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Brueggemann AD, Ekwonye AU. Perceived Benefits of Magdalena Energy Healing Sessions: An Exploratory Study of Clients' Perspectives. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:3087. [PMID: 38063655 PMCID: PMC10871104 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11233087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Energy healing techniques are associated with many physical and mental benefits. A qualitative study was conducted to understand clients' experiences of a new energy healing modality called Magdalena Energy Healing. METHODS Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted after clients experienced 60 min Magdalena energy healing session(s). Twenty-five adults participated in the study. All participants received Magdalena energy healing from a certified, trained practitioner. Thematic analysis was conducted to determine clients' perceived benefits of the Magdalena energy healing session(s). RESULTS Four themes emerged from the data: Physical, Mental, Social, and Spiritual Benefits. Physical health benefits included relief from a variety of medical symptoms, improved sleep quality, and physical body awareness. Mental Health benefits included relaxation and peace, decision-making clarity, relief of mental health symptoms, and an increased ability to cope with life. Social Benefits included improved attitudes in relationships. Spiritual Benefits included optimism, gratitude, self-acceptance, and increased spiritual connection. CONCLUSIONS Participants' perceptions are that Magdalena energy healing sessions offer peace, symptom relief, and gratitude. Magdalena energy healing can address priorities of The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH). Sessions can be seamlessly integrated into traditional medical care as a useful complementary/integrative healing option to improve physical, mental, and/or spiritual wellbeing across a variety of diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alvina D. Brueggemann
- Department of Holistic Health Studies, St. Catherine University, St. Paul, MN 55105, USA
| | - Angela U. Ekwonye
- Department of Public Health, St. Catherine University, St. Paul, MN 55105, USA;
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Rosamond RL, Giarratano G, Orlando S, Sumner J, Devier D, McDaniel LS, Wardell DW. Healing Touch: A Strategy for Acute Care Nurses' Stress Reduction. J Holist Nurs 2023; 41:347-359. [PMID: 36714962 DOI: 10.1177/08980101221142193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of the study is to determine whether administering healing touch (HT) is more effective than deep breathing (DB) for reducing acute care nurses' stress during a shift. A randomized cluster trial assessed 150 nurses' vital signs and Visual Analog Scale for Stress (VASS) levels pre, post, and at follow-up to achieve a power of .7 and medium affect size. Open-ended questions following the intervention enriched quantitative findings describing the experience, facilitators, and barriers to potential use in nursing. The generalized estimating equation 1 (GEE1) comparisons of mean change over time, found that nurses in the HT intervention, had significantly lower VASS stress scores at posttreatment (-0.95, p = .0002) and at follow-up (-0.73, p = .0144) than the DB group, and the respiratory rate (RR) rate differences were nearly significant at post-intervention and significant at follow-up, respectively (1.36, p = .0568 and -2.28, p = .0011), indicating lower RR after HT. These findings support the use of HT as an effective stress reduction strategy as a relevant strategy to sustain a viable nurse work force post-COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Susan Orlando
- Louisiana State University Health NOLA School of Nursing, LA, USA
| | - Jane Sumner
- Louisiana State University Health NOLA School of Nursing, LA, USA
| | - Diedre Devier
- Louisiana State University Health NOLA School of Nursing, LA, USA
| | - Lee S McDaniel
- Louisiana State University Health NOLA School of Nursing, LA, USA
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Abstract
More Americans are embracing complementary and integrative healing modalities such as Reiki to enhance the efficacy of allopathic medicine. It is important that nurses and other health care professionals be knowledgeable about these modalities. Reiki is a wellness practice that offers whole-person healing of body, mind, and spirit. The study of Reiki offers nurses an opportunity to care for themselves as well as create an optimal healing environment for their patients. This article offer nurses a comprehensive overview of the system of Reiki; it includes the core elements of Reiki, its history, Reiki training, and examples of its applications.
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Levin J. "For They Knew Not What It Was": Rethinking the Tacit Narrative History of Religion and Health Research. JOURNAL OF RELIGION AND HEALTH 2017; 56:28-46. [PMID: 27812844 DOI: 10.1007/s10943-016-0325-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Over the past couple of decades, research on religion and health has grown into a thriving field. Misperceptions about the history and scope of this field, however, continue to exist, especially among new investigators and commentators on this research. Contrary to the tacit narrative, published research and writing date to the nineteenth century, programmatic research to the 1950s, and NIH funding to 1990; elite medical journals have embraced this topic for over 100 years; study populations are religiously and sociodemographically diverse; and published findings are mostly positive, consistent with psychosocial theories of health and confirmed by comprehensive reviews and expert panels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeff Levin
- Institute for Studies of Religion, Baylor University, One Bear Place #97236, Waco, TX, 76798, USA.
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Frisch N, Butcher HK, Campbell D, Weir-Hughes D. Holistic Nurses' Use of Energy-Based Caring Modalities. J Holist Nurs 2016; 36:210-217. [PMID: 27587296 DOI: 10.1177/0898010116665447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
As part of a study of a larger study of self-identified holistic nurses, researchers asked nurses to describe practice situations where energy-based modalities (EBMs) were used. Four hundred and twenty-four nurses responded by writing free-text responses on an online survey tool. The participants were highly educated and very experienced with 42% holding graduate degrees and 77% having over 21 years of practice. Conventional content analysis revealed four themes: EMBs are 1) caring modalities used to treat a wide range of identified nursing concerns; 2) implemented across the life span and to facilitate life transitions; 3) support care for the treatment of specific medical conditions; and 4) Use of EBMs transcend labels of 'conditions' and are used within a holistic framework. The fourth theme reveals a shared vision of nursing work such that the modality becomes secondary and the need to address the 'whole' at an energetic level emerges as the primary focus of holistic nursing.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Therapeutic Touch (TT) is an alternative therapy that has gained popularity over the past two decades for helping wounds to heal. Practitioners enter a meditative state and pass their hands above the patient's body to find and correct any imbalances in the patient's 'life energy' or chi. Scientific instruments have been unable to detect this energy. The effect of TT on wound healing has been expounded in anecdotal publications. OBJECTIVES To identify and review all relevant data to determine the effects of TT on healing acute wounds. SEARCH METHODS In January 2014, for this fifth update, we searched The Cochrane Wounds Group Specialised Register; The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library); Ovid MEDLINE; Ovid MEDLINE (In-Process & Other Non-Indexed Citations); Ovid EMBASE; and EBSCO CINAHL. SELECTION CRITERIA All randomised or quasi-randomised controlled trials, which compared the effect of TT with a placebo, another treatment, or no treatment control were considered. Studies which used TT as a stand-alone treatment, or as an adjunct to other therapies, were eligible. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS One author (DO'M) determined the eligibility for inclusion of all trials in the review. Both authors conducted data extraction and evaluation of trial validity independently. Each trial was assessed using predetermined criteria. MAIN RESULTS No new trials were identified for this update. Four trials in people with experimental wounds were included. The effect of TT on wound healing in these studies was variable. Two trials (n = 44 & 24) demonstrated a significant increase in healing associated with TT, while one trial found significantly worse healing after TT and the other found no significant difference. All trials are at high risk of bias. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS There is no robust evidence that TT promotes healing of acute wounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dónal P O'Mathúna
- Dublin City UniversitySchool of Nursing and Human SciencesGlasnevinDublinIreland9
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O'Mathúna DP. Therapeutic touch for healing acute wounds. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2016:CD002766. [PMID: 27552401 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd002766.pub5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Therapeutic Touch (TT) is an alternative therapy that has gained popularity over the past two decades for helping wounds to heal. Practitioners enter a meditative state and pass their hands above the patient's body to find and correct any imbalances in the patient's 'life energy' or chi. Scientific instruments have been unable to detect this energy. The effect of TT on wound healing has been expounded in anecdotal publications. OBJECTIVES To identify and review all relevant data to determine the effects of TT on healing acute wounds. SEARCH METHODS In January 2014, for this fifth update, we searched The Cochrane Wounds Group Specialised Register; The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library); Ovid MEDLINE; Ovid MEDLINE (In-Process & Other Non-Indexed Citations); Ovid EMBASE; and EBSCO CINAHL. SELECTION CRITERIA All randomised or quasi-randomised controlled trials, which compared the effect of TT with a placebo, another treatment, or no treatment control were considered. Studies which used TT as a stand-alone treatment, or as an adjunct to other therapies, were eligible. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS One author (DO'M) determined the eligibility for inclusion of all trials in the review. Both authors conducted data extraction and evaluation of trial validity independently. Each trial was assessed using predetermined criteria. MAIN RESULTS No new trials were identified for this update. Four trials in people with experimental wounds were included. The effect of TT on wound healing in these studies was variable. Two trials (n = 44 & 24) demonstrated a significant increase in healing associated with TT, while one trial found significantly worse healing after TT and the other found no significant difference. All trials are at high risk of bias. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS There is no robust evidence that TT promotes healing of acute wounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dónal P O'Mathúna
- School of Nursing and Human Sciences, Dublin City University, Glasnevin, Dublin, Ireland, 9
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Therapeutic Touch (TT) is an alternative therapy that has gained popularity over the past two decades for helping wounds to heal. Practitioners enter a meditative state and pass their hands above the patient's body to find and correct any imbalances in the patient's 'life energy' or chi. Scientific instruments have been unable to detect this energy. The effect of TT on wound healing has been expounded in anecdotal publications. OBJECTIVES To identify and review all relevant data to determine the effects of TT on healing acute wounds. SEARCH METHODS In January 2014, for this fifth update, we searched The Cochrane Wounds Group Specialised Register; The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library); Ovid MEDLINE; Ovid MEDLINE (In-Process & Other Non-Indexed Citations); Ovid EMBASE; and EBSCO CINAHL. SELECTION CRITERIA All randomised or quasi-randomised controlled trials, which compared the effect of TT with a placebo, another treatment, or no treatment control were considered. Studies which used TT as a stand-alone treatment, or as an adjunct to other therapies, were eligible. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS One author (DO'M) determined the eligibility for inclusion of all trials in the review. Both authors conducted data extraction and evaluation of trial validity independently. Each trial was assessed using predetermined criteria. MAIN RESULTS No new trials were identified for this update. Four trials in people with experimental wounds were included. The effect of TT on wound healing in these studies was variable. Two trials (n = 44 & 24) demonstrated a significant increase in healing associated with TT, while one trial found significantly worse healing after TT and the other found no significant difference. All trials are at high risk of bias. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS There is no robust evidence that TT promotes healing of acute wounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dónal P O'Mathúna
- School of Nursing and Human Sciences, Dublin City University, Glasnevin, Dublin, Ireland, 9
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Soundy A, Lee RT, Kingstone T, Singh S, Shah PR, Edwards S, Roberts L. Experiences of healing therapy in patients with irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease. BMC COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2015; 15:106. [PMID: 25888247 PMCID: PMC4391663 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-015-0611-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2014] [Accepted: 03/13/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The use and value of different complementary therapies requires investigation. In particular, qualitative research is required to understand the perceptions and experiences of patients who undergo healing therapy as one type of complementary therapy. The aim of this research is to consider patients perceptions and experiences following a course of healing therapy. METHODS Twenty two patients took part in this study. This included 13 patients with irritable bowel disease (3 male, 10 female, 47.6 ± 15.0 years), 6 patients with ulcerative colitis (3 male, 3 female, 48.5 ± 25.6 years) and 3 female patients with Crohn's Disease (45.0 ± 5.2 years). Each patient undertook a single semi-structured interview following a course of healing therapy. The data was analysed using a thematic analysis. RESULTS Three broad themes were identified from patient interviews (1) The understanding and expectation of healing (2) Experiences and reflection on healing (3) Impact and outcome of healing. The details of each theme are explored within the text, often revealing a unique experience of healing therapy. CONCLUSION Patients were open towards the benefits that could be attained by healing, although most patients were not sure what healing would entail. Some patients expected to be relaxed by the sessions. However, the most consistent reports were that patients experienced a relaxing sensation that was generated within the session and lasted for a time period after the sessions. In addition to this the healing appeared to be associated with patients feeling more tolerant of their symptoms. Patients valued the therapist and their input into the healing process. It should be noted however, that this report cannot consider the efficacy of the treatment. Further details and experiences are considered within the article, including one negative experience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Soundy
- School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK.
| | - Rhonda T Lee
- Integrated Medicine Department, Freshwinds Charity, Prospect Hall, 12 College Walk, Selly Oak, Birmingham, B29 6LE, UK.
| | - Tom Kingstone
- Integrated Medicine Department, Freshwinds Charity, Prospect Hall, 12 College Walk, Selly Oak, Birmingham, B29 6LE, UK.
| | - Sukhdev Singh
- Department of Gastroenterology, Consultant in Gastroenterology, Good Hope Hospital, Sutton Coldfield, UK.
| | - Pankaj R Shah
- Integrated Medicine Department, Freshwinds Charity, Prospect Hall, 12 College Walk, Selly Oak, Birmingham, B29 6LE, UK.
| | | | - Lesley Roberts
- Primary Care Clinical Sciences, School of Health and Population Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Therapeutic Touch (TT) is an alternative therapy that has gained popularity over the past two decades for helping wounds to heal. Practitioners enter a meditative state and pass their hands above the patient's body to find and correct any imbalances in the patient's 'life energy' or chi. Scientific instruments have been unable to detect this energy. The effect of TT on wound healing has been expounded in anecdotal publications. OBJECTIVES To identify and review all relevant data to determine the effects of TT on healing acute wounds. SEARCH METHODS In January 2014, for this fifth update, we searched The Cochrane Wounds Group Specialised Register; The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library); Ovid MEDLINE; Ovid MEDLINE (In-Process & Other Non-Indexed Citations); Ovid EMBASE; and EBSCO CINAHL. SELECTION CRITERIA All randomised or quasi-randomised controlled trials, which compared the effect of TT with a placebo, another treatment, or no treatment control were considered. Studies which used TT as a stand-alone treatment, or as an adjunct to other therapies, were eligible. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS One author (DO'M) determined the eligibility for inclusion of all trials in the review. Both authors conducted data extraction and evaluation of trial validity independently. Each trial was assessed using predetermined criteria. MAIN RESULTS No new trials were identified for this update. Four trials in people with experimental wounds were included. The effect of TT on wound healing in these studies was variable. Two trials (n = 44 & 24) demonstrated a significant increase in healing associated with TT, while one trial found significantly worse healing after TT and the other found no significant difference. All trials are at high risk of bias. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS There is no robust evidence that TT promotes healing of acute wounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dónal P O'Mathúna
- School of Nursing & Human Sciences, Dublin City University, Glasnevin, Dublin, Ireland, 9
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Therapeutic touch is not therapeutic for procedural pain in very preterm neonates: a randomized trial. Clin J Pain 2014; 29:824-9. [PMID: 23817594 DOI: 10.1097/ajp.0b013e3182757650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Preterm neonates below 30 weeks' gestational age undergo numerous painful procedures. Many management approaches are not appropriate for this population. Therapeutic Touch, an alternative approach based on the theory of energy medicine, has been shown to promote physiological stability in preterm neonates and reduce pain in some adult studies. The objective was to determine whether Therapeutic Touch is efficacious in decreasing pain in preterm neonates. METHODS Infants < 30 weeks' gestational age participated in a randomized control trial in 2 level III neonatal intensive care units. All evaluations, analyses, and heel lance procedure were conducted with only the therapist knowing the group assignment. Immediately before and after the heel lance procedure, the therapist performed nontactile Therapeutic Touch (n = 27) with infant behind curtains, leaving the curtained area for the heel lance, performed by another. In the sham condition (n = 28), the therapist stood by the incubator with hands by her side. The Premature Infant Pain Profile was used for pain response and time for heart rate to return to baseline for recovery. Heart rate variability and stress response were secondary outcomes. RESULTS There were no group differences in any of the outcomes. Mean Premature Infant Pain Profile scores across 2 minutes of heel lance procedure in 30-second blocks ranged from 7.92 to 8.98 in the Therapeutic Touch group and 7.64 to 8.46 in the sham group. INTERPRETATION Therapeutic Touch given immediately before and after heel lance has no comforting effect in preterm neonates. Other effective strategies involving actual touch should be considered.
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The effect of healing touch on the pain and mobility of persons with osteoarthritis: a feasibility study. Geriatr Nurs 2013; 34:314-22. [PMID: 23835011 DOI: 10.1016/j.gerinurse.2013.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2012] [Revised: 04/05/2013] [Accepted: 05/11/2013] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The aims of this pilot study were to investigate the effects of Healing Touch (HT) on the pain level, joint function, mobility, and depression in persons with osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee joint(s). A randomized controlled trial using a repeated measures design was used. Cognitively intact persons (institutionalized and community) with a diagnosis of OA of the knee joint(s) received either HT sessions three times per week for 6 weeks (n = 12) or weekly friendly visits (FV) (n = 7). The HT sessions were delivered by a team of two nurses certified as HT practitioners and the FV was conducted by a nurse. All subjects continued to receive their standard care including the methods they had been using to relieve their joint pain. The two groups were similar regarding demographic variables, number of knees affected, co-morbidities, pain medications used and outcome variables at baseline. Two pain outcome measures (intensity and life interference) produced significant interaction effects. Two joint outcome measures (extension and extensor lag) also produced significant interaction effects. Furthermore, the HT group demonstrated significant improvements in 9 of the 12 outcome variables (75%) while no significant improvements occurred in the FV group. The HT group exhibited sustained effects (3 weeks post treatments) in three outcome variables. The reduction in joint pain and improvement in joint function suggest that biofield therapies could be effective non-pharmacological adjuncts to treatment of OA.
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Decker S, Wardell DW, Cron SG. Using a healing touch intervention in older adults with persistent pain: a feasibility study. J Holist Nurs 2012; 30:205-13. [PMID: 22713606 DOI: 10.1177/0898010112440884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The purposes of this pilot study were to determine the feasibility of using a Healing Touch (HT) intervention with noncommunity-dwelling older adults experiencing persistent pain and to determine an HT protocol. Data were collected at multiple time points from 20 noncommunity-dwelling older adults experiencing pain. Residents were assigned to the HT group that included techniques specific for pain or a Presence Care group. Outcome variables included measures for pain, activities of daily living, and quality of life. The pain measures showed decreases that were not statistically significant for both groups. The measure for activities of daily living showed a non-statistically significant improvement over time for the HT group. Quality of life decreased for the HT group and improved for the Presence Care group although not significantly. The practitioners were able to complete all seven of the 30- minute HT sessions. The findings indicated that both groups showed some improvement in their pain scores with other measures being variable. HT is a feasible intervention for the elderly with pain. Overall, the findings highlight the complex nature of pain in older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheila Decker
- University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, TX 77030, USA.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Therapeutic Touch (TT) is an alternative therapy that has gained popularity over the past two decades for helping wounds to heal. Practitioners enter a meditative state and pass their hands above the patient's body to find and correct any imbalances in the patient's 'life energy' or chi. Scientific instruments have been unable to detect this energy. The effect of TT on wound healing has been expounded in anecdotal publications. OBJECTIVES To identify and review all relevant data to determine the effects of TT on healing acute wounds. SEARCH METHODS For this fourth update, we searched The Cochrane Wounds Group Specialised Register (searched 27 January 2012); The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library 2012, Issue 1); Ovid MEDLINE (2010 to January Week 2 2012); Ovid MEDLINE (In-Process & Other Non-Indexed Citations, January 26, 2012); Ovid EMBASE (2010 to 2012 Week 03); and EBSCO CINAHL (2010 to January 6 2012). SELECTION CRITERIA All randomised or quasi-randomised controlled trials, which compared the effect of TT with a placebo, another treatment, or no treatment control were considered. Studies which used TT as a stand-alone treatment, or as an adjunct to other therapies, were eligible. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS One author (DO'M) determined the eligibility for inclusion of all trials in the review. Both authors conducted data extraction and evaluation of trial validity independently. Each trial was assessed using predetermined criteria. MAIN RESULTS No new trials were identified for this update. Four trials in people with experimental wounds were included. The effect of TT on wound healing in these studies was variable. Two trials (n = 44 & 24) demonstrated a significant increase in healing associated with TT, while one trial found significantly worse healing after TT and the other found no significant difference. All trials are at high risk of bias. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS There is no robust evidence that TT promotes healing of acute wounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dónal P O'Mathúna
- School of Nursing & Human Sciences, Dublin City University, Dublin, Ireland.
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Morse ML, Beem LW. Benefits of Reiki therapy for a severely neutropenic patient with associated influences on a true random number generator. J Altern Complement Med 2011; 17:1181-90. [PMID: 22132706 DOI: 10.1089/acm.2010.0238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Reiki therapy is documented for relief of pain and stress. Energetic healing has been documented to alter biologic markers of illness such as hematocrit. True random number generators are reported to be affected by energy healers and spiritually oriented conscious awareness. METHODS The patient was a then 54-year-old severely ill man who had hepatitis C types 1 and 2 and who did not improve with conventional therapy. He also suffered from obesity, the metabolic syndrome, asthma, and hypertension. He was treated with experimental high-dose interferon/riboviron therapy with resultant profound anemia and neutropenia. Energetic healing and Reiki therapy was administered initially to enhance the patient's sense of well-being and to relieve anxiety. Possible effects on the patient's absolute neutrophil count and hematocrit were incidentally noted. Reiki therapy was then initiated at times of profound neutropenia to assess its possible effect on the patient's absolute neutrophil count (ANC). Reiki and other energetic healing sessions were monitored with a true random number generator (RNG). RESULTS Statistically significant relationships were documented between Reiki therapy, a quieting of the electronically created white noise of the RNG during healing sessions, and improvement in the patient's ANC. The immediate clinical result was that the patient could tolerate the high-dose interferon regimen without missing doses because of absolute neutropenia. The patient was initially a late responder to interferon and had been given a 5% chance of clearing the virus. He remains clear of the virus 1 year after treatment. CONCLUSIONS The association between changes in the RNG, Reiki therapy, and a patient's ANC is the first to the authors' knowledge in the medical literature. Future studies assessing the effects of energetic healing on specific biologic markers of disease are anticipated. Concurrent use of a true RNG may prove to correlate with the effectiveness of energetic therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melvin L Morse
- Institute for Scientific Study of Consciousness, Georgetown, DE 19947, USA.
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Abstract
Energy medicine modalities, also known as biofield therapies, are perhaps the most mysterious and controversial complementary alternative medicine therapies. Although many of these approaches have existed for millennia, scientific investigation of these techniques is in its early stages; much remains to be learned about mechanisms of action and efficacy. These techniques are increasingly used in clinical and hospital settings and can be incorporated into an integrative primary care practice. This article describes several energy medicine and biofield therapies and outlines key elements they hold in common. Several specific approaches are described. Research findings related to the efficacy of energy medicine are summarized, and proposed mechanisms of action and safety issues are discussed. Guidelines are offered for primary care providers wishing to advise patients about energy medicine or to integrate it into their practices, and Internet and other resources for obtaining additional information are provided.
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Tang R, Tegeler C, Larrimore D, Cowgill S, Kemper KJ. Improving the well-being of nursing leaders through healing touch training. J Altern Complement Med 2010; 16:837-41. [PMID: 20624103 DOI: 10.1089/acm.2009.0558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Chronic stress adversely affects performance. We evaluated the effect of Healing Touch training on subjective and objective measures of stress in nursing leaders in an academic health center. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this quasi-experimental single group pretest-post-test study, we recruited nursing leaders at an academic health center and provided 17.5 hours of Healing Touch training over 2 days. We measured subjective measures of stress using visual analog scales as well as heart rate variability 1-2 weeks before and 4 weeks after the training. RESULTS Target enrollment was exceeded within 2 weeks; all participants were women and the mean age was 47 years. Of the 26 enrollees, 24 completed training, and 20 (77%) completed all pre- and post-training measures. There was significant improvement in self-reported stress, depression, anxiety, relaxation, well-being, and sleep. Heart rate variability changes were also significant for total power, high- and low-frequency power, and coherence, suggesting improved autonomic function consistent with greater well-being. CONCLUSIONS Training nurse leaders in an academic health center in Healing Touch is associated with significant improvements in subjective and objective measures of stress. Additional studies are needed to compare the impact of this training versus stress management training on the nurses themselves and on the quality of care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong Tang
- Department of Neurology, Wake Forest University Health Sciences, Medical Center Boulevard,Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA
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Beard C, Stason WB, Wang Q, Manola J, Dean-Clower E, Dusek JA, Decristofaro S, Webster A, Doherty-Gilman AM, Rosenthal DS, Benson H. Effects of complementary therapies on clinical outcomes in patients being treated with radiation therapy for prostate cancer. Cancer 2010; 117:96-102. [PMID: 20803609 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.25291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2009] [Revised: 01/15/2010] [Accepted: 01/25/2010] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) examined the clinical effects of 2 complementary (CAM) therapies, relaxation response therapy (RRT) and Reiki therapy, in men being treated with external beam radiotherapy (EBRx) for prostate cancer. METHODS Study participants were randomly assigned to weekly RRT, Reiki therapy twice weekly, or wait-list control. Well-validated instruments measured anxiety (STAI), depression (CES-D), and quality of life in cancer patients (FACT-G) at randomization and 3 subsequent time points. RESULTS Fifty-four men were randomized, and 16 of 18 (89%) of RRT and 15 of 18 (83%) of Reiki patients completed the intervention protocol. No statistically significant difference was found between the RRT, Reiki, and control groups on total scores for the STAI, CES-D, or FACT-G instruments at any time point. However, at the end of the intervention, significant improvement was found on the emotional well-being subscale of the FACT-G quality of life scale in the RRT group compared with the Reiki and control groups (P = .01). In participants who were classified as "anxious" at baseline, statistically significant improvement occurred in the RRT group (P = .02), and a positive trend was found in the Reiki group (P = .10). CONCLUSIONS This pilot study documented the feasibility of conducting a RCT of CAM therapies in men undergoing EBRx for prostate cancer. Relaxation response therapy improved emotional well being and eased anxiety in participants. Reiki therapy also had a positive effect in anxious patients. A larger study to verify and better define the benefits of these therapies in men with prostate cancer is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clair Beard
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women's Cancer Center, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Therapeutic Touch (TT) as a treatment modality has increased in popularity over the past two decades. Its efficacy in relation to the healing of wounds has been expounded in anecdotal publications. To date however there has been no systematic review. OBJECTIVES To identify and review all relevant data to determine the effectiveness of TT in the promotion of wound healing. SEARCH STRATEGY The Cochrane Wounds Group Specialised Trials Register and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched in May 2003. The Cochrane Complementary Medicine field database was searched in September 2002. In addition the Sigma Theta Tau International Registry of Nursing Research (1983 to 2002) was also searched in September 2002. Furthermore searches of MEDLINE (1966 to 2003) were conducted in 1997 and May 2003, CINAHL (1982 to 2002) in September 2002 and dissertation abstracts in September 2002. SELECTION CRITERIA All randomised or quasi-randomised controlled trials, which compared the effect of TT with a placebo, another treatment, or no treatment control were considered. Studies which used TT as a stand-alone treatment, or as an adjunct to other therapies, were eligible. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS One reviewer (DO) determined the eligibility for inclusion of all trials. Both reviewers conducted data extraction and evaluation of each trial's quality independently. Each trial was analysed based on predetermined criteria and a narrative of each trial's main conclusions was produced. MAIN RESULTS Four trials in people with experimental wounds were eligible for inclusion. The effect of TT on wound healing in these studies was variable. Two of the studies (n = 44 & 24) demonstrated a significant effect of TT. However the results of the two other trials favoured the control group (n = 15 & 38), one of these trials demonstrated a significant effect in favour of the control group. REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS There is insufficient evidence that TT promotes healing of acute wounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- D P O'Mathuna
- Mount Carmel College of Nursing, 127 South Davis Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43222, USA
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