Impact of Reiki on recovery for women having breast surgery

Pilot Study of Medical Reiki for Women Undergoing Surgery for Breast Cancer: Impact on Quality of Life, Medical Recovery Metrics, and Cortisol

Not applicable Interventional Albert Einstein College of Medicine · NCT06524895

This study is testing if a special relaxation technique called Medical Reiki can help women recovering from breast cancer surgery feel better and improve their quality of life.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment32 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 99 Years
SexFemale
SponsorAlbert Einstein College of Medicine Academic / other
Locations1 site (The Bronx, New York)
Trial IDNCT06524895 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This pilot study investigates the effects of pre-operative Medical Reiki© on the psychosocial well-being and recovery of underserved women undergoing breast cancer surgery. Utilizing a double-blind randomized-controlled design, 32 women diagnosed with stage I-III breast cancer will receive either Medical Reiki© or Sham Reiki as an attention control. The study aims to assess how this energy therapy can alleviate symptoms and enhance the quality of life for patients during their recovery process. Participants will be followed for two months post-intervention to evaluate outcomes.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are women aged 18-99 with a diagnosis of stage 0-III breast cancer who are scheduled for mastectomy within two weeks.

Not a fit: Patients with uncontrolled psychiatric conditions or those who are pregnant may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a complementary therapy option that enhances recovery and quality of life for women undergoing breast cancer surgery.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown positive outcomes with complementary therapies like Reiki in cancer care, indicating potential for success in this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Ages 18-99
* Breast Cancer Diagnosis Stage 0-III
* Undergoing unilateral or bilateral mastectomy (with or without reconstruction) within 2 weeks of recruitment
* English Speaking
* From within 50 miles of Bronx County, NY

Exclusion Criteria:

* Current, uncontrolled psychiatric co-morbidities
* Pregnant women

Where this trial is running

The Bronx, New York

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Breast CancerReiki
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.