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Summary table of included energy healing interventions
Source publication
Background:
Emerging evidence suggests that some people living with non-communicable diseases (NCDs) have integrated energy healing into their self-management strategy, however little is known about its efficacy.
Purpose:
To identify energy healing interventions that impacted positively on the symptom management outcomes for patients living in t...
Citations
... Because Reiki can be administered remotely, it is an especially useful therapy during times of social distancing and community lockdowns, such as during the COVID-19 pandemic. 15 Meta-analyses and systematic reviews report that Reiki can improve psychological and physical health symptoms, [16][17][18][19][20][21] including under randomized controlled conditions (eg, compared to sham-Reiki or standard-of-care), where Reiki has been shown to reduce anxiety, [22][23][24] depression, 25,26 burnout, 27,28 pain, 22,[29][30][31][32] and increase relaxation and well-being. 33,34 There are only a few studies evaluating Reiki in healthcare worker populations, with results showing reductions in stress in nurses administering self-Reiki, 35 reduced burnout in mental health clinicians, 28 reduced stress, respiratory rate, and heart rate 36 and improved stress coping and fatigue in nurses. ...
... Only a few studies have been conducted on distance Reiki, and they also report benefits to psychological health and pain 37,40-44 similar to in-person Reiki studies, [16][17][18][19][20][21] but much more research is needed to confirm whether this is consistently the case. Future work comparing in-person with distance Reiki would better our understanding of the effects of Reiki across these different administration styles. ...
Background:
Reiki is a biofield therapy which is based on the explanatory model that the fields of energy and information of living systems can be influenced to promote relaxation and stimulate a healing response.
Objective:
To conduct a pragmatic within-subject pilot trial of a remote Reiki program for frontline healthcare workers' health-related symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Methods:
Healthcare professionals in the UK (eg, physicians, nurses, and paramedics) were eligible to sign up for a distance Reiki program and were also invited to participate in the research study. Eight Reiki practitioners simultaneously gave each participant Reiki remotely for 20 minutes on 4 consecutive days. Feasibility of the research was assessed, including recruitment, data completeness, acceptability and intervention fidelity, and preliminary evaluation of changes in outcome measures. Participants' stress, anxiety, pain, wellbeing, and sleep quality were evaluated with 7-point numerical rating scales. Measures were completed when signing up to receive Reiki (pre) and following the final Reiki session (post). Pre and post data were analyzed using Wilcoxon signed ranks tests.
Results:
Seventy-nine healthcare professionals signed up to receive Reiki and took the baseline measures. Of those, 40 completed post-measures after the 4-day intervention and were therefore included in the pre-post analysis. Most participants were female (97.5%), and the mean age was 43.9 years old (standard deviations = 11.2). The study was feasible to conduct, with satisfactory recruitment, data completeness, acceptability, and fidelity. Wilcoxon signed ranks tests revealed statistically significant decreases in stress (M = -2.33; P < .001), anxiety (M = -2.79; P < .001) and pain (M = -.79; P < .001), and significant increases in wellbeing (M = -1.79; P < .001) and sleep quality (M = -1.33; P = .019).
Conclusions:
The Reiki program was feasible and was associated with decreased stress, anxiety and pain, and increased wellbeing and sleep quality in frontline healthcare workers impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
... However, its effects on pain reduction are low to moderate. In addition to pain reduction, massage therapy has been associated with depressive symptom reduction [6,11,12], anxiety reduction [6,[11][12][13][14], increased well-being [11,12], and treatment satisfaction [13,15]. Overall, the benefits of massage therapy make it a promising complementary or alternative medicine (CAM) treatment for patients with chronic pain. ...
... However, its effects on pain reduction are low to moderate. In addition to pain reduction, massage therapy has been associated with depressive symptom reduction [6,11,12], anxiety reduction [6,[11][12][13][14], increased well-being [11,12], and treatment satisfaction [13,15]. Overall, the benefits of massage therapy make it a promising complementary or alternative medicine (CAM) treatment for patients with chronic pain. ...
... However, its effects on pain reduction are low to moderate. In addition to pain reduction, massage therapy has been associated with depressive symptom reduction [6,11,12], anxiety reduction [6,[11][12][13][14], increased well-being [11,12], and treatment satisfaction [13,15]. Overall, the benefits of massage therapy make it a promising complementary or alternative medicine (CAM) treatment for patients with chronic pain. ...
Introduction:
The use of massage therapy has received increased attention in the treatment of chronic pain. However, barriers can hinder its use in nursing care. This study uses a qualitative methodology to explore professionals' experiences regarding touch massage (TM) and identify barriers and facilitators for the implementation of this intervention.
Materials and methods:
This study is part of a larger research program aimed at investigating the impact of TM on the experiences of patients with chronic pain hospitalized in two units of an internal medicine rehabilitation ward. Health care professionals (HCPs) were trained either to provide TM or to use of a massage-machine device according to their units. At the end of the trial, two focus groups were conducted with HCPs from each unit who took part in the training and agreed to discuss their experience: 10 caregivers from the TM group and 6 from the machine group. The focus group discussions were tape-recorded, transcribed and analyzed using thematic content analysis.
Results:
Five themes emerged from thematic content analysis: perceived impact on patients, HCPs' affective and cognitive experiences, patient-professionals relationships, organizational tensions, and conceptual tensions. Overall, the HCPs reported better general outcomes with TM than with the machine. They described positive effects on patients, HCPs, and their relationships. Regarding interventions' implementation, the HCPs reported organizational barriers such as patients' case complexity, work overload, and lack of time. Conceptual barriers such as ambivalence around the legitimacy of TM in nursing care were reported. TM was often described as a pleasure care that was considered a complementary approach and was overlooked despite its perceived benefits.
Conclusion:
Despite the perceived benefits of TM reported by the HCPs, ambivalence arose around the legitimacy of this intervention. This result emphasizes the importance of changing HCPs' attitudes regarding a given intervention to facilitate its implementation.
... Some claims about ivermectin purported that it was highly effective and that evidence about its benefits was being withheld (e.g., because treatment is inexpensive or may interfere with vaccine approvals); however, there was never sufficient evidence to support ivermectin as a COVID-19 treatment, and the trials were besieged by data irregularities (Blake, 2021;Schraer & Goodman, 2021). Misinformation about health and wellness may encourage decisions that strain personal finances People in Canada are estimated to spend close to $200 million annually on homeopathy, and well over $100 million annually on energy healing (e.g., reiki) despite weak or non-existent clinical evidence of efficacy (Cucherat et al., 2000;Ernst & Seip, 2011;Mathie et al., 2014;Rao et al., 2016;Esmail, 2017). There is compelling evidence that routine vitamin supplementation in healthy populations provides no benefit, yet supplement consumption is widespread (Guallar et al., 2013). ...
Misinformation can cause significant harm to individuals, communities, and societies. Because it’s designed to appeal to our emotions and exploit our cognitive shortcuts, everyone is susceptible to it. We are particularly vulnerable to misinformation in times of crisis when the consequences are most acute. Science and health misinformation damages our community well-being through otherwise preventable illnesses, deaths, and economic losses, and our social well-being through polarization and the erosion of public trust. These harms often fall most heavily on the most vulnerable.
The pervasive spread of misinformation and the damage it can cause underscore the need for reasoned, evidence-informed decision-making at both the personal and public level. Strategies and tools exist to help combat these harms, strengthen, and build trust in our institutions, and boost our ability to recognize and reject the misinformation we encounter.
Fault Lines details how science and health misinformation can proliferate and its impacts on individuals, communities, and society. It explores what makes us susceptible to misinformation and how we might use these insights to improve societal resilience to it. The report includes a model of the impacts of COVID‑19 misinformation on vaccination rates in Canada, producing quantitative estimates of its impacts on our health and the economy, and situating these within a broader context of societal and economic harms.
... Cancer TherapiesAgdal research-article20222022 1 Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, Bergen, Norway positive findings from the few high-quality RCTs. [6][7][8][9][10][11] It is not possible to conclude because of the low quality and scarcity of trials [7][8][9][10][11] which also implies that the effect sizes are dubious. Some suggest integrating energy healing into conventional care as patient satisfaction seems to be high. ...
... Cancer TherapiesAgdal research-article20222022 1 Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, Bergen, Norway positive findings from the few high-quality RCTs. [6][7][8][9][10][11] It is not possible to conclude because of the low quality and scarcity of trials [7][8][9][10][11] which also implies that the effect sizes are dubious. Some suggest integrating energy healing into conventional care as patient satisfaction seems to be high. ...
The use of complementary and alternative medicine has increased, most markedly among cancer patients. Previous research on energy healing is inconclusive, but qualitative studies have mainly reported positive healing experiences, whereas positive results from trials are scarce. Considering the apparent discrepancy between qualitative and quantitative studies, we aimed to describe the interpretation processes of the patients receiving energy healing. We followed the interpretation processes of a subsection of cancer patients who participated in a pragmatic trial on energy healing, including patients in the control groups. No significant differences between the groups were found in the quantitative part of the trial, but the majority of patients in both the intervention and control groups reported subjective improvements. A subset of 32 patients from the trial was selected for this qualitative sub-study to gain insight into their interpretation processes. These 32 patients recruited from the trial were followed with qualitative interviews before, during, and after the treatment period, using a cultural-phenomenological approach. Most patients who received energy healing changed their perception of bodily experiences, and they perceived a wider variety of signs as indicative of healing than the patients in the control groups. After receiving energy healing, the patients also perceived signs that from a medical perspective are regarded as symptoms, as signs of healing. The changes in perception of illness and healing affected decision-making dynamics and should be considered when producing information and communication strategies for health promotion.
... Numerous experiments demonstrate the significant positive effects found when people direct positive healing intention at humans, animals, plants, and cells (Roe et al., 2015). Energy medicine modalities, like Therapeutic Touch and Reiki, are also encompassed in this factor and have increasing objective evidence for their beneficial effects on conditions like pain, cancer, mental health symptoms, and hypertension (Jain et al., 2015;Rao et al., 2016;Yount et al., 2021). While the effects of distant intention are often small (0.10-0.25), considering that the effect should be zero, these results are intriguing. ...
Noetic comes from the Greek word noēsis, meaning inner wisdom or direct knowing. Noetic experiences often transcend the perception of our five senses and are ubiquitous worldwide, although no instrument exists to evaluate noetic characteristics both within and between individuals. We developed the Noetic Signature Inventory (NSI) through an iterative qualitative and statistical process as a tool to subjectively assess noetic characteristics. Study 1 developed and evaluated a 175-item NSI using 521 self-selected research participants, resulting in a 46-item NSI with an 11-factor model solution. Study 2 examined the 11-factor solution, construct validity, and test–retest reliability, resulting in a 44-item NSI with a 12-factor model solution. Study 3 confirmed the final 44-item NSI in a diverse population. The 12-factors were: (1) Inner Knowing, (2) Embodied Sensations, (3) Visualizing to Access or Affect, (4) Inner Knowing Through Touch, (5) Healing, (6) Knowing the Future, (7) Physical Sensations from Other People, (8) Knowing Yourself, (9) Knowing Other’s Minds, (10) Apparent Communication with Non-physical Beings, (11) Knowing Through Dreams, and (12) Inner Voice. The NSI demonstrated internal consistency, convergent and divergent content validity, and test–retest reliability. The NSI can be used for the future studies to evaluate intra- and inter-individual variation of noetic experiences.
... Systematic reviews and meta-analyses report that Reiki results in statistically significant improvements in many physical and psychological symptoms common to a wide range of diseases such anxiety, depression, fatigue, pain, and nausea, [6][7][8][9][10][11][12] although there are some inconsistent findings in the literature. From 1989 to 2021, a total of 93 peerreviewed research articles have been published on Reiki. ...
Objectives: The main purpose of this study was to evaluate the subjective experience of Reiki in a large sample. Design: The study design was a single-arm pragmatic effectiveness trial with qualitative questions completed post-Reiki session. Setting: The study took place at private Reiki practices across the United States. Subjects: A total of 99 Reiki practitioners met the inclusion criteria and participated in the study. Reiki practitioners invited each of their Reiki clients to complete a survey before and after the Reiki session. Of the N = 1575 Reiki sessions recorded, N = 1284 qualitative responses were completed (82% of total) and included in the analysis. Interventions: Trained and experienced Reiki masters conducted Reiki sessions in person, with each session lasting between 45 and 90 min. Outcome measures: Participants were asked to describe their experience during the Reiki session. Results: Qualitative analysis revealed eight major themes: (1) deep relaxation and calm (68%), (2) body sensations/somatic experiences (53%), (3) emotions (29%), (4) spiritual or symbolic significance (18%), (5) changes in symptoms (17%), (6) changes in perception (11%), (7) sleep and drowsiness (10%), and (8) changes to breathing (4%). Significantly more males reported feeling relaxed and experiencing time perception changes, whereas more females reported body sensations, emotions, visual perceptions, and spiritual significance. Conclusions: The findings from this study suggest that Reiki can elicit the relaxation response and alter emotions and perception in such a way as to facilitate a transformative subjective healing experience. Future work will analyze these themes as they relate to changes in symptoms and compare the experience of Reiki with other biofield therapies.
... Finally, a large scale study of Reiki clients found improvements in positive affect, negative affect, pain, drowsiness, tiredness, nausea, appetite, shortness of breath, anxiety, depression, and overall well-being [22]. However, some reviews have concluded there is insufficient evidence to support Reiki as beneficial in anxiety or depression [23] or that its efficacy is inconclusive due to the quality of research designs [24,25]. ...
... A recent study found distant reiki was associated with significant improvements in stress, anxiety, pain, and wellbeing (but not sleep quality) in healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic [28]. A review of hands on and distant Reiki found significant improvements in perceived stress in some studies on distant Reiki, but overall inconclusive efficacy due to the quality of research designs [25]. ...
... Practitioners perceived distant Reiki as similarly effective to hands on Reiki. Although there is some support, it is not clear if this perception is correct as the evidence on the efficacy of distant Reiki appears to be equivocal [25][26][27][28]. ...
Objectives
This study examined the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the experience, practice and future of Reiki in the UK, including the personal impact of the pandemic on practitioners and their work, practitioner perceptions of the future of the profession and Reiki delivery, and practitioner experiences and views of distant Reiki in comparison to hands on or near the body treatments.
Method
A qualitative study using semi-structured interviews was carried out with 10 Reiki practitioners. Interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using thematic analysis.
Results
Three themes were identified: adapting and growing with the challenges of COVID-19, Reiki for individual and community resilience, and moving from the mainstream hands on to lesser known distant Reiki.
Conclusion
While the COVID-19 pandemic personally impacted Reiki practitioners, they focused on turning adversity into opportunity to overcome a sense of disconnectedness and social isolation by providing social support and promoting individual and community resilience. Practitioners focused on self-care, personal development and reaching out to the community. Personal Protective Equipment was perceived as necessary for infection control but a potential barrier to the client's experience of Reiki. They saw value in adapting their practice as part of the future of the profession by utilising new technology and distant Reiki healing, but were clear this could not replace in person contact.
... Numerous experiments where positive intention is directed at humans, animals, plants, and cells, have found small but significant positive results (Roe et al., 2015). Energy medicine techniques such as Therapeutic Touch and Reiki have also been shown to positively affect conditions like pain, cancer, mental health symptoms, and hypertension (Jain et al., 2015;Rao et al., 2016;Yount et al., 2021). Extraordinary case studies of spontaneous remissions have also been noted (O'Regan & Hirshberg, 1993). ...
The term “noetic” comes from the Greek word noēsis/noētikos that means inner wisdom, direct knowing, intuition, or implicit understanding. Strong cultural taboos exist about sharing these experiences. Thus, many may not feel comfortable transparently discussing or researching these topics, despite growing evidence that these experiences may be real. The study’s objective was to qualitatively evaluate first-hand accounts of noetic experiences. 521 English-speaking adults from around the world completed an online survey that collected demographic data and four open-ended questions about noetic experiences. Thematic analysis was used to characterize the data. The ten most used codes were expressing to or sharing with others, impacting decision-making, intuition/”just knowing,” meditation/hypnosis, inner visions, setting intentions/getting into the “state,” healing others, writing for self, and inner voice. There were five main themes identified: 1. Ways of Engagement; 2. Ways of Knowing; 3. Types of Information; 4. Ways of Affecting; and 5. Ways of Expressing. Subthemes. Future research will include investigating the nuances of these themes and also establishing standardized methods for evaluating them. This would also then inform curricula and therapies to support people in these experiences.
... The Informational Manual Therapy (IMT), also known to as Poyet-Pialoux method, is a therapeutic touch [1] using a whole-body approach with light touch. IMT harmonizes the human body through the natural connection of a cranial-pelvic fascial system. ...
Background:
The Informational Manual Therapy (IMT) is a therapeutic touch. This study aims to assess the effect of IMT on quiet standing, pain and health status in university population.
Methods:
An experiment was conducted on subjects utilizing a comparative paired analysis both before and after the intervention. One IMT session was performed on 57 healthy individuals aged from 18 to 65 years. The primary outcome was quiet standing assessed by the Satel 40 Hz stabilometric force platform. Secondary outcomes were bodily pain assessed by the 36-Item Short Form Survey (SF-36) and health status by EQ-5D-3L. The primary outcome was evaluated before and immediately after treatment.
Results:
The individuals were divided into 3 age groups, 18-35 (52.6%), 35-50 (29.8%) and 51-65 (17.6%). Statistically significant differences were immediately observed after the session ended when comparing the pre-post quiet stance scores in a number of length parameters: L, Lx, Ly and stabilometry amplitude on Y-axis with eyes open and closed. Significant differences were also found when testing bodily pain (SF-36) and anxiety (5Q-5D-3L).
Conclusion:
One session of IMT produced positive effects when testing quiet standing with eyes open and eyes closed, as well as a significant reduction in pain and anxiety for those tested. Further research is suggested.
... Numerous experiments where positive intention is directed at humans, animals, plants, and cells, have found small but significant positive results (Roe, Sonnex, and Roxburgh 2015). Energy medicine techniques such as Therapeutic Touch and Reiki have also been shown to positively affect conditions like pain, cancer, mental health symptoms, and hypertension (Jain et al. 2015;Rao et al. 2016;Yount et al. 2021). Extraordinary case studies of spontaneous remissions have also been noted (O'Regan and Hirshberg 1993). ...
