Biological correlates of Reiki Touch healing

A single group repeated measure design was used to study the effects of Reiki on a sample of 23 healthy subjects. Biological markers related to stress were used including state anxiety, salivary IgA and cortisol, blood pressure, galvanic skin response, muscle tension and skin temperature. Results showed that anxiety and blood pressure were significantly lowered after treatment, skin temperature increased during treatment, and IgA levels role significantly post treratment. These findings suggest both biochemical and physiological changes in the direction of relaxation, supporting the theory that relaxation or stress reduction is a mechanism of action in Reiki Touch therapy.