Most insurance plans will cover either all or a portion of the treatment.
Content Reviewed By:
SUD treatment executive, national news contributor & keynote speaker.
- Overview
- What Happens during A Reiki Session?
- How Can Reiki Help in Addiction Treatment?
- How Long and How Often Should Reiki Be Performed?
- Are There Any Side Effects to Reiki Therapy?
- What Kind of Training Do Reiki Practitioners Have?
- Does My Insurance Cover Reiki?
- Find Rehabs That Offer Reiki Therapy
Overview
Reiki has emerged as an increasingly common practice in holistic-focused alcohol and drug addiction treatment. Also known as energy healing, it is a gentle, non-invasive technique in which a credentialed and experienced practitioner places their hands on or near the body to promote calmness and relaxation. In addition to behavioral health treatment, reiki has also been used in shelters for women survivors of domestic abuse as well as at military camps for veterans who struggle with trauma.
Reiki’s origins date back to ancient Japan. The term is derived from the Japanese words “rei,” meaning universal, and “ki,” meaning vital life force energy. While many proponents claim that it helps them to enter a calmer and more relaxed state, it is not an evidence-based practice and should not replace other proven therapies in addiction care or any other treatment paradigm.
What Happens during A Reiki Session?
The process will start with the practitioner assessing what conditions for which the patient is seeking treatment as well as evaluating the severity and frequency of their symptoms. The practitioner will then lightly touch the patient or place their hands very close to them in an effort to transfer energy force to the patient. Sessions typically last between 60 to 90 minutes. The process is a safe, non-invasive therapy to explore for patients looking to augment their mental health treatment plan.
How Can Reiki Help in Addiction Treatment?
Many reiki recipients claim the therapy can help regulate emotions and improve many health issues that contribute to addiction. For example, a 2021 systematic review of over three decades of research indicated that reiki was consistently effective at reducing symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress.
Practitioner also claim that the practice can:
- Reduce pain and fatigue
- Help relieve depression, anxiety, and stress
- Improved the depth and duration of sleep
- Enhance emotional healing
- Help regulate blood pressure
If reiki is, in fact, implemented into your or your loved one’s treatment, it should be combined with evidence-based practices, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), rational emotive therapy, motivational interviewing, family of origin therapy, eye-movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) and others, depending on their clinical needs and facility resources. Reiki can also be used as an adjunct to other holistic therapies, such as meditation, yoga, acupuncture, massage, and tai chi.
How Long and How Often Should Reiki Be Performed?
Sessions typically last between 60 to 90 minutes. The process is a safe, non-invasive therapy to explore for patients looking to augment their mental health treatment plan. While the number of treatments can depend on your condition and personal goals, three to five treatments 1 to 2 weeks apart is generally recommended. If you’re considering reiki treatment, talk to your doctor about getting these treatments in addition to other therapies.
Are There Any Side Effects to Reiki Therapy?
There are few, if any, serious side effects of reiki therapy as there is little to no physical contact or physical interaction during sessions. Some recipients report temporary bouts of emotional dysregulation or intensification of their symptoms. If you are interested in exploring reiki as part of your treatment experience, your practitioner will be able to fully explain the potential side effects, how intense they may be, and how long they’ll last.
What Kind of Training Do Reiki Practitioners Have?
It’s natural to be curious about the level of education that goes into reiki training, especially if it’s part of your treatment program and you want to make sure you’re getting legitimate clinical help. The truth is that most states don’t require certification or licensure to practice; however, there are established governing and credentialing bodies such as International Association of Reiki Practitioners (IARP) that encourage continued study and certification.
The Reiki Licensing Commission for Reiki Masters and Healers (RLCRMH) has called for stricter standards of Reiki teaching, and awards the following license designations:
- Licensed Reiki Apprentice Healer
- Licensed Reiki Healer
- Licensed Reiki Healer Coach
- Licensed Reiki Master
- Licensed Reiki Master Coach
- Licensed Reiki Coach Instructor
- Licensed Reiki Master Instructor
If reiki is among the important criteria for treatment when seeking help for yourself or a loved one, ask the admissions teams at the facilities you’re considering about their practitioners’ training and experience.
Does My Insurance Cover Reiki?
Private and public insurance plans do not typically cover reiki as a standalone therapy; however, they will cover overall clinical programs in which it may be offered. The most effective way to ensure your reiki treatment is covered is by entering a comprehensive rehab program that also offers evidence-based, clinically proven therapies that are covered. If you wish to explore reiki beyond your treatment program, you may also be able to use funds from your employer health savings account (HSA) or flexible savings account (FSA) if you have one.
Find Rehabs That Offer Reiki Therapy
Our nation wide directory has compiled rehabs that offer Reiki Therapy as part of their holistic approach to addiction treatment.
