How Reiki Healing Supports Depression Treatment: What Science Says

Tiếng Việt: Reiki tác động tới trầm cảm như thế nào?

Depression is a serious and widespread mental health condition that affects over 280 million people globally, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020, depression rates among adults in the U.S. surged from 8.5% to 27.8%. By 2021, this number had increased even further to 32.8%, according to a study published in The Lancet by Boston University School of Public Health.

These statistics highlight the urgent need for accessible, effective methods to support emotional and mental well-being, and Reiki is increasingly being recognized as a valuable complementary approach.

What Is Depression and Why It Dangerous

Depression can cause a wide range of symptoms, including:

• Persistent sadness or emptiness

• Feelings of guilt or worthlessness

• Loss of interest in activities

• Appetite and sleep disturbances

• Low self-esteem and fatigue

While it may be triggered by traumatic events (like bereavement, job loss, or chronic illness), depression can also arise without any obvious cause. Left untreated, it can seriously disrupt a person’s daily life, impair their ability to work, and — in the worst cases — lead to disability or suicide.

Reiki as a Complementary Therapy for Depression

More and more people are turning to holistic therapies like Reiki to support their emotional healing. Here’s how Reiki can help ease symptoms of depression, according to scientific research and practitioner reports.

1. Reiki Promotes Deep Relaxation

A study by the Center for Reiki Research (CRR) shows that Reiki reduces autonomic nervous system arousal, helping individuals shift out of “fight or flight” mode. This relaxation response has been observed in people diagnosed with burnout syndrome, which shares emotional symptoms with depression. Reiki helps activate the parasympathetic nervous system, supporting calmness and emotional balance.

2. Reiki Reduces Depression Symptoms

A study published in Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine found that people who received regular Reiki treatments reported a significant reduction in psychological distress and depression symptoms. Remarkably, the benefits of Reiki lasted up to one year after completing treatment.

3. Reiki May Support Post-Surgical Depression Recovery

Reiki healer Julie Motz, who worked with heart transplant patients at Stanford University Hospital, reported that Reiki helped reduce post-surgical depression. She practiced Reiki during and after surgery alongside Dr. Mehmet Oz. Patients who received Reiki care experienced emotional improvements throughout their recovery.

Should Reiki Be Used to Treat Depression?

While Reiki is not a replacement for clinical treatments, it offers powerful emotional support and helps:

• Alleviate stress and anxiety

• Improve sleep quality

• Promote emotional self-awareness

• Create a sense of calm and connection

For people struggling with depression, Reiki can be a gentle, non-invasive tool that complements traditional therapy and medication.

Reiki Healing in Hanoi

Reiki is not a quick fix, but when practiced regularly, it creates space for healing, rest, and reconnection with the self. Many people describe feeling lighter, more peaceful, and more resilient after their sessions.

If you're currently living with depression or emotional exhaustion, consider adding Reiki to your healing toolkit.

At Atman Healing Center, we believe healing is a return to your natural state of balance. Whether you're seeking to release emotional stress, support your nervous system, or simply reconnect with your inner stillness, our private Tibetan singing bowl and Reiki healing sessions in Hanoi offer a deeply supportive space to restore harmony in mind, body, and spirit.

✨ Book your session today to experience the profound effects of energy healing — where ancient sound meets gentle touch, and you return home to yourself.