Reiki as a clinical intervention in oncology nursing practice

Clin J Oncol Nurs. 2008 Jun;12(3):489-94. doi: 10.1188/08.CJON.489-494.

Abstract

Oncology nurses and their patients are frequently on the cutting edge of new therapies and interventions that support coping, health, and healing. Reiki is a practice that is requested with increasing frequency, is easy to learn, does not require expensive equipment, and in preliminary research, elicits a relaxation response and helps patients to feel more peaceful and experience less pain. Those who practice Reiki report that it supports them in self-care and a healthy lifestyle. This article will describe the process of Reiki, review current literature, present vignettes of patient responses to the intervention, and make recommendations for future study.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Attitude to Health
  • Forecasting
  • Holistic Health
  • Humans
  • Internet
  • Life Style
  • Nurse's Role
  • Oncology Nursing / education
  • Oncology Nursing / methods*
  • Philosophy, Nursing
  • Self Care
  • Terminal Care / methods
  • Terminal Care / psychology
  • Therapeutic Touch / methods*
  • Therapeutic Touch / nursing
  • Therapeutic Touch / psychology