Joyce, J., & Herbison, G.P. (2015). Reiki for depression and anxiety. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 4, CD006833.
Studies reviewed did not ensure that patients studied had depression or anxiety, so validity of examining impact of Reiki intervention on these problems is questionable. Two of the three studies had high risk of bias. No studies showed a statistically significant benefit.
There is insufficient evidence to evaluate efficacy of Reiki for anxiety and depression.
The evidence regarding effects of Reiki for anxiety or depression is insufficient to draw any conclusions. If Reiki is to be seen as a serious option for treatment, well-designed research to investigate effects is needed.