The Touchstone Process: an ongoing critical evaluation of reiki in the scientific literature.
BACKGROUND
Reiki is used by a growing number of people but little is known about the scientific basis for its use.


OBJECTIVE
The Touchstone Process was developed as an ongoing process to systematically analyze published, peer-reviewed studies of Reiki, the results being made accessible to the public online.


METHODS
Thirteen scientifically qualified experts in the field of Reiki were assembled into 3 teams to retrieve, evaluate, and summarize articles using standardized, piloted evaluation forms.


RESULTS
Summaries of 26 Reiki articles, including strengths and weaknesses, were posted on a newly developed Web site (www.centerforreikiresearch.org), together with an overall summary of the status of Reiki research and guidelines for future research: The Touchstone Process determined that only 12 articles were based on a robust experimental design and utilized well-established outcome parameters. Of these articles, 2 provided no support, 5 provided some support, and 5 demonstrated strong evidence for the use of Reiki as a healing modality.


CONCLUSIONS
There is a need for further high-quality studies in this area.
Baldwin
Ann L
AL
Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA. abaldwin@u.arizona.edu
Vitale
Anne
A
Brownell
Elise
E
Scicinski
Jan
J
Kearns
Mary
M
Rand
William
W
D015706:Bibliometrics; D035843:Biomedical Research / Q000592:standards*; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D006801:Humans; D017712:Peer Review, Research; D012107:Research Design / Q000592:standards*; D019124:Therapeutic Touch; D016896:Treatment Outcome