A randomised controlled pilot study to assess the benefit of using Reiki to treat chronic plaque psoriasis

INTERVENTION: Arm A: conventional topical treatment (as per current local practice may include the following: emollients, vitamin D creams and ointments [calcipotriol etc.], tar preparations [Alphosyl and Exorex] and topical steroids or combinations of the above ‐ applied twice daily as per instructions per standard practice, dependant on the topical treatment of choice) and five Reiki treatments given over a 3 month period. Arm B: five consecutive reiki treatments only over 3 months but advised to continue using moisturisers. CONDITION: Chronic plaque psoriasis ; Skin and Connective Tissue Diseases ; Psoriasis PRIMARY OUTCOME: 1. Physical Assessment: using the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) assessment tool, validated by photographic evidence; 2. Quality of Life Assessments with Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) to show to which degree the psoriasis affects the patient's normal activities; 3. Psychological assessment (12‐item General Health Questionnaire [GHQ12]) to show if there has been any general improvement in the quality of life, regardless of the state of psoriasis; 4. Health Economics Assessment SECONDARY OUTCOME: 1. The Healing Assessment (HA) 1.1 will identify any possible trends in psychological triggers; 2. The Healing Assessment (HA) 2.1 will be used to assess the relevance of any unusual experiences during treatment and to note the areas of the body which the healer feels may require extra attention INCLUSION CRITERIA: 1. Patients who suffer from stable chronic plaque psoriasis that would be appropriate for treatment by topical agents 2. Informed consent 3. Adults aged 18 years or over, male or female