Nurses being trained in Reiki for themselves and their patients

As healthcare shifts toward whole-person care, nurses increasingly explore complementary therapies that might support patient well-being alongside evidence-based medical treatments. One such modality is Reiki — a gentle touch-based practice intended to promote relaxation, reduce stress, and support emotional comfort.

Reiki is a complementary, energy-based healing modality. It has ancient roots, but is uniquely suited to modern nursing practice. Reiki training offers a precise technique for tapping into healing energy, or ki, and transmitting it through touch. Reiki treatments are gently balancing and provide energy that supports the well-being of the recipient in a holistic and individualistic way.

Relaxation, pain relief, physical healing, reduced emotional distress, and a deepened awareness of spiritual connection are among the benefits attributed to Reiki in anecdotes, case studies, and exploratory research, as summarised in this review of literature. Reiki is easily adaptable to nursing practice in a variety of settings, and can provide support for the practitioners of Reiki themselves, as well as benefiting those they treat with Reiki.

Benefits for Nursing Practice

Enhancing Patient Comfort and Well-Being

Nurses are often at the forefront of patient care, spending more time with patients than any other healthcare professional. Reiki training can give nurses an additional tool to support comfort and relaxation, particularly for patients experiencing stress, anxiety, pain, or emotional distress. Reiki sessions are calming and can help patients feel heard, supported, and cared for during vulnerable moments.

While Reiki is not a replacement for medical treatment, it complements standard care by promoting relaxation and reducing stress, which can positively influence a patient’s overall experience. Many patients report feeling calmer, more comfortable, and more empowered when holistic approaches are integrated into their care.

Nurse patient relationship

Reiki is consistently reported as safe and non-harmful, with no serious adverse effects documented in clinical research.  For nurses, this means it can be offered as a complement to standard care rather than a replacement.

The nurse–patient relationship is central to effective care. Reiki emphasises intention, compassion, and attentive presence, all of which can strengthen trust and communication. When patients feel genuinely cared for, they may be more open, cooperative, and engaged in their treatment plans.

Reiki sessions can also create quiet moments of connection in busy clinical environments, reinforcing the human side of healthcare that patients often value deeply.

Reducing Stress and Burnout Among Nurses

Nursing is a demanding profession, often associated with high levels of stress, emotional fatigue, and burnout. Reiki training can also benefit nurses personally by providing a self-care practice they can use to manage stress and restore balance. Practicing Reiki helps nurses feel more grounded, emotionally resilient, and better equipped to cope with the pressures of their work.

By supporting nurses’ well-being, Reiki training will indirectly improve patient care. Nurses who feel calmer and more supported are often better able to focus, communicate, and maintain empathy in challenging situations.

Some studies show that nurses who practice Reiki experience personal benefits such as reduced stress and enhanced job satisfaction.  

With more research showing the benefits of Reiki as complimentary therapy for managing stress, pain, and anxiety pre-post operations it is no wonder Nurses are becoming trained in this safe and adaptable practice.

Extract from University of Rochester, School of Nursing, University of Texas school of nursing