While Reiki practitioners often observe the positive impact of Reiki, it is sometimes difficult to quantify the effects. The Pennsylvania Reiki Consortium (PRC) recently began to track this information provided by those who attend their free public Reiki clinic from 6-8:30 p.m. on the first Tuesday of each month at the Church of the Manger in Bethlehem. Each client receives a personal, 25-minute Reiki session with one or two practitioners.  

Reiki practitioners have been collecting data from clinic participants who provide pre- and post-session self-evaluations since the opening of the clinic in October 2011. As a part of the self-evaluation surveys, participants describe their pre- and post-session levels of pain, stress, fatigue, and anxiety using a seven-point scale. On average, participants reported a decrease in pain, stress, fatigue, and anxiety ranging from 21-37 percent after their Reiki session.

The results are not surprising to volunteer Reiki practitioners like Valeria Christopher who can see a noticeable difference in people after their sessions. “I love the smiles on their face when they sit up on the table, it’s so beautiful,” she says.

Tara Gallus, one of the founders of the PRC, says, “It is great to finally have some measurable data about people’s experiences with Reiki and to see the positive impact it has on those who attend the clinic.”

Advance reservations for a Reiki session at the clinic are advised. Church of the Manger is located at 1401 Greenview Drive in Bethlehem. For more information or make a reservation, contact Tara Gallus at 610-739-4201.