Scientific Insights: What 2025 Studies Say About Reiki and Breast Cancer Care

In 2025, research on Reiki focuses on its potential benefits for women undergoing breast cancer surgery and its role in cancer symptom management. A pilot study comparing pre-operative Medical Reiki to sham Reiki is underway to assess the impact on quality of life, recovery, and stress hormone levels. Additionally, studies have explored Reiki’s ability to reduce pain, fatigue, anxiety, and nausea in cancer patients, particularly during chemotherapy infusions.

Specific 2025 Studies

Medical Reiki for Breast Cancer Surgery:

The Center for Reiki Research is conducting a pilot study comparing pre-operative Medical Reiki to sham Reiki to evaluate its impact on quality of life, recovery metrics, and stress hormone levels.

Reiki for Cancer Patients

During Chemo:

Breast Cancer.org reported on a study where Reiki was administered to 268 cancer patients during chemotherapy infusions, resulting in reductions in pain, fatigue, anxiety, and nausea.

Other Relevant Information:

The International Reiki Research Conference (IRCC) held in 2025 may feature research on Reiki and its applications. Studies have also examined the effects of Reiki on pain, anxiety, and stress levels in various populations, including cancer patients. While Reiki may offer some benefits, it’s important to note that scientific evidence supporting its claims as a universal life force or energy healing is limited.

Using Reiki for Pain Management

Studies suggest hypnotherapy can be an effective method for pain reduction, particularly for individuals who are highly suggestible. Hypnosis has been shown to reduce pain intensity, alter pain unpleasantness, and even influence brain activity in areas associated with pain regulation.

Key Findings:

Pain Reduction:

Hypnosis can lead to significant pain reduction, with high-suggestibility individuals experiencing a 42% reduction and medium-suggestibility individuals a 29% reduction.

Brain Activity:

Hypnotic suggestions can alter activity in the anterior cingulate cortex, prefrontal cortex, and insular cortex, which are involved in pain regulation.

Effectiveness:

Hypnotic intervention may be a safe and effective alternative to pharmaceutical interventions for pain management, especially for individuals who are less responsive to medication.

Long-Term Effects:

Hypnotherapy may offer long-term pain relief, with effects lasting for several months after treatment.

Adjunctive Use:

Hypnosis can be used as an adjunct to other pain management strategies, such as physical therapy or medication, and may be particularly helpful in managing chronic pain conditions.

Mechanism of Action

Hypnosis is thought to work by influencing the brain’s perception of pain through several mechanisms:

Altering Brain Activity:

Hypnosis can alter activity in brain regions involved in pain perception, reducing the intensity and unpleasantness of pain signals.

Reducing Anxiety and

Stress:

Hypnosis can help reduce anxiety and stress, which can often exacerbate pain experiences.

Cognitive and Behavioral

Techniques:

Hypnotherapy may incorporate cognitive and behavioral techniques to help individuals manage pain, such as changing their thoughts and behaviors related to pain.

Final Thoughts

Cancer treatment is one of life’s most intense challenges. But healing isn’t only about medicine—it’s about being held, supported, and cared for on every level: physical, emotional, and energetic.

The 2025 studies confirm what we’ve known at Bliss Reiki Arts for years: Reiki is a powerful ally on the cancer journey.