The Power of Reiki: Its Effects on Pain and Biochemical Parameters in Patients Undergoing Bone Marrow Transplantation: A Randomized Prospective Controlled Study

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to determine the effects of Reiki on pain and biochemical parameters in patients undergoing bone marrow transplantation.

Design: This research was a single-blind, repeated measures, randomized prospective controlled study.

Method: This study was conducted between August 2022 and April 2023 with patients who underwent autologous in the bone marrow transplantation (BMT) unit. In the Reiki group (n = 21), Reiki therapy was applied directly to the energy centers for 30 min on the 0th and 1st day of BMT, and from a distance for 30 min on the 2nd day. No intervention was performed on the control group (n = 21). Data were collected using the Personal Information Form, Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and biochemical parameters. Pain and biochemical parameters were evaluated on days 0, 1, 2, and 10 before the Reiki application.

Result: There were no statistically significant differences in pain scores between the groups before the intervention (p > .005). The Reiki group showed a significant improvement in the mean VAS score compared with the control group on days 1 and 2 (p = .002; p < .001, respectively). The measurement of procalcitonin showed a decrease in the Reiki group and an increase in the control group (p = .026, p = .001, p < .001, respectively). Although the Reiki group had better absolute neutrophil, thrombocyte, and C-reactive protein values than the control group, no significant difference was observed between the groups (p > .05).

Conclusion: Reiki is effective for pain control and enhancing the immune system response.

Keywords: Biochemical parameters; Bone marrow transplantation; Nursing; Pain; Reiki.