6 Reiki sessions produce effects lasting a full year This study examined the long-term effects of Reiki, a form of energetic healing, on symptoms of psychological depression and self-perceived stress as measured by the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Beck Hopelessness (HS), and Perceived Stress (PSS) scales. Forty-five participants in need of healing were randomly assigned to one of three groups: Group 1 hands-on Reiki; Group 2 non-touch Reiki; or Group 3 distance Reiki placebo. All groups were blind to treatment conditions. Reiki practitioners provided participants with a free 1 to 1 1/2 hour treatment each week over a period of 6 weeks. Pretest analyses demonstrated no significant difference between groups. After completion of treatment, significant differences were noted between treatment and control groups (p < .05), and 1 year later, these findings weremaintained. Fourteen subjects were then selected on the basis of high and low change scores obtained from pretest to follow-up data collection. Seven subjects demonstrating the greatest change scores, and seven subjects exhibiting the least change were selected for qualitative data collection based on interviews and subsequent content analysis. Findings demonstrated that high and low change subjects differed only on the variable of skepticism, and nearly all subjects reported experiences of deep relaxation, calming, increased energy flow, and greater connection to Spirit as a result of Reiki treatments.