The Benefits of Massage Therapy and Reiki

Massage therapy and Reiki are holistic practices known to support relaxation, reduce stress, and improve overall well-being. Individuals with mental health concerns or disabilities may benefit from these therapies as complementary approaches to managing physical and emotional symptoms.

Stress Reduction

Both massage therapy and Reiki activate the body’s relaxation response, helping to lower stress and anxiety levels. This can be especially helpful for people experiencing conditions such as depression, PTSD, anxiety disorders, or sleep disturbances.

Reiki is a Japanese healing practice in which a practitioner lightly places their hands on or above the body to promote the flow of calming energy. Research shows that Reiki can help slow heart rate, lower blood pressure, and improve rhythmic breathing, which supports emotional balance and relaxation (Bat, 2021). Studies also demonstrate reductions in stress-related symptoms, improvements in mood, and increased overall well-being following Reiki sessions (Bat, 2021).

Pain Management

Individuals with physical disabilities often experience chronic pain linked to muscle tension, joint strain, or nerve-related issues, which can negatively affect daily function and emotional health. Massage therapy can decrease pain through targeted muscle work, improve mobility, and release endorphins that elevate mood and reduce stress (Znidarsic et al., 2021).

Regular sessions may also encourage participation in social and therapeutic activities, contributing to a higher quality of life.

Together, massage therapy and Reiki can provide both physical relief and emotional resilience, offering a more comprehensive approach to pain and mental health.

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Self-Care and Emotional Well-Being

Massage and Reiki help strengthen the mind-body connection by encouraging mindfulness, self-awareness, and emotional regulation. Specific techniques in massage and even Reiki offer benefits for individual needs. These benefits can be incredibly beneficial for individuals with autism, ADHD, and other neurodevelopmental or mental health conditions. Supportive therapeutic touch may also help individuals who struggle with social connections to feel safe and grounded.

While these therapies can provide valuable support, their effectiveness varies from person to person. They are most beneficial when used alongside professional medical and psychological care. Consulting qualified practitioners and healthcare providers ensures that treatment is safe, appropriate for a specific situation, and tailored to each person’s needs.

References

Bat, N. (2021). The effects of reiki on heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature, and stress levels: A pilot randomized, double-blinded, and placebo-controlled study. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 43, 101328. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctcp.2021.101328

Znidarsic, J., Kirksey, K. N., Dombrowski, S. M., Tang, A., Lopez, R., Blonsky, H., Todorov, I., Schneeberger, D., Doyle, J., Libertini, L., Jamie, S., Segall, T., Bang, A., Barringer, K., Judi, B., Pernotto Ehrman, J., Roizen, M. F., & Golubić, M. (2021). “Living Well with Chronic Pain”: Integrative pain management via shared medical appointments. Pain Medicine, 22(1), 181-190. https://doi.org/10.1093/pm/pnaa418

Written November 2023

Updated and Edited October 2025

Pearline Muckelvene