Upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy is a procedure that is used in the examination, diagnosis, and treatment of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. With developments in present-day technology, it is safe and widely used. This study's aim is to determine the effect of Reiki when applied before upper gastrointestinal endoscopy on levels of anxiety, stress, and comfort. This single-blind, randomized, sham-controlled study was held between February and July 2021.

Anxiety and stress are problems that are often seen in patients undergoing upper GI endoscopy, and managing them is an important step in calming the patient and thereby reducing complications.The results of this study will contribute to the literature in forming a basis for other studies on the topic. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of the application of Reiki and sham Reiki on anxiety, stress, and comfort levels in patients undergoing upper GI endoscopy.

Inclusion criteria

• patients who were having an upper GI endoscopy for the first time,
• patients who were age 18 or over,
• patients who had not previously had Reiki or sham Reiki (SR),
• patients who did not have a history of an operation in the previous six months,
• patients who were not using anxiolytic, hypnotic, or sedative drugs,
• patients who had no cognitive or effective problems or any hindrance in communication,
• patients who was literate, and who agreed to take part in the study.

Exclusion criteria

• patients who had an upper GI endoscopy with more than one elective condition,
• patients who was undergoing an emergency upper GI endoscopy,
• patients who were using anxiolytic, hypnotic, or sedative drugs,
• patients who had taken an opioid analgesic before the procedure,
• patients who completed the data collection forms incorrectly or incompletely,
• patients who had previously had Reiki or SR,
• patients who had a runny nose, fever, cough or any complaint of breathing difficulty,
• patients who were not literate and who did not wish to voluntarily participate.