Integrative medicine is gaining recognition for its ability to enhance conventional medical treatments, and one practice making significant strides is Reiki. Many hospitals are embracing this gentle, non-invasive therapy to complement conventional medical care. A remarkable example is the initiative at University Hospitals (UH) in Cleveland, Ohio, where Reiki is integrated into the care for chemotherapy outpatients. This article explores how UH Connor Whole Health’s Reiki Volunteer Program offers invaluable support to oncology patients, promoting relaxation, reducing symptoms, and improving overall well-being.
In 2010, the American Hospital Association surveyed hospitals, revealing that 85% of patients requested complementary medicine services, including Reiki, be offered. Today, Reiki is one of the top three complementary in-patient therapies offered in US hospitals.
According to a study in 2010 by the International Association of Reiki Professionals (IARP), 60% of “America’s Best Hospitals” (the top 25 ranked by U.S. News and World Report in 2002), had Reiki programs in place. Among these hospitals, all viewed Reiki as at least somewhat beneficial for patients, with 67% deeming it highly beneficial.
Reiki – a Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation that also promotes healing – is known to offer numerous benefits, including pain reduction, assistance with pain and anxiety before and after surgery, alleviation of symptoms associated with chemotherapy, emotional stress relief, improved relaxation, and a sense of overall well-being. Additionally, Reiki has been shown to reduce anxiety, fatigue, and depression to some extent.
University Hospitals (UH), a major hospital system in Cleveland, Ohio, empowers individuals to take charge of their physical, mental, and spiritual health through the UH Connor Whole Health initiative. This program, which was born as a generous gift from Chris and Sara Connor, focuses on integrative medicine, emphasizing a partnership between practitioners and patients to promote optimal health and healing.
Established in 2011, UH Connor Whole Health has profoundly impacted the well-being of UH patients, employees, and community members. In April 2022, Karen (Kae) Ellen Fink, BSN, RN, HNB-BC, NBC-HWC, LMT was tasked to coordinate the Reiki Volunteer Program for oncology outpatients receiving chemotherapy infusions. Kae, a Reiki Master, is certified to teach all levels of Reiki. She provides training that includes two sessions for each level, with time in between for practice and integration. UH system employees or community members who are trained or take the training to become Reiki-certified volunteers must undergo an orientation process. We have an ongoing number of Reiki practitioners providing care at several Seidman Cancer infusion centers, and we moved to inpatient programs in April 2025, staffed by licensed professionals with relevant hospital experience who undergo the same training under Kae Fink’s guidance.
The program also features Reiki shares, where volunteers give and receive Reiki from each other, fostering a supportive community where they can share experiences and insights. Outpatient or inpatient oncology patients typically receive one 20-minute Reiki session each treatment day and can receive Reiki whenever a volunteer practitioner is available.
The integrative approach of combining Reiki with prescribed oncology treatments has led to significant positive outcomes for patients. Many have reported feeling relaxed and calm, experiencing relief from pain, anxiety, nausea, fatigue, and expressing a sense of well-being, gratitude, and a desire for more Reiki sessions.
The Journal of Pain and Symptom Management published an article, Evaluation of a Reiki Volunteer Program within Two Cancer Infusion Centers, that focused on the study discussed above at UH. The article concluded that the study provided evidence for the short-term benefit of Reiki on cancer-related symptoms among outpatients receiving infusions. “Qualitative feedback indicated that participants experienced relaxation, symptom reduction, body sensations, emotions, gratitude, and wanted another Reiki session.”
Reiki Positive Feedback
The Center for Reiki Research “seeks to validate and foster the acceptance of Reiki biofield therapy as an integrative healthcare practice by conducting, reviewing, and promoting scientific research on its effects and mechanisms.” The Center for Reiki Research hosted the annual International Reiki Research Conference in May 2024. During the conference, the UH Connor Health Reiki Volunteer Program shared patient feedback, including:
“I personally feel like I’ve been missing such a beautiful holistic approach to self-healing that I’m so glad I’ve had a chance to experience. I thank God for this opportunity. I look forward to doing it again.”
“A very relaxing positive experience. I feel stronger and have more energy. Neuropathy has lessened. Definitely a better place to be. Thank you very much.”
Since its inception in 2022, UH’s Reiki Volunteer Program has been widely accepted and successful. It has expanded to provide Reiki to outpatients and inpatients in various departments. Connor Whole Health illustrates the growing acceptance and value of complementary medicine in modern healthcare. By addressing both physical and emotional needs, Reiki helps oncology patients navigate their treatment journey with greater ease and comfort. As more hospitals embrace such holistic approaches, the potential for enhancing patient care and promoting overall well-being becomes ever more promising. Reiki presents a valuable addition to conventional treatments to foster optimal health and healing.
Nanette Roser is an RN and Medical Reviewer for CoventBridge in Grove City, Ohio.
References
Reiki in Clinical Practice – A science-based guide by Ann Baldwin, PhD, Professor of Physiology, Educator Scholar Track, University of Arizona, Arizona, USA. 2020
Dyer, N., Rodgers-Melnick, S., Fink, K., Rao, S., Surdam, J., & Dusek, J. “Evaluation of a Reiki Volunteer Program within Two Cancer Infusion Centers.” Journal of Pain and Symptom Management, vol. 69, issue 3, March 2025, pp. e211-e219. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0885392424011321?dgcid=author
