Efficacy of reiki on patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery

Reiki was administered to 50 patients out of 100 patients with normal left ventricular function scheduled for elective coronary artery bypass grafting. Blood components and inflammatory markers were estimated at various time points. Haemodynamic parameters, psychological analysis, intensive care unit stay,incidence of infection, chest tube drainage and mortality were recorded. Haemodynamic parameters and use of blood components were similar in both groups. Interleukin-6 were significantly lower in the preoperative period in the Reiki group, but showed similar trends in both the groups in the post-operative period. The psychological analysis assessed by World Health Organisation quality of life and General Health Questionnaire revealed that social relationships improve once patient is in his own surroundings and with his own people in both the groups. Psychological domain showed significant difference, six day after surgery in the Reiki group. This study concludes that Reiki is a time consuming process with no significant clinical benefit.