily grind and demands of life, pulling us further into the outer world and away from our inner world from all the noise, chaos, and the endless stream of notifications. Our good intentions often get overshadowed by other priorities. We tell ourselves we’ll practice “later,” and then later never comes. Sound familiar?

Why a Daily Practice Matters

What if we shifted our perspective just a little? Instead of seeing Reiki as another task to check off, what if we saw it as a tiny gift to ourselves—a moment of peace, a breath of calm, a reminder that we’re part of something bigger? Even a few minutes of Reiki can ripple through our day, helping us feel as though we’ve hit that reset button, feeling more relaxed, energized, balanced, and, dare we say, a little more magical.

So, here’s a gentle invitation – let’s make space for Reiki, even in the smallest ways. Maybe it’s placing your hands on your heart for a few moments before you start your day. Maybe it’s a full self-Reiki treatment. Or maybe it’s simply sitting quietly in the evening in front of the TV and engaging in the subtle sweetness of Reiki practice. There’s no right or wrong way—just your way.

Remember, Reiki isn’t about perfection; it’s about connection. And the more we practice, even in tiny doses, the more we reap the benefits from making better choices to how we feel and function daily. Let us take a moment to invest in our wellness and incorporate Reiki into our daily routine. After all, the space we create for Reiki is also the space we create for ourselves.

Leave a comment how you fit daily Reiki practice in to your day.

 

How Reiki Practice Was My Calm Before the Storm

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A World in Chaos

Reiki practice, the calm before the storm
The calm before the storm

The last few weeks have been a lot—wildfires, hurricanes, monsoons—it feels like the world is in constant upheaval. If you’re like me, you probably know someone affected by these disasters, whether it’s family or friends. When everything feels this unstable, stress can quickly become overwhelming. That’s where Reiki practice comes in—a simple but powerful way to steady yourself when chaos threatens to pull you under. Without tools like this, it’s too easy to get lost in the fear.

Facing the Storm: My Hurricane Irma Experience

I remember when Hurricane Irma hit. It was my first time facing something like that, and the uncertainty was intense. Not only did I have to figure out my own safety, but I also had to make sure my aging parent was protected. Hurricanes give you some warning, which helps, but the mental checklist—from boarding up windows to deciding whether to evacuate—was exhausting. Should I stay? Should I go? Every choice felt heavy.

Reiki Practice: My Daily Lifeline

But here’s what got me through: my daily Reiki practice. It became my anchor. At the end of each frantic day, Reiki helped me slow down, breathe, and reset. Mornings started with clarity after my self-Reiki session. When plans fell apart (because they always do in a crisis), I could think straight.

And when friends and family were panicking, Reiki was my pause button—a way to step back from the fear and stay grounded. It wasn’t just about surviving the storm; it was about moving through it with a little more ease.

The beautiful thing about Reiki practice is that it’s simple, portable, and always available—whether you’re in the middle of a disaster or just daily life. It starts with caring for yourself, so you can then show up for others, near or far.

What’s Your Calm Before the Storm?

So, what’s your calm before the storm? When chaos hits, how do you steady yourself? If you haven’t tried it yet, maybe Reiki practice could be your reset button—the thing that helps you recharge, stay centered, and weather whatever comes your way.