Herb & supplement monograph

Reiki Therapy Drug Interactions, Uses, Effectiveness, Safety & More

Medically reviewed by ·Updated June 2026
What is this page for?

First and foremost: how Reiki Therapy interacts with medications. The heart of this page is the interaction list — every drug Reiki Therapy is known to interact with, and how serious each one is.

But these pages have grown well beyond that into a full monograph — what Reiki Therapy is, what people use it for and how strong the evidence is, its safety and side effects, and answers to the questions we’re asked most — written and reviewed by the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases, not medical advice, and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy

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Interaction report

Drugs that interact with Reiki Therapy

0 medications have a known interaction with Reiki Therapy, graded by severity. Select any drug for the full evidence-based detail.

We don’t currently list any known drug interactions for Reiki Therapy. This doesn’t guarantee none exist — always confirm with your pharmacist before combining supplements with your medications.

Read The List Like a Pharmacist

What Severity, Likelihood & Evidence Mean

Severity — How Serious It Can Be

  • Major. Clinically significant; generally best avoided, or used only under direct professional supervision.
  • Moderate. May need monitoring, a dose adjustment, or separating the times you take each one.
  • Minor. Generally not clinically significant, but still worth noting and mentioning to your pharmacist.
  • No known interaction. Checked against our sources with nothing documented — not the same as proven safety.

Likelihood — How Well It’s Documented

  • Likely. Well-controlled human studies have demonstrated the likely existence of this interaction
  • Probable. Interaction has not been documented in well-controlled studies, however, the interaction has been demonstrated in some small human studies or in controlled animal studies in conjunction with multiple case reports.
  • Possible. Interaction has been documented in animal or in lab research, or the interaction has been documented in humans but is limited to case reports or conflicting clinical research exists
  • Unlikely. Interaction has been demonstrated in animal or in lab research but has been shown not to occur in humans.

Where This Data Comes From

  • Interaction records are evidence-graded and sourced from the Natural Medicines database (TRC Healthcare), the same reference used by pharmacists and hospitals.
  • Each drug listed above links to the full report for that exact Reiki Therapy combination — clinical detail, likelihood, evidence level, and citations.
  • Content is reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists — see our data sources and editorial standards.
Monograph

Reiki Therapy: Uses, Safety & Side Effects

Medically reviewed by · Reviewed June 2026 ·
The bottom line

Reiki is a complementary energy-healing practice in which a trained practitioner places their hands lightly on or near your body to promote relaxation and a sense of well-being. It is generally considered safe and gentle, but high-quality evidence that it treats any specific medical condition is limited. It is best used alongside—not instead of—standard medical care.

Part used
Not applicable (energy healing practice)
Common forms
Hands-on or hands-near-body sessions, distance Reiki
People commonly use it for
  • Stress and relaxation
  • Anxiety
  • Pain relief
  • Fatigue and general well-being
  • Support during cancer care
  • Improved sleep

Popular and traditional uses — not proof it works. See “Uses & effectiveness” below for the evidence.

Safety at a glance
OverallLikely safe

Reiki is non-invasive and widely considered safe when used alongside conventional care.

PregnancyInsufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; however, there is no reason to expect adverse effects in lactating or pregnant women.

Read the full pregnancy detail
BreastfeedingInsufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; however, there is no reason to expect adverse effects in lactating or pregnant women.

Read the full breastfeeding detail

Pregnancy & breastfeeding ratings are from Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center). Safety guidance is general; always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor for your situation.

Jump to a section

Overview

Reiki is a form of complementary therapy that originated in Japan in the early 20th century. It is a type of "energy healing" in which a trained practitioner gently places their hands on or just above your body. The idea behind Reiki is that a practitioner can help balance or channel a kind of life energy to support healing and relaxation.

Reiki is not an herb, plant, or supplement—it is a hands-on practice. A typical session lasts about 30 to 90 minutes, and you stay fully clothed while lying down or sitting comfortably. Some practitioners also offer "distance" Reiki, where they perform the practice without being physically present.

People often turn to Reiki to feel calmer, reduce stress, ease pain, or support their overall sense of well-being. It is offered in some hospitals, hospices, and wellness centers as part of integrative care.

How it works

Reiki is based on the traditional belief that an unseen "life force energy" flows through the body, and that a practitioner can help guide or balance this energy through light touch. This proposed mechanism has not been proven by scientific measurement, and there is no accepted physical explanation for an "energy field" of this kind.

From a more conventional viewpoint, any benefits people feel are likely related to deep relaxation, calm breathing, gentle human touch, and the reassurance of spending quiet time with an attentive practitioner. These factors may lower stress and help some people feel better, even without a special energy transfer.

Effectiveness

Does Reiki Therapy work?

Here’s what the research actually shows for each use — graded by Natural Medicines and reviewed by .

Evidence overview · 19 uses evaluated
19 Insufficient evidence
How to read these evidence grades

Natural Medicines’ 7-point scale. We show each rating’s label word-for-word.

1EffectiveStrong, consistent evidence it works.
2Likely EffectiveGood evidence, though not yet conclusive.
3Possibly EffectiveSome evidence suggests a benefit.
4Possibly IneffectiveSome evidence it may not help.
5Likely IneffectiveFairly strong evidence it doesn’t help.
6IneffectiveStrong evidence it doesn’t work.
7Insufficient Reliable Evidence to RateToo little research to say either way.

For Reiki Therapy, current evidence isn’t strong enough to rate any specific use. The conditions it has been studied for are listed below.

Also studied for 19 conditions — evidence insufficient to rate
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Alzheimer disease
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

It is unclear if Reiki therapy is beneficial in patients with Alzheimer disease.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Cancer-related fatigue
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Small clinical studies suggest that Reiki therapy may modestly improve fatigue and quality of life in patients with cancer-related fatigue.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Cancer-related pain
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Small clinical studies suggest that Reiki therapy may modestly improve pain in patients with cancer, although it is unclear if it reduces analgesic use in these patients.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Cerebral palsy
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

It is unclear if Reiki therapy is beneficial for cerebral palsy.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Cognitive impairment
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

It is unclear if Reiki therapy is beneficial in patients with mild cognitive impairment.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Depression
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

It is unclear if Reiki therapy is beneficial in patients with depression.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Dysmenorrhea
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

It is unclear if Reiki therapy is beneficial in patients with dysmenorrhea.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Fibromyalgia
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

It is unclear if Reiki therapy is beneficial in patients with fibromyalgia.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate HIV/AIDS
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

It is unclear if Reiki therapy is beneficial for improving anxiety and pain in patients with HIV/AIDS.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Hypertension
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

It is unclear if Reiki therapy is beneficial in patients with hypertension.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Insomnia
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

It is unclear if Reiki therapy is beneficial for insomnia.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Perioperative anxiety
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

It is unclear if Reiki therapy is beneficial in patients with perioperative anxiety.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Postoperative pain
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

It is unclear if Reiki therapy is beneficial for preventing or treating postoperative pain; the available research is conflicting.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Pre-procedural anxiety
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Research on the use of Reiki therapy to improve pre-procedural anxiety is limited and conflicting.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Psychological well-being
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

It is unclear if Reiki therapy is beneficial for improving psychological well-being in patients with cancer receiving chemotherapy.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Quality of life
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Some small clinical studies suggest that Reiki therapy may improve quality of life in patients with cancer; however, the benefit of Reiki therapy in other patient populations remains unclear.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

It is unclear if Reiki therapy is beneficial for RA.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Stress
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

It is unclear if Reiki therapy is beneficial for reducing stress in healthy adults.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Stroke
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

It is unclear if Reiki therapy is beneficial for improving recovery in patients hospitalized with stroke.

Source & disclaimer. Effectiveness ratings and evidence summaries are provided by Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center) and shown as licensed. Where Natural Medicines hasn’t rated a use, HelloPharmacist’s pharmacists may add their own reviewed rating and evidence (each such entry is labeled). This is educational information, not medical advice — talk with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or changing a supplement.

Safety & precautions

Reiki is non-invasive and is generally considered very safe. Because nothing is swallowed and the touch is light, the risk of physical harm is low.

The main safety concern is indirect: relying on Reiki instead of proven medical care could delay treatment for a serious condition. Always use Reiki as an addition to, not a substitute for, care from your doctor.

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, Reiki is generally thought to be low-risk, but evidence is lacking, so it is wise to check with your healthcare provider and choose a qualified, reputable practitioner. People with serious mental health conditions should also talk to their care team first, since deeply relaxing or emotional experiences can occasionally surface during sessions.

Side effects

Side effects from Reiki are uncommon and usually mild. Some people report feeling temporarily tired, emotional, lightheaded, or unusually relaxed after a session. Occasionally a person may feel a release of emotion or have a brief reaction such as tingling or warmth.

There are no known serious physical side effects. The most important risk is using Reiki in place of needed medical care rather than alongside it.

Dosing

There is no standardized "dose" for Reiki because it is a practice, not a product. Sessions commonly last about 30 to 90 minutes, and people may have a single session or a series of sessions depending on their goals and the practitioner's recommendation.

If you are interested, look for a trained and reputable practitioner, and let them know about any medical conditions you have. As always, check with your pharmacist or doctor to make sure Reiki fits safely into your overall care plan.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Reiki Therapy & Pregnancy

Insufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; however, there is no reason to expect adverse effects in lactating or pregnant women.

Reiki Therapy & Breastfeeding

Insufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; however, there is no reason to expect adverse effects in lactating or pregnant women.

DISCLAIMER: This tool is intended for informational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Patients should consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about therapies and/or health conditions.

© 2026 Therapeutic Research Center

Pregnancy & lactation ratings: Natural Medicines, Therapeutic Research Center

References & further reading

The 2 sources that drive our Reiki Therapy monograph — publicly available pages from reputable medical and government organizations. Every link was verified to work before publishing.

  1. Reiki — NIH NCCIH Source
  2. Complementary, alternative, or integrative health: What's in a name? — NIH NCCIH Source
Keep reading

This information is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always check with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or combining supplements and medications.

Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Reiki Therapy: Common Questions

What is Reiki Therapy used for, and does it work?
People use Reiki Therapy for a range of reasons, but according to the Natural Medicines database the current clinical evidence is insufficient to confirm it works for the specific conditions it has been studied for. See the graded list on this page, and talk to your pharmacist or doctor before relying on it for any condition.
Does Reiki Therapy interact with prescription medications?
We do not currently list any known drug interactions for Reiki Therapy. This does not guarantee that none exist, so always confirm with your pharmacist before combining it with your medications.
How are Reiki Therapy interactions rated?
Each interaction is graded major, moderate, or minor based on how clinically significant it is and the strength of the evidence behind it. Major interactions are the most serious and are best avoided, or used only under close professional supervision.
Is it safe to take Reiki Therapy with my medications?
It depends on the specific medication. Some combinations are fine, while others call for monitoring, timing changes, or should be avoided. Check your exact drug above and confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or changing anything.
Where does this Reiki Therapy interaction information come from?
Our interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database — an evidence-graded reference for vitamins, herbs, and supplements — and is reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists, who may add clinical context.
What is Reiki used for?
People most often use Reiki to relax, lower stress and anxiety, ease pain, and feel more comfortable during illness. It is used as a supportive, complementary practice rather than a treatment for any specific disease.
Does Reiki really work?
Many people report feeling calmer and less stressed after Reiki, but high-quality scientific evidence is limited and mixed. Any benefit may come largely from relaxation and caring attention rather than a proven energy effect.
Is Reiki safe?
Reiki is non-invasive and generally considered very safe with few side effects. The main concern is making sure you don't use it in place of needed medical care.
Is Reiki safe during pregnancy?
It is generally thought to be low-risk, but there isn't strong research in pregnancy, so it's best to check with your doctor and choose a qualified practitioner.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

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