Distant Reiki: Healing Modality During the COVID-19 Pandemic
- Lenka Schulze, Ph.D.
- Oct 19
- 2 min read
Updated: 1 hour ago
The COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically increased stress and anxiety for many individuals, highlighting the urgent need for accessible, effective, and safe self-care strategies. A recent study by Jennifer DiBenedetto explored distant Reiki as a virtual healing modality, examining how it impacts stress and anxiety while integrating Martha Rogers’ Science of Unitary Human Beings (SUHB) framework.
What the Study Did
This pilot study involved 25 participants across the U.S., ranging in age from 25 to 74, who reported experiencing stress or anxiety during the pandemic. Each participant received two 30-minute distant Reiki sessions over Zoom, with pre- and post-session interviews and surveys measuring perceived stress and anxiety. The sessions were guided by a certified Reiki Master and nurse, focusing on intentional energy flow, relaxation, and creating a healing environment in the participant’s own home.
Key Findings
Stress Reduction
Participants showed statistically significant decreases in perceived stress, with medium effect size (Cohen’s d = 0.41).
Anxiety Relief
Anxiety scores dropped dramatically, with a large effect size, and none of the participants remained at clinically significant anxiety levels after the sessions.
Positive Experiences
Most participants reported feeling calm, relaxed, and “lighter” after each session. Some experienced transient sadness during the first session, which resolved after the second.
Home Environment Matters
Participants became more aware of how their physical environment influences well-being, often making changes to create a calm, comfortable space for the session.
Distant Reiki & Why This Matters
The study demonstrates that distant Reiki is a feasible, safe, and effective complementary therapy for reducing stress and anxiety, even when physical distancing is necessary. By promoting self-awareness, reflection, and healing in the comfort of one’s home, distant Reiki offers a meaningful approach to mental wellness during challenging times.
The findings also highlight the value of the nurse-patient relationship in energy-based healing. Participants benefited not only from the Reiki sessions but also from the intentional, supportive presence of the nurse, illustrating how healing is both relational and energetic.
Implications for Nursing and Self-Care
This research supports incorporating distant Reiki and other energy-based therapies into nursing practice, particularly during times when in-person contact is limited. Offering accessible, home-based interventions can foster self-care, mental wellness, and pattern changes in overall well-being.
With Love and Peace.
Dr. Lenka Schulze
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