Reiki Therapy to Improve Key Symptoms in Integrative Oncology Clinic (REIKI)

Reiki Therapy to Improve Key Symptoms in Integrative Oncology Clinic (REIKI)

The purpose of this research is to investigate the delivery of Reiki to integrative oncology patients and assess its potential for improving cancer-related symptoms in this population.

Reiki is a biofield therapy originating in Japan, in which a trained practitioner places their hands on or above the body of a receiver or themselves to generate a relaxation and healing response. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses report Reiki to be effective for improving psychological and physical health symptoms. With respect to adults with cancer, Reiki has been shown to improve participants' relaxation, pain, fatigue, sleep, anxiety, stress, and wellbeing/quality of life compared to care as usual. However, one study showed no improvement in comfort and wellbeing in those receiving Reiki compared to sham Reiki control, but those receiving Reiki reported improvements above usual care.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age 18 - 89.
• Neoplasm diagnosis (i.e., ICD-10 C00 - D49) confirmed in electronic health record (EHR)/Caisis
• Receiving care at a UH Connor Whole Health Integrative Oncology Clinic.
• Reporting at least three ESAS symptoms ≥4/10 at baseline screening including fatigue and ≥2 other symptoms on the 9-item questionnaire.
• Able to speak and understand English.
• Has an email address, and access to a computer with internet and/or a mobile device with a functioning data plan

Exclusion Criteria:

• Significant cognitive impairment that has not been corrected.
• Significant visual impairment that has not been corrected.
• Unable to provide informed consent.
• Active psychosis.
• Pregnancy.
• Metastatic disease.
• Reiki therapy within 3 months of study enrollment
• Active immunotherapy, chemotherapy, or radiation treatment, or completed within 3 months before study start. Aromatase inhibitors and tamoxifen are exceptions.