Reiki: What Can This Energy Therapy Do for Multiple Sclerosis?

When Lisa S., 62, was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) in 2016, after decades of symptoms, she began taking a disease-modifying medication, which helped. But other medications prescribed for symptoms created new problems, and Lisa, a resident of Long Island, New York, decided to explore a more holistic approach to managing them.

She found yoga, meditation, physical therapy, and a “clean” diet helpful, and when a yoga instructor introduced her to Reiki — a Japanese energy healing technique — she was intrigued by the idea of a natural, noninvasive therapy that involved only touch and had no side effects.

Her first Reiki session was relaxing and gave her a feeling of peace and serenity — so much so that Lisa took a level 1 Reiki class so she could perform it on herself.

She now credits Reiki, in combination with other modalities, with helping her feel significantly better.

What Is Reiki?

Like acupuncture, tai chi, and qigong, Reiki — which means “universal life force energy” — aims to alter the flow of energy in and around the body, and is believed to facilitate relaxation, improve sleep, reduce anxiety and fatigue, and, perhaps, address more specific symptoms such as pain and spasticity.

The ability to perform Reiki is transferred from a master to a student in a process known as an attunement.

Beth Kane, a licensed clinical social worker and life coach in Point Pleasant, New Jersey, works frequently with people with chronic illnesses such as multiple sclerosis. Several years ago she began to explore Reiki. After taking the required classes and receiving the attunements, Kane became a Reiki master teacher.

How Is Reiki Done for MS?

Are Reiki’s Effects Real?

Whether or not Reiki’s benefits are the result of a placebo effect, as some suggest, it’s popular because patients claim it works.

Kane’s experience suggests that it can greatly benefit anyone who suffers from a chronic or an acute illness. “Reiki helps reduce stress and anxiety, balancing the body’s energy system to allow for healing while helping the body heal itself,” she says.

Common Benefits for People With MS

Sometimes clients don’t feel anything immediately after a Reiki session, says Kane, but benefits may be seen in as little as one session, depending on what the client needs and desires.

“Many people report a sense of calm, decreased stress, and improved rest following even one session,” Kane says.

“Reiki, being the highest form of energy, goes where it is needed to promote healing and, therefore, works on every level, including physical, mental, and spiritual,” says Kane. It also may be used to address particular symptoms, with practitioners setting an intention for it to heal in those particular areas.

Such comments may raise eyebrows and provoke disbelief. But Kane points out that it’s not necessary for a person to believe in Reiki for it to work. “Try it and then talk to me,” she says, laughing. “I’ve had many skeptics walk through my door and leave an hour later totally in awe of how they are feeling.”

Lisa is quick to point out that Reiki is not a cure for MS. “I don’t believe it’s a quick fix or a miraculous healing technique,” she says. “However, the energy is known to bring balance to one’s physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.”

Levels of Reiki Attunement

According to Kane, anyone can be attuned to perform Reiki. “We aren’t changing the energy,” she says. Kane explains the levels of training as being increasingly advanced and working with progressively higher levels of energy.

“Level 1 is generally for people who are just learning and is mostly used for self-Reiki and for friends and family. Level 2 incorporates Reiki on a more emotional level. Level 3 incorporates Reiki on a more spiritual plane, and students learn more advanced techniques,” she says.

The final level leads to the ability to practice as a Reiki master teacher, teaching Reiki and giving attunements.

Lisa took a Reiki level 1 attunement. “For the first 21 days and afterward I practiced daily as recommended,” she says. “I followed a series of hand positions every evening and found it to be meditative and relaxing, and I would shortly fall into a deep and restful sleep.

“I would absolutely recommend anybody to try it, not only MS patients,” says Lisa. “There is no downside. Relaxation and restful sleep in itself is healing for the body. To have another available tool for relaxation is wonderful.”

Additional reporting by Becky Upham.