title: An integrative review of Reiki touch therapy research.
abstract: Reiki touch therapy is a complementary biofield energy therapy that involves the use of hands to help strengthen the body's ability to heal. There is growing interest among nurses to use Reiki in patient care and as a self-care treatment, however, with little supportive empirical research and evidence to substantiate these practices. The purpose of this integrative review is to begin the systematic process of evaluating the findings of published Reiki research. Selected investigations using Reiki for effects on stress, relaxation, depression, pain, and wound healing management, among others is reviewed and summarized. A summary of Reiki studies table illustrates the study descriptions and Reiki treatment protocols specified in the investigations. Synthesis of findings for clinical practice and implications for future research are explored.
authors.affiliation: Villanova University, 800 Lancaster Avenue, Villanova, PA 19085, USA. annern2@gmail.com
authors.forename: Anne
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Vitale
mesh_terms: D002985:Clinical Protocols; D003863:Depression / Q000517:prevention & control; D004645:Empathy; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006694:Holistic Health; D018939:Holistic Nursing; D006801:Humans; D009723:Nurse-Patient Relations; D015399:Nursing Research / Q000458:organization & administration*; D010146:Pain / Q000517:prevention & control; D036301:Qualitative Research; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D012107:Research Design; D012648:Self Care; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000517:prevention & control; D019124:Therapeutic Touch / Q000379:methods / Q000451:nursing / Q000592:standards; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014945:Wound Healing