Reiki and self-acupressure for people with multiple sclerosis

Comparison of the Effects of Reiki and Self-Acupressure Applications on Functionality and Quality of Life in Patients With Multiple Sclerosis: A Randomized Controlled Trial

This will test whether Reiki plus self-acupressure can reduce symptoms and improve daily functioning and quality of life for adults with multiple sclerosis.

Quick facts

• Phase: Not applicable
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 50 (estimated)
• Ages: 18 Years to 75 Years
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: Firat University (Academic / other)
• Locations: 1 site (Muğla, Fethi̇ye)
• Trial ID: NCT07083856 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This interventional project offers practitioner-delivered Reiki sessions combined with training in self-acupressure for adults with multiple sclerosis. Reiki treatments are delivered with the participant reclined while a practitioner places hands at standard chakra positions for roughly 3–20 minutes per area, with total sessions typically lasting 30–90 minutes, and participants are also taught self-acupressure techniques to perform at home. Eligible participants are adults on stable MS treatment for at least three months without recent relapse or major comorbidities, while common exclusions include recent corticosteroid use, active infection, diabetes, smoking, or significant psychiatric findings. Outcomes focus on physical function, fatigue, pain, and quality-of-life measures collected before and after the intervention to see if symptoms improve.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults with multiple sclerosis who are 18 or older, living locally or able to attend the site, on stable MS treatment for at least three months, and without recent relapse or major comorbid conditions are the intended participants.

Not a fit: People with recent MS attacks, recent corticosteroid use, active infections, diabetes, smoking or substance use, other autoimmune or neurological diseases, or untreated anxiety/depression are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, these non-drug techniques could offer additional symptom relief for pain, fatigue, and daily functioning in people with MS.

How similar studies have performed: Some small trials of Reiki and acupressure report improvements in pain, fatigue, and sleep, but high-quality evidence in multiple sclerosis remains limited.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Patients who are willing to participate
2. Patients who have no communication problems
3. Patients who are 18 years of age or older
4. Patients who live in the center
5. Patients who have no scratches or deformities in the treatment area
6. Patients who do not smoke, use drugs, or use tranquilizers, and are not pregnant
7. Patients who have been receiving MS treatment for more than three months

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Patients who smoke, use substances, or use tranquilizers
2. Have dyspnea
3. Have anemia
4. Have diabetes
5. Have received corticosteroid treatment in the last three months
6. Have had an MS attack in the last three months
7. Have an autoimmune disease other than multiple sclerosis
8. Have signs of infection
9. Have a thyroid problem
10. Are taking psychostimulant medications
11. Have anxiety or depression detected in outpatient clinic screenings
12. Refuse to participate in the study
13. Have another known neurological system disease (dementia, Alzheimer's, etc.)
14. Have a communication barrier will not be included in the study.

Where this trial is running

Muğla, Fethi̇ye

• Muğla Sıtkı Koçman University — Muğla, Fethi̇ye, Turkey (Türkiye) (Recruiting)

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Furkan Bilek, PhD

Conditions Multiple Sclerosis; Reiki; Self-Acupressure; Functionality; Quality of Life