Effects of Reiki and Self-Acupressure Applications

Official title

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

Overview

Reiki, the subject of our research, is a complementary medicine practice within energy approaches. Discovered in Sanskrit texts by Dr. Usui in Japan in the late 19th century, it was demonstrated through studies demonstrating its effectiveness in symptoms of pain, depression, insomnia, and fatigue. Everything in the universe, including the human body, is composed of energy; any disruption in this energy can lead to illness. There are seven chakras where Reiki is applied. The main chakra centers are located along the spine. During Reiki treatments, the hands are held in each position, touching the head, neck, chest, abdominal cavity, and groin for 3-5 minutes. This period may extend to 10-20 minutes in problematic areas. The average treatment duration is 30-90 minutes. During the treatment, the patient lies down or reclines, and there is no need to remove clothing. During Reiki treatment, individuals may report a slight warming sensation under or near the therapist's hand. The only rule in Reiki practice is that the individual gives the practitioner permission to facilitate the flow of energy. The person receiving Reiki does not need to believe in Reiki during the treatment. Reiki is a universal life energy present in everyone. Reiki is generally safe, and no serious side effects have been reported. Over the last 10 years, Reiki practice has been increasing among physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals. This study will compare the effects of acupressure and Reiki treatments on functionality and quality of life in patients with multiple sclerosis.

Interventions

• Behavioral Reiki
  Reiki
• Behavioral Self-Acupressure
  Self-Acupressure

Primary outcome measures

• The Multiple Sclerosis Quality of Life [Time frame: 4 weeks]
• The Multiple Sclerosis Functional Composite [Time frame: 4 weeks]

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion criteria

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

Exclusion criteria

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

Criteria are shown verbatim from the registry (in English). Final eligibility is always assessed by the study center.

Healthy volunteers: Yes

Study design

Allocation

Randomized

Model

Parallel assignment

Masking

Single blind

Primary purpose

Supportive care

Study locations

Turkey (Türkiye) · 1 center

• Muğla Sıtkı Koçman University — Muğla

Identifiers

NCT: NCT07083856 · 2022/ 11- 14

Primary sources (government registries)

• ClinicalTrials.gov (US NIH)

View this study on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗