Effect of Reiki Therapy on Quality of Life and Fatigue Levels of Breast Cancer Patients Receiving Chemotherapy

Abstract

Background The quality of life of patients receiving chemotherapy decreases, and fatigue is one of the most common symptoms. Reiki is used for cancer patients as an energy-based complementary and alternative method. Objective The aim of this study was to determine the effect of Reiki therapy on the quality of life and fatigue levels in breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy. Methods This was a pretest-posttest, quasi-experimental study with a control group: 70 patients enrolled with 35 participants in the experimental group and 35 in the control group. The experimental group received 6 sessions of Reiki therapy. The data were collected using a Patient Information Form, the Piper Fatigue Scale, and the European Organization for the Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire. Results The mean scores on the general well-being subscale in the European Organization for the Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire increased in the experimental group and decreased in the control group, whereas the mean scores on the general function and general symptom subscales decreased in the experimental group and increased in the control group. The differences between the groups were statistically significant (P < .001). The mean Piper Fatigue Scale scores of the experimental group decreased, whereas that of the control group increased; the group differences were statistically significant (P < .001). Conclusion Reiki can reduce fatigue and increase the quality of life of breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy. Implications for Practice Reiki therapy can be used as a nursing intervention to increase the quality of life and reduce fatigue in breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy.

The Effect of Reiki Intervention on Fatigue and Anxiety in Hemodialysis Patients

“…9 A different study wherein fatigue was studied also reported that Reiki application was effective in lowering fatigue levels. 22 Other studies with different samples have also revealed that Reiki reduces fatigue levels. 11,23,24 The result in our study that Reiki applied in HD patients reduced their fatigue levels was compatible with the results of the studies mentioned earlier.…”

“…It was determined in a study conducted with adolescents with dysmenorrhea that the Reiki intervention resulted in a decrease in general fatigue levels 9. A different study wherein fatigue was studied also reported that Reiki application was effective in lowering fatigue levels 22. Other studies with different samples have also revealed that Reiki reduces fatigue levels 11,23,24.…”

Reiki practitioners’ perceptions of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the experience, practice and future of Reiki

“…In terms of benefits for patients, many studies and review papers have examined the efficacy of receiving hands on Reiki. Much research focuses on patients with cancer where Reiki has been linked to decreased distress, anxiety, depression, fatigue, agitation, pain, and nausea, and improved sleep and quality of life [ [9] , [10] , [11] , [12] , [13] ]. A review found it significantly reduced cancer related pain [ 14 ].…”