Effects of Reiki on the Perception of Quality of Life Determined by the Questionnaire WHOQOL-BREF

Abstract

Reiki is a philosophy and healing technique that directs the use of vital energy (ki) for energy rebalance, as well as healing, in a holistic sense, of physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual processes. The practice is part of the integrative and complementary practices recognized by the World Health Organization. This study aimed to evaluate the Reiki effects on people's life quality perception, by using the World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF (WHOQOL-BREF). We analyzed the answers of 144 individuals, and the data were categorized in quartiles according to the number of Reiki sessions attended. The results of each question and dimension of the questionnaire were analyzed by Student's t test (individual questions) and analysis of variance (dimensions). We observed significant improvement in the perception of physical pain, need for medical treatment, meaning of life, physical environment, availability of money, availability of information, locomotion, work capacity, access to health, place of residence, and transportation facilities. Reiki sessions have improved people's quality of life perception in many aspects, proving its therapeutic efficacy in a broader approach to health promotion.