Study:
Effects of Reiki on Physiological Consequences of Acute Stress
Rationale:
n/a
Purpose:
Complementary therapies such as Reiki are becoming popular. Reiki is a practice used for
relaxation and pain management that involves physical touch and social contact with a
trained, empathetic practitioner. Unlike many relaxation therapies, Reiki requires no
participation by the patient, a feature that makes Reiki particularly attractive in the
hospital setting, where patients are often extremely anxious, depressed, in pain, or
sedated. Our primary research questions are to determine whether physiological changes are
induced during a Reiki session and whether a Reiki session affects responses to a subsequent
acute stressor. Secondary research questions include assessing which benefits result from
placebo or unique abilities of "attuned" Reiki practitioners and assessing background
characteristics of recipients that are associated with acceptance and responsiveness. Based
on its use to reduce pain and anxiety, we will study potential mechanisms by which Reiki
decreases activity of the sympathetic nervous system and other stress pathways. Comparison
of the responses in a Reiki group with those in supine-control and sham groups will allow us
to gain insights into mechanisms by which Reiki effects are mediated. Information obtained
from the proposed studies will provide detailed information on physiological pathways
affected by Reiki. Should Reiki decrease stress pathways or reduce physiological responses
to stressful situations, it could be a useful adjunct to traditional medicine and have
significant health and economic benefits.
Study Status: Completed
Recruiting:
n/a
| Condition |
Intervention |
Phase |
|
Stress |
Other: Rest
Other: Sham
Other: Reiki |
Phase 1 |
Verified by
The Cleveland Clinic
September, 2012
Sponsored by: The Cleveland Clinic
Information provided by: The Cleveland Clinic
ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00346671
Study Type: Interventional
Study Design: Allocation: Randomized, Endpoint Classification: Safety/Efficacy Study, Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment, Masking: Double Blind (Subject, Caregiver, Investigator, Outcomes Assessor), Primary Purpose: Treatment
Cleveland Clinic Foundation
Cleveland, Ohio 44195
United States
Joan E. Fox, PhD., Principal Investigator