The Effects of Reiki Therapy and Companionship on Quality of Life, Mood, and Symptom Distress During Chemotherapy.


Author: Orsak G1, Stevens AM2, Brufsky A3, Kajumba M1, Dougall AL4.

Affiliation: 1The University of Texas at Arlington, TX, USA. 2Reiki Spirit and Life, Pittsburgh, PA, USA. 3University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA. 4The University of Texas at Arlington, TX, USA adougall@uta.edu.
Conference/Journal: J Evid Based Complementary Altern Med.
Date published: 2014 Nov 6
Other:
  Pages: 2156587214556313   ,  Word Count: 137  
    

This pilot study examined the effects of Reiki therapy and companionship on improvements in quality of life, mood, and symptom distress during chemotherapy. Thirty-six breast cancer patients received usual care, Reiki, or a companion during chemotherapy. First, data were collected from patients receiving usual care. Second, patients were randomized to either receive Reiki or a companion during chemotherapy. Questionnaires assessing quality of life, mood, symptom distress, and Reiki acceptability were completed at baseline and chemotherapy sessions 1, 2, and 4. Reiki was rated relaxing with no side effects. Reiki and companion groups reported improvements in quality of life and mood that were greater than those seen in the usual care group. Interventions during chemotherapy, such as Reiki or companionship, are feasible, acceptable, and may reduce side effects.

© The Author(s) 2014.

KEYWORDS:

Reiki; breast cancer; chemotherapy; companion; quality of life

PMID: 25381189