Reiki as a tool to enhance care from the perspective of complexity: a qualitative study

Abstract

Objectives: to describe the contributions of Reiki as a tool to enhance care. Methods: exploratory, descriptive, qualitative study grounded in the Complexity framework. Ten nurses from a 24-hour Primary Health Care Unit in southern Brazil participated. Data were collected between April and August 2022 through individual semi-structured interviews after each participant received five Reiki sessions. Thematic content analysis was used. Results: Reiki promoted changes in nurses’ feelings, self-knowledge, and self-awareness, which were reflected in altered behaviors and attitudes when facing daily uncertainties. Participants reported new ways of (co)existing and engaging with order, disorder, and reorganization processes. These changes contributed to healthier eating, improved sleep quality, greater disposition and energy for daily tasks, and the adoption of regular physical activity. Conclusions: Reiki proved to be a tool that enhances complex care and supports health and nursing professionals in coping with the disorders experienced in daily life.