Reiki Therapy In Addiction Treatment: Meaning, Benefits, and  How it Works

Reiki therapy is a holistic healing technique used in addiction treatment programs as a complementary approach. According to the 2018 article “Reiki”, from the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, (NCCIH), Reiki focuses on balancing energy within the body to support recovery by addressing individuals’ emotional and spiritual needs. It involves the practitioner gently placing hands on or near the body to channel healing energy, reduce stress and enhance overall well-being.

The benefits of Reiki therapy in addiction treatment are stress and anxiety reduction, pain management, emotional healing, and enhanced coping mechanisms. According to the 2008 report by Barnes PM. et al., “Complementary and alternative medicine use among adults and children: United States, 2007”, published in the National Health Statistics Reports, about 4 out of 10 adults used Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) therapy, including Reiki in the past 12 months to relieve pain, anxiety, and depression.

Reiki therapy in addiction treatment works by addressing the imbalances in the flow of energy that contribute to substance use and addiction. According to the 2010 study by Volkow, N. D., “Addiction: Decreased Reward Sensitivity And Increased Expectation Sensitivity Conspire To Overwhelm The Brain’s Control Circuit”, published in the BioEssays Journal, substance abuse causes neurochemical imbalances in the brain, leading to rewarding insensitivity. Reiki therapy seeks to unclog the disruptions caused by addiction and restore the balance in the brain.

What Is Reiki Therapy In Addiction Treatment?

Reiki therapy is a holistic healing approach that is integrated into addiction treatment programs as a complementary approach. According to the 2018 article “Reiki”, from the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, (NCCIH), Reiki focuses on balancing energy within the body to support recovery by addressing individuals’ emotional and spiritual needs.

Reiki therapy originates from Japan and focuses on “universal life force energy.” According to the article “What is Reiki” from The International Center for Reiki Training, the term “Reiki” combines two Japanese words: “rei,” meaning universal, and “ki,” meaning life energy. Practitioners believe this energy is transferred from the practitioner to the recipient through light touch or by hovering their hands above the body, promoting relaxation and healing, which is particularly beneficial for those recovering from substance use disorders.

Reiki is based on the belief that universal healing energy surrounds us at all times. When this energy is accessed, it is harnessed and channeled for healing. The approach is based on an Eastern medicine belief that internal energy facilitates the body’s healing ability.

The foundation of the Reiki practice and philosophy is 5 principles, also known as the Gokai. They were developed by Mikao Usui Sensei, the founder of Reiki, and are engraved on his memorial stone in Tokyo. The 5 principles are:

1. Just for today, do not worry
2. Just for today, do not anger
3. Just for today, I am grateful
4. Just for today, I will do my work honestly
5. Just for today, I will be kind to every living thing

These principles are intended to help people attain good health and happiness. They encourage Reiki followers to act in the present moment, be humble, kind, and grateful, and practice this wisdom in everyday life.

How Do The Reiki Principles Compare To Other Mindfulness Practices?

The Reiki principles share some similarities with other mindfulness practices (living in the present moment and not worrying about the future) but also have distinct differences (hands-on healing technique) :

Similarities to Mindfulness Practices

1. Focus on living in the present moment and not worrying about the future.
2. Emphasize gratitude and appreciation for life.
3. Encourage compassion and kindness towards oneself and others.
4. Aim to reduce negative emotions like anger and worry.

Differences from Mindfulness Practices

1. The Reiki principles are specifically tied to the Reiki energy healing practice and philosophy
2. Reiki founder Mikao Usui developed them as a way to integrate Reiki into daily life
3. Reiki incorporates hands-on healing techniques in addition to the principles
4. Reiki is seen as a spiritual path and personal empowerment journey, not just a mindfulness practice
5. The Reiki principles are often a foundation for personal growth and spiritual development.

What Are The Benefits Of Reiki Therapy In Addiction Treatment?

The benefits of Reiki therapy in addiction treatment include stress and anxiety reduction, pain management, emotional healing, and enhanced coping mechanisms. According to the 2008 report by Barnes PM. et al., “Complementary and alternative medicine use among adults and children: United States, 2007”, published in the National Health Statistics Reports, about 4 out of 10 adults used Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) therapy, including Reiki in the past 12 months to relieve pain, anxiety, and depression.

Stress And Anxiety Reduction

Stress is the body’s natural response to a perceived threat or challenge. It is a normal part of life, and beneficial in small doses, as it helps us focus and perform better. However, chronic stress leads to physical and mental health problems. On the other hand, anxiety is a feeling of fear, worry, or unease, often without a clear trigger.

Addiction often coincides with high levels of stress and anxiety, which exacerbate cravings and lead to relapse. The 2008 study by Sinha, R., “Chronic Stress, Drug Use, and Vulnerability to Addiction,” published in the Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, indicates that stress is a contributing factor to addiction.

According to a 2023 article by Calvert L., “What Is Reiki: Reduce Stress and Anxiety,” from Health News, Reiki therapy helps reduce stress by promoting a deep state of relaxation through:

1. Balancing the body’s energy and promoting a state of calm. This is particularly beneficial for individuals in recovery, as they often struggle with stressful emotions and situations that can trigger a relapse.
2. Enhancing feelings of peace and relaxation, which assist in reducing the urge to turn to substances as a way of coping with emotional pain. When the body and mind reach a point of safety and peace, individuals are more inclined to let go of the terror and trauma they felt during detoxification.
3. Alleviating complex emotions, sleeplessness, and low self-esteem are common issues faced by those in addiction recovery. By addressing these mental health benefits, Reiki helps individuals feel more connected to themselves and live a more meaningful life.

You may also be interested in our other articles such as:

Mindfulness & Meditation Therapy In Addiction Treatment

Person-Centered Therapy In Addiction Treatment: meaning, benefits, and  how it works

Trauma Therapy: Types, Techniques, Processes and Challenges 

Pain Management

Pain is an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with actual or potential tissue damage, as indicated in the 2024 article” Pain”,  from The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS).

According to the 2014 study by Thrane, S., et al “Effect of Reiki Therapy on Pain and Anxiety in Adults: An In-Depth Literature Review of Randomized Trials with Effect Size Calculations”, published in the Pain Management Nursing: Official Journal of the American Society of Pain Management Nurses, Reiki therapy is effective for pain management.

Reiki helps with pain management in addiction treatment through:

1. Relaxation and Stress Reduction: Reiki induces a deep relaxation state, significantly reducing stress and anxiety, as demonstrated by the 2024 article by Newman T., “ What Is Reiki And How Does It Work”, from Medical News Today. 
2. Energy Balance: Reiki practitioners believe it balances the body’s energy, promoting overall well-being as demonstrated in the 2014 study by Thrane. This energy balance helps alleviate physical discomfort.   
3. Pain Relief: Many people report reduced pain intensity after Reiki sessions. The 2024 article by Newman shows that this is due to the relaxation response or a direct effect on the body’s pain receptors.   

Emotional Healing

Emotional healing is the process of recovering from emotional pain, trauma, and distress. According to the article “ The Stages of Emotional Healing: Understanding the Journey”, from Beautiful Soul Counseling, emotional healing involves recovering from emotional trauma.

Reiki therapy in addiction treatment helps recovering substance abusers achieve emotional healing by:

1. Enhancing Feelings Of Peace And Relaxation: Reiki sessions are designed to create a peaceful, calming environment that helps patients feel more relaxed and centered. The 2024 article by Newman indicates that this sense of inner peace is particularly beneficial for individuals struggling with the emotional turmoil of addiction.
2. Improving Overall Well-Being: By promoting a sense of balance and harmony in the body’s energy fields, Reiki helps patients feel better physically, mentally, and emotionally, as demonstrated in the 2024 article by Newman. This improved overall well-being boosts mood, self-esteem, and motivation in recovery.
3. Helps Process Emotions: Reiki assists patients release pent-up emotions and emotional blocks contributing to their addiction. The 2024 article by Newman shows that Reiki allows pent-up emotions to surface and get processed in a safe, supportive environment, Reiki facilitates emotional healing and growth.
4. Promotes a Sense of Connection: Reiki helps people connect to themselves and others. According to the article “The Healing Energy of Reiki and the Mind-Body Connection ” from New York-Presbyterian, the increased sense of connection and self-awareness is empowering in recovery and helps patients develop a stronger sense of identity apart from their addiction. “The majority of our patients come in physically, mentally, and spiritually depleted and need assistance in reconnecting,” says Aviva Fisher, Patient Care Director at NewYork-Presbyterian Westchester Behavioral Health Center in White Plains.

Enhanced Coping Mechanisms

Coping mechanisms are strategies individuals employ to manage stress and emotional distress in response to challenging situations. According to the 2023 study by Algorani E B., et al,  “Coping Mechanisms”, published in Stat Pearls, coping mechanisms are deployed to deal with stress.

Reiki enhances coping mechanisms in addiction treatment in several ways. These include:

1. Improved Self-Awareness: Reiki enhances mindfulness and self-awareness, helping individuals become more attuned to their thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations. This increased self-awareness enables patients to identify their triggers and make conscious choices to engage in better behaviors and coping mechanisms. According to the 2023 study by Winters, M., “Reiki: An Effective Self-Care Practice”, published in the Journal of Interprofessional Education & Practice, Reiki enhances people’s awareness of their multidimensionality. This empowers Reiki therapy participants to break negative patterns and cycles of addiction.
2. Spiritual Connection: Practicing Reiki contributes to deepening one’s connection to spirituality, as demonstrated in the article from NewYork-Presbyterian. This sense of support, meaning, and guidance grants a greater understanding of purpose and resilience in recovery. By fostering this spiritual connection, Reiki helps individuals find inner strength and develop coping mechanisms rooted in their values and beliefs.
3. Relaxation and Sleep Improvement: Reiki’s ability to promote relaxation and improve sleep quality is particularly beneficial for addiction recovery. According to a 2022 study by Costa JRD., et al, “Reiki For Promotion Of Health And Sleep Quality In Hospital Nursing Professionals”, published in the Rev Bras Enferm Journal, Reiki therapy enhanced the sleep quality of nursing professionals. The study showed that 16 nurses who engaged in Reiki for six sessions weekly between 2019 to 2020 experienced better sleep, with a reduction in the duration of falling asleep, an increase in sleep hours, and a decrease in nightmares. Better sleep contributes to overall well-being and the ability to cope with cravings and triggers. Individuals who receive regular Reiki treatments often report feeling more rested, focused, and equipped to handle the challenges of early recovery.

How Does Reiki Therapy Work In Addiction Treatment?

Reiki therapy in addiction treatment works by addressing the imbalances in the flow of energy that contribute to substance use and addiction. According to the 2010 study by Volkow, N. D., “Addiction: Decreased Reward Sensitivity And Increased Expectation Sensitivity Conspire To Overwhelm The Brain’s Control Circuit”, published in the BioEssays Journal, substance abuse causes neurochemical imbalances in the brain, leading to rewarding insensitivity.

Energy Flow Imbalances and Addiction

Energy flow imbalances in Reiki refer to disruptions in the natural flow of energy through the body’s energy centers, known as chakras. According to the 2021 article by Nichols T., “How Energy Flow and the Chakras Affect Your Life and Body,” energy flows affect all areas of your life.

Chronic substance abuse results in a recalibration of the brain’s reward system, diminishing the ability to experience pleasure from everyday activities, as demonstrated in the 2010 study by Volkow, N. D., “Addiction: Decreased Reward Sensitivity And Increased Expectation Sensitivity Conspire To Overwhelm The Brain’s Control Circuit,” published in the BioEssays Journal. In Reiki, this phenomenon is often described as an “energy flow imbalance,” where the brain’s normal processing of rewards is disrupted, leading to compulsive drug use despite adverse consequences.

Reiki therapy addresses the energetic imbalances that contribute to substance use. According to the 2019 article “ Reiki Therapy For Addiction” from Rehab Center, Reiki holds that addiction is not just a physical dependency but also involves emotional and spiritual dimensions. By facilitating the flow of energy, Reiki helps individuals release negative emotions and trauma associated with their addiction, which reduces cravings and the urge to use substances as a coping mechanism.

1. Emotional imbalances: Individuals often use substances to cope with suppressed emotions and stress. This emotional resistance creates blockages in energy flow, making it difficult for individuals to process their feelings. The avoidance of emotional pain through substance use leads to further emotional and energetic imbalances, complicating recovery efforts.
2. Recovery and Restoration of Balance: Recovery from addiction involves restoring both physical and emotional energy balance. Engaging in physical activities, such as exercise, stimulates the release of endorphins and other neurotransmitters that promote a sense of well-being, thereby helping to counteract the effects of addiction. Regular exercise improves physical health and enhances mental clarity and emotional stability, making it a crucial component of recovery.

Are There Side Effects For Reiki Therapy In Addiction Treatment?

No, there are no side effects as Reiki is considered safe, and non-invasive. However, consulting with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment is important. The 2024 article by Starkman E., et al, “ What Is Reiki”, from WebMD, holds that while Reiki is considered safe, it should never be used as a substitute for conventional treatment provided by your physician, and other professionals. Rather, Reiki therapy should be used as a complementary approach.

How Do Practitioners Ensure The Safety Of Reiki Sessions?

To ensure safety, Reiki practitioners normally conduct preliminary assessments to understand the health conditions of clients, screen potential patients, and advise clients to monitor their physical and emotional responses after sessions, as demonstrated in the 2020 article by Glass A., “Reiki Precautions – Contraindications to Reiki Treatments”, from Long Island Sacred Health Network. According to Glass, Reiki is not recommended for patients undergoing chemotherapy, people using pacemakers, amputees, or clients with fractured bones.

Are There Long-Term Changes In Brain Activity After Drug Cessation?

Yes, there are long-term changes in the brain after drug cessation. A 2017 study by Nicolas, C., “Longitudinal Changes in Brain Metabolic Activity after Withdrawal from Escalation of Cocaine Self-Administration”, published in the Neuropsychopharmacology Journal, shows that chronic drug use leads to long-lasting changes in brain activity and metabolism that persist even after cessation of drug use. During the study, cocaine was administered to rats for 20 days. Positron emission tomography (PET) scanning indicated the presence of neuroadaptations in brain regions involved in reward, motivation, memory, and cognitive control, 4 weeks after cessation of cocaine administration. These neuroadaptations contribute to the chronic and relapsing nature of addiction.