Acne is a skin issue that millions of people worldwide deal with and that may be annoying and painful at times. While there are numerous over-the-counter and prescription remedies available, some people use complementary therapies like Reiki to aid in skin healing. This review will examine Reiki’s purported ability to treat acne in more detail. You can also read about whether Collagen can heal acne scars or not.

What is Reiki?

Reiki is an alternative therapy, which was first practiced in Japan. A practitioner’s hands are used to direct energy into the patient’s body with the intention of fostering healing and relaxation. The foundation of Reiki is the belief that all living things possess a life force energy that may be controlled in order to achieve balance and harmony inside the body.

How can Reiki help with acne?

Although there is no scientific proof that Reiki may treat acne, some people think it can assist to lessen stress, which can cause outbreaks. A person’s body produces cortisol and other stress-related hormones, which can cause inflammation and increased sebum production. It’s possible that this therapy technique could indirectly aid in minimizing acne outbreaks by lowering stress levels.

The Evidence

Although there is no scientific proof that Reiki may effectively treat acne, several studies have found that it may be useful in lowering anxiety and stress. For instance, a 2007 study indicated that this therapy was beneficial in lowering anxiety and despair in women having breast biopsy procedures. The study was published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. A 20011 study indicated that Reiki was useful for lowering anxiety and boosting mood in patients having knee replacement surgery. This study was also published in the same publication.

It’s crucial to note that these studies did not focus on how this therapy affected acne, so it is difficult to tell with certainty whether or not it can treat this specific ailment.

Pros and Cons Reiki

Before attempting Reiki for acne, take into account the following benefits and drawbacks:

Pros

• Reiki may be helpful in lowering stress and anxiety, which may in turn assist to lessen acne outbreaks.
• Reiki is a gentle therapy that you may simply implement into your self-care routine because it is non-intrusive.
• The relaxation and sense of well-being that Reiki can foster may be beneficial.

Cons

• The claim that Reiki can effectively treat acne is unsupported by scientific research.
• This therapy technique should be used together with conventional acne treatments; it is not a replacement for medical guidance or care.
• It can be costly, and insurance may not provide coverage.

This therapy technique may not be a direct treatment for acne, but it may assist to relax and relieve tension, which may help to lessen acne outbreaks. Before attempting Reiki, as with any alternative therapy, it’s crucial to speak with a healthcare provider and to continue with any prescribed medical treatments.

Conclusion

So, can Reiki actually treat acne? There is some data that suggests that this technique may be beneficial in lowering stress and anxiety, which may assist in indirectly reducing acne outbreaks, despite the lack of scientific proof to back this claim. It’s ultimately up to you whether or not to attempt Reiki as a treatment for your acne, but it’s crucial to remember that it shouldn’t be used in place of medical advice or treatment.

Sources:

1. What Is Reiki, and Does it Really Work? | Available Online At: https://health.clevelandclinic.org/reiki/

2. Potter PJ. Breast biopsy and distress: feasibility of testing a Reiki intervention. J Holist Nurs. 2007 Dec;25(4):238-48; discussion 249-51. doi: 10.1177/0898010107301618. PMID: 18029964.

3. Deborah Bowden, Lorna Goddard, John Gruzelier, “A Randomised Controlled Single-Blind Trial of the Efficacy of Reiki at Benefitting Mood and Well-Being”, Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, vol. 2011, Article ID 381862, 8 pages, 2011. https://doi.org/10.1155/2011/381862