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Many people turn to gentle, noninvasive practices such as Reiki and therapeutic touch therapy to support relaxation, comfort, and emotional well-being. These approaches are commonly categorized under complementary and alternative medicine, where they are used alongside conventional medical care rather than as replacements.
Both practices focus on subtle energy interactions within the human body and are often chosen to support relaxation, emotional balance, and overall well-being. This article explains what Reiki and therapeutic touch therapy are, how they compare, and how patients can choose a supportive option that aligns with comfort, safety, and personal health goals.
Reiki is an energy-based therapy that emphasizes relaxation, balance, and gentle support for self-care. It is often used to support a sense of calm, ease feelings of emotional strain, and encourage overall comfort in the body and mind.
Reiki originated in Japan and is commonly described as a contemporary interpretation of ancient healing practices. Its philosophy centers on the idea that a universal life energy flows through the human body and the surrounding energy field. Reiki practitioners believe that supporting this flow may help stimulate balance and promote a sense of harmony that supports health and daily life.
Reiki focuses on intention, presence, and gentle energy exchange. Practitioners use standardized hand positions placed lightly on or just above the patient’s body, while the patient remains fully clothed. The approach is noninvasive and does not involve diagnosing disease, prescribing medicine, or replacing clinical treatment.
A Reiki session typically lasts 30 to 60 minutes and takes place in a quiet environment designed to promote relaxation. Patients may lie down or sit comfortably while the practitioner moves through hand positions. Some participants report sensations such as warmth, calm, or a refreshed spirit, while others simply feel more relaxed.
Therapeutic touch is a structured approach developed within nursing and caregiving environments. It is commonly used to support comfort, emotional balance, and physical ease in patients experiencing illness or discomfort.
Therapeutic touch therapy was developed in the 1970s through nursing science and is closely associated with holistic nursing. Early contributors, including a professor emerita involved in foundational work, framed therapeutic touch as a method for working with the human energy field in clinical care. The approach gained attention through nursing research conducted at institutions such as New York University and York University.
A therapeutic touch practitioner uses sweeping hand motions a few inches above the patient’s body, sometimes incorporating light touch depending on training. These techniques focus on assessing, clearing, and balancing the energy field. Many TT practitioners emphasize intention, focus, and sensitivity to patient comfort.
A therapeutic touch session often begins with a brief intake conversation followed by quiet, focused care. Patients remain fully clothed, and sessions usually last 20 to 45 minutes. Participants commonly report feeling calmer, experiencing less discomfort, or noticing greater physical ease.
Reiki and therapeutic touch are often grouped together as biofield therapies because they share core principles of subtle energy and gentle interaction. Both approaches focus on supporting relaxation, balance, and comfort through noninvasive techniques that work alongside conventional healthcare rather than replacing medical treatment.
Both practices work with subtle energy fields around and within the body. They involve hands placed on or near the human body, quiet settings, and a noninvasive approach designed to support balance and comfort without physical manipulation.
Reiki and therapeutic touch therapy are commonly used to encourage relaxation, ease tension, and support emotional well-being. They may support relaxation, perceived comfort, and coping during periods of emotional or physical strain. Importantly, they are complementary practices and not substitutes for psychological or medical care.
Some hospitals, clinics, and community programs integrate Reiki or therapeutic touch therapy as supportive care alongside medicine and standard treatment. Open communication with healthcare providers helps ensure these complementary and alternative approaches are used safely.
Although Reiki and therapeutic touch therapy share similarities, key differences exist in philosophy, training, and clinical integration.
Reiki follows a Japanese-origin system involving attunements and practitioner levels. Therapeutic touch therapy is a standardized approach informed by nursing frameworks and clinical education standards, often taught through formal coursework and professional guidelines within nursing.
Reiki practitioners are often described as channels for energy and follow set hand patterns. Therapeutic touch practitioners emphasize assessing and modulating the energy field through specific movements and may provide more verbal feedback during care.
Reiki is widely available in wellness centers, private practices, and some clinics. Therapeutic touch therapy is more commonly offered in hospitals, palliative care, and community programs, including sites in Santa Fe and academic health systems.
These practices should be approached with realistic expectations and awareness of current research. They may support relaxation, comfort, and emotional well-being for some individuals, but scientific evidence remains mixed, and outcomes can vary from person to person.
People often explore these therapies for supportive reasons, including:
Increased relaxation and emotional calm
Reduced feelings of stress, emotional discomfort, or perceived pain
Improved sense of balance and well-being
Scientific evidence on Reiki and therapeutic touch includes clinical studies, systematic reviews, and reports published in peer-reviewed journals and international journals. Some included studies report favorable outcomes, while others show contradictory findings when compared to a control group. Researchers note limitations related to sample size, subjective outcomes, and variability among participants.
While generally gentle, some considerations apply:
These therapies should not replace medical care for serious diseases
Individuals with complex conditions, severe mental health symptoms, or pregnancy should consult a healthcare professional
Claims about curing diseases or accelerating healing lack reliable scientific evidence
Selecting a therapy is a personal decision shaped by goals, comfort, and access. Taking time to understand each approach and reflect on personal preferences can help individuals choose an option that feels safe, respectful, and supportive of their emotional well-being.
Considering personal preferences may help guide choice:
Preference for quiet meditation versus interactive care
Comfort with spiritual framing versus clinical language
Focus on relaxation, emotional support, or easing feelings of stress
Practical details often influence decisions:
Availability of trained practitioners
Cost per session and insurance considerations
Whether care is offered within a healthcare team
Practitioner training and professional background
Reiki and therapeutic touch are most effective when combined with other supportive habits, such as regular movement, balanced nutrition, adequate sleep, and ongoing medical or mental health care. Keeping providers informed supports safety and continuity of care.
Reiki and therapeutic touch therapy share a focus on gentle energy work, relaxation, and emotional support, yet differ in philosophy, training, and clinical context. There is no single right choice. The most appropriate option is one that feels respectful, safe, and supportive for individual preferences and needs. When approached with curiosity, realistic expectations, and appropriate professional care, these practices can be meaningful parts of a holistic wellness approach.
What is the main difference between Reiki and the Therapeutic Touch therapy?
Reiki is a Japanese-origin energy practice that uses standardized hand positions and attunements, while therapeutic touch is a nursing-developed approach that emphasizes energy assessment and structured techniques in clinical care.
Is therapeutic touch therapy scientifically proven to work?
Research on therapeutic touch shows mixed results: some studies report relaxation or comfort benefits, but overall scientific evidence remains limited and inconclusive.
Can Reiki or therapeutic touch therapy replace medical treatment for anxiety, pain, or depression?
No, Reiki and therapeutic touch therapy are complementary practices and should not replace medical or mental health treatment for emotional distress, physical discomfort, or mood-related concerns.
What usually happens during a therapeutic touch therapy session?
During a therapeutic touch therapy session, the practitioner uses gentle hand movements near the body while the client remains fully clothed in a quiet setting designed to promote relaxation and comfort.
How many Reiki or therapeutic touch sessions are typically needed to notice a change?
The number of sessions varies by individual, with some people reporting a sense of relaxation after one session and others noticing changes only after several sessions.
References
Baldwin, Ann L., and Natalie L. Trent. 2017. “An Integrative Review of Scientific Evidence for Reconnective Healing.” Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine 23 (8): 590-598. doi:10.1089/acm.2015.0218. http://dx.doi.org/10.1089/acm.2015.0218.
Garrett, B., & Riou, M. (2021). A rapid evidence assessment of recent therapeutic touch research. Nursing Open. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8363410/
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. (2018). Reiki. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/reiki
Therapeutic Touch International Association. (n.d.). Therapeutic Touch. https://therapeutictouch.org/
U.S. Government Publishing Office. (n.d.). Reiki: An introduction (Pub. No. HE20-7250). https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/GOVPUB-HE20_7250-PURL-gpo29542/pdf/GOVPUB-HE20_7250-PURL-gpo29542.pdf
U.S. National Library of Medicine. (n.d.). Healing touch or guided imagery in treating pain, fatigue … (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01553578). https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT01553578