The ancient Japanese practice of Reiki healing can be extremely beneficial for some patients with cancer as they deal with extreme pain as a result of many treatment therapies, a new study says.

According to the research by Connor Whole Health at the University Hospitals of Cleveland, those receiving reiki infusion have reported clinically significant improvements in all symptoms, high levels of satisfaction, and a qualitatively positive healing experience.

The findings of the study, published in the Journal of Pain and Symptom Management, concluded after tracking at least 268 cancer patients who were receiving infusion treatments like chemotherapy, which has side effects like fatigue, nausea, and anxiety.

Patients were asked about their level of various forms of discomfort before and after a 15-20-minute reiki session given during their infusion treatments. In total, almost 400 Reiki sessions were conducted.

Patient testimonies say reiki brought about "clinically significant mean improvements in all measured symptoms," as detailed in a Connor Whole Health news release. These included noticeable declines in pain, fatigue, anxiety, nausea, and well-being. The receivers also reported feeling relaxed, with positive body sensations, helpful emotions, and gratitude. Researchers said most of the patients had requested another reiki session.

However, the effects of the sessions were measured over the short term, so a long-term study would be conducted to see if the benefits linger for more time.

Reiki is a Japanese energy-based therapy that is used to help reduce certain symptoms related to cancer, including sleep issues.

Born in the late 1930s, Reiki means universal life energy, and the therapy is based on the idea that a practitioner can promote healing and overall wellness by encouraging the flow and free circulation of a recipient's own spiritual energy via touch or closeness.

The therapy, which lasts for at least 20-30 minutes per session, is usually administered on its own or in combination with other complementary and conventional medical treatments. While practitioners generally perform reiki within proximity of the recipient, many believe it can be successfully performed from a distance.

During a session, a trained practitioner uses their hands to transmit life force energy while the recipient sits or lies down, fully clothed. The practitioner's hands are then placed on or slightly above the recipient's body to direct the flow of energy to where it's most needed. The practitioner may also utilize hand positions on various parts of the body for two to five minutes at a time.

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