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Vijayakumar V, Nagaraja Jois S, Mallikarjuna Majgi S, Prasad Krishnamurthy N, Nanjunda swamy R. Time to sense biofield (Prana) experiences between hands: A preliminary single blinded randomized placebo controlled trial. F1000Res 2024; 12:1536. [PMID: 38939830 PMCID: PMC11208854 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.139737.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Aims There is minimal research on the duration of biofield experiences. This preliminary study used the experiential learning practice of Master Choa Kok Sui's hands sensitisation to determine the duration to experience biofield sensations in between hands and to find the relationship between learning style preferences and biofield sensations. Methods This randomized placebo controlled, single blinded trial included 88 male and female pre-service teachers, aged 22.8±1.2 years. Participants completed a ruler drop test for reaction time, and Six Letter Cancellation test for measuring attention, learning style questionnaire for preferred method of learning, before randomization. The experimental (hands facing each other as introduced by Master Choa Kok Sui) and sham (hands facing opposite) groups practiced hands sensitisation. A semi-structured questionnaire was provided to gather information about biofield sensations and the time it took to experience these sensations between the hands. Results All (N=44) the participants in the experimental group and 13 participants in the sham group reported experiencing biofield sensations. A significant difference was noticed in experiencing magnetic (X 2 = 38.247, p ≤ .001), physical sensations of energy (X 2 = 12.02, p ≤ .001) and pain (X 2 = 62.259, p ≤ .001) among the experimental and sham group . In the experimental group, the average time taken to first experience magnetic sensation, other biofield sensations and temperature variation was 34.84±12.97seconds, 40.28±20.96 seconds and 42.50±19.79 seconds, respectively. Minimum time taken to first experience biofield sensation was 5 seconds and lasted up to study duration of 120 seconds. There was no correlation found between reaction time, sustained attention, and the time needed to experience biofield sensations. Conclusions This study highlights importance of Master Choa Kok Sui hand sensitization in controlled setting revealing differences in experiences of various biofield sensations, showing valuable time-related insights and variability of sensation based on preferred learning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinu Vijayakumar
- World Pranic Healing Foundation India Research Centre, Mysore, India
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Trivedi MK, Branton A, Trivedi D, Mondal S, Jana S. The use of biofield energy therapy as complementary and alternative medicine in human health care system: a narrative review and potential mechanisms. JOURNAL OF COMPLEMENTARY & INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE 2024; 0:jcim-2024-0027. [PMID: 38563780 DOI: 10.1515/jcim-2024-0027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION There has been accumulating interest in the application of biofield therapy as complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) to treat various diseases. The practices include reiki, qigong, blessing, prayer, distant healing, known as biofield therapies. This paper aims to state scientific knowledge on preclinical and clinical studies to validate its potential use as an alternative medicine in the clinic. It also provides a more in-depth context for understanding the potential role of quantum entanglement in the effect of biofield energy therapy. CONTENT A comprehensive literature search was performed using the different databases (PubMed, Scopus, Medline, etc.). The published English articles relevant to the scope of this review were considered. The review gathered 45 papers that were considered suitable for the purpose. Based on the results of these papers, it was concluded that biofield energy therapy was effective in treating different disease symptoms in preclinical and clinical studies. SUMMARY Biofield therapies offer therapeutic benefits for different human health disorders, and can be used as alternative medicine in clinics for the medically pluralistic world due to the growing interest in CAM worldwide. OUTLOOK The effects of the biofield energy therapies are observed due to the healer's quantum thinking, and transmission of the quantum energy to the subject leads to the healing that occurs spiritually through instantaneous communication at the quantum level via quantum entanglement.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Sambhu Mondal
- 623512 Trivedi Science Research Laboratory Pvt. Ltd. , Thane (W), Maharashtra, India
| | - Snehasis Jana
- 623512 Trivedi Science Research Laboratory Pvt. Ltd. , Thane (W), Maharashtra, India
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Barsotti TJ, Jain S, Guarneri M, King RP, Vicario D, Mills PJ. An exploratory investigation of human biofield responses to encountering a sacred object. Explore (NY) 2023; 19:689-694. [PMID: 36710104 DOI: 10.1016/j.explore.2023.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT While advances in the Western sciences have increased our understanding of the human biofield, few studies have examined the potential effects of sacred objects on its functioning. DESIGN AND STUDY PARTICIPANTS This exploratory study examined the effects of a sacred object called the Sri Yantra / Durga Stone on the human biofield. Twelve women and five men were studied on three separate occasions using the Bio-Well device, which purportedly measures aspects of the biofield: baseline (the day before exposure to the sacred object), pre-exposure (immediately prior to exposure to the sacred object), and post-exposure (immediately following exposure to the sacred object). A set of a priori hypotheses examined outcome effects on a set of variables, including multiple physiological systems. RESULTS The overall Bio-Well energy state (Bio-Well variables are in units of joules) was significantly changed following exposure to the sacred object (p = 0.001). In addition, the cardiovascular, endocrine, musculoskeletal, digestive, urinogenital, and immune system readings showed significant changes (p's<0.003) while the nervous and respiratory system assessments were unchanged. Chakra (defined as a center of vital prana) energy was changed following exposure to the stone (p = 0.001), while chakra alignment was not (p = 0.145). CONCLUSIONS The findings from this exploratory study suggest that short-term human exposure to this particular sacred object had significant effects on aspects of the human biofield.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiffany J Barsotti
- Center of Excellence for Research and Training in Integrative Health, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA; Heal and Thrive, Weaverville, NC, USA.
| | - Shamini Jain
- Center of Excellence for Research and Training in Integrative Health, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA; Consciousness and Healing Initiative, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Mimi Guarneri
- Pacific Pearl La Jolla, Integrative Health Center, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | | | | | - Paul J Mills
- Center of Excellence for Research and Training in Integrative Health, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
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Zhou H, Jia W, Lu L, Han R. MicroRNAs with Multiple Targets of Immune Checkpoints, as a Potential Sensitizer for Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in Breast Cancer Treatment. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:824. [PMID: 36765782 PMCID: PMC9913694 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15030824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2022] [Revised: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most common cancer type and the leading cause of cancer-associated mortality in women worldwide. In recent years, immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have made significant progress in the treatment of breast cancer, yet there are still a considerable number of patients who are unable to gain lasting and ideal clinical benefits by immunotherapy alone, which leads to the development of a combination regimen as a novel research hotspot. Furthermore, one miRNA can target several checkpoint molecules, mimicking the therapeutic effect of a combined immune checkpoint blockade (ICB), which means that the miRNA therapy has been considered to increase the efficiency of ICIs. In this review, we summarized potential miRNA therapeutics candidates which can affect multiple targets of immune checkpoints in breast cancer with more therapeutic potential, and the obstacles to applying miRNA therapeutically through the analyses of the resources available from a drug target perspective. We also included the content of "too many targets for miRNA effect" (TMTME), combined with applying TargetScan database, to discuss adverse events. This review aims to ignite enthusiasm to explore the application of miRNAs with multiple targets of immune checkpoint molecules, in combination with ICIs for treating breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huiling Zhou
- Department of Chinese Medicine Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
- Department of Chinese Medicine, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
- Department of Oncology, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai 200437, China
| | - Wentao Jia
- Department of Chinese Medicine Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
- Department of Chinese Medicine, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Lingeng Lu
- Department of Chronic Disease Epidemiology, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT 06520-8034, USA
- School of Medicine, Center for Biomedical Data Science, New Haven, CT 06520-8034, USA
- Yale Cancer Center, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520-8034, USA
| | - Rui Han
- Department of Chinese Medicine Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
- Department of Chinese Medicine, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
- Department of Chronic Disease Epidemiology, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT 06520-8034, USA
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Garrett B, Riou M. A rapid evidence assessment of recent therapeutic touch research. Nurs Open 2021; 8:2318-2330. [PMID: 33742792 PMCID: PMC8363410 DOI: 10.1002/nop2.841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2020] [Revised: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM To synthesize the most recent evidence investigating the effectiveness and safety of therapeutic touch as a complementary therapy in clinical health applications. DESIGN A rapid evidence assessment (REA) approach was used to review recent TT research adopting PRISMA 2009 guidelines. METHODS CINAHL, PubMed, MEDLINE, Cochrane databases, Web of Science, PsychINFO and Google Scholar were screened between January 2009-March 2020 for studies exploring TT therapies as an intervention. The main outcome measures were for pain, anxiety, sleep, nausea and functional improvement. RESULTS Twenty-one studies covering a range of clinical issues were identified, including 15 randomized-controlled trials, four quasi-experimental studies, one chart review study and one mixed methods study including 1,302 patients. Eighteen of the studies reported positive outcomes. Only four exhibited a low risk of bias. All others had serious methodological flaws, bias issues, were statistically underpowered and scored as low-quality studies. No high-quality evidence was found for any of the benefits claimed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernie Garrett
- School of NursingUniversity of British ColumbiaVancouverBCCanada
| | - Marliss Riou
- School of NursingUniversity of British ColumbiaVancouverBCCanada
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Matos LC, Machado JP, Monteiro FJ, Greten HJ. Perspectives, Measurability and Effects of Non-Contact Biofield-Based Practices: A Narrative Review of Quantitative Research. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:6397. [PMID: 34199174 PMCID: PMC8296239 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18126397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Revised: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Practices such as "Reiki", therapeutic touch, healing touch, and external "Qigong" have been regarded as some form of "energy medicine" or "biofield therapy". The biofield concept has been studied and debated by researchers of distinct areas of expertise, and although the phenomenon was sometimes described as physically related to electromagnetics, other factors such as "subtle energy" and focused intention might be involved. These nonconventional practices integrate contact and non-contact techniques, and those dealing with so-called distant healing interventions are perhaps the most difficult to understand and accept. Practitioners describe these so-called nonlocal interventions as involving intentional factors and particular states of consciousness. With a spiritual mindset and a particular state of awareness, compassion is said to work out as a catalyst to produce physiological and physical changes through mechanisms that are still unknown. At the body level, these vegetative changes might be related to individual self-perception variations as part of the body neurovegetative feedback system of regulation. Further mechanisms are difficult to document and measure, and might be more accessible to research by using physical signal detectors, chemical dynamics methods, detectors using biological materials, detectors using living sensors, and detectors using the human body. The growing interest in these practices and the considerable amount of research exploring their effects and clinical applications encouraged this narrative review, which aims to provide an easy to consult partial overview of the history, theory and findings of quantitative research strategies exploring non-contact biofield-based practices. This work also aims to stimulate the reader's mind with the raised hypotheses, catalyzing further research on the subject to confirm or deny the reported outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luís Carlos Matos
- Faculdade de Engenharia da Universidade do Porto, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal;
- Centro de Biociências em Saúde Integrativa (CBSIn), Atlântico Business School, 4405-604 Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal;
- Centro Transdisciplinar de Estudos da Consciência (CTEC), Universidade Fernando Pessoa, 4249-004 Porto, Portugal
| | - Jorge Pereira Machado
- Centro de Biociências em Saúde Integrativa (CBSIn), Atlântico Business School, 4405-604 Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal;
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), Universidade do Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal;
| | - Fernando Jorge Monteiro
- Faculdade de Engenharia da Universidade do Porto, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal;
- Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica (INEB), Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Henry Johannes Greten
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), Universidade do Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal;
- German Society of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 69126 Heidelberg, Germany
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Yang P, Jiang Y, Rhea PR, Coway T, Chen D, Gagea M, Harribance SL, Cohen L. Human Biofield Therapy and the Growth of Mouse Lung Carcinoma. Integr Cancer Ther 2019; 18:1534735419840797. [PMID: 30947564 PMCID: PMC6475842 DOI: 10.1177/1534735419840797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Biofield therapies have gained popularity and are being explored as possible
treatments for cancer. In some cases, devices have been developed that mimic the
electromagnetic fields that are emitted from people delivering biofield
therapies. However, there is limited research examining if humans could
potentially inhibit the proliferation of cancer cells and suppress tumor growth
through modification of inflammation and the immune system. We found that human
NSCLC A549 lung cancer cells exposed to Sean L. Harribance, a purported healer,
showed reduced viability and downregulation of pAkt. We further observed that
the experimental exposure slowed growth of mouse Lewis lung carcinoma evidenced
by significantly smaller tumor volume in the experimental mice (274.3 ± 188.9
mm3) than that of control mice (740.5 ± 460.2 mm3;
P < .05). Exposure to the experimental condition
markedly reduced tumoral expression of pS6, a cytosolic marker of cell
proliferation, by 45% compared with that of the control group. Results of
reversed phase proteomic array suggested that the experimental exposure
downregulated the PD-L1 expression in the tumor tissues. Similarly, the serum
levels of cytokines, especially MCP-1, were significantly reduced in the
experimental group (P < .05). Furthermore, TILs profiling
showed that CD8+/CD4− immune cell population was increased
by almost 2-fold in the experimental condition whereas the number of
intratumoral CD25+/CD4+ (T-reg cells) and CD68+
macrophages were 84% and 33%, respectively, lower than that of the control
group. Together, these findings suggest that exposure to purported biofields
from a human is capable of suppressing tumor growth, which might be in part
mediated through modification of the tumor microenvironment, immune function,
and anti-inflammatory activity in our mouse lung tumor model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peiying Yang
- 1 The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Yan Jiang
- 1 The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Patrea R Rhea
- 1 The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Tara Coway
- 1 The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Dongmei Chen
- 1 The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Mihai Gagea
- 1 The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Sean L Harribance
- 2 Sean Harribance Institute for Parapsychology, Inc., Sugarland, TX, USA
| | - Lorenzo Cohen
- 1 The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
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Effects of Crinum jagus Water/Ethanol Extract on Shigella flexneri-Induced Diarrhea in Rats. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2019; 2019:9537603. [PMID: 30992711 PMCID: PMC6434311 DOI: 10.1155/2019/9537603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2018] [Revised: 01/02/2019] [Accepted: 02/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Diarrheal disease, characterized by the release of more than three loose or liquid stools per day, remains one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in children below 5 years of age in developing countries. Many drugs used in diarrhea management face contraindication and, with regard to infectious diarrhea, resistance of some bacterial strains; this therefore increases the need of new alternative and more effective drugs. This study aimed to evaluate anti-Shigella flexneri activities of Crinum jagus water/ethanol extract. In vitro activities were assayed by disc diffusion and agar dilution methods and in vivo section on Shigella flexneri-induced diarrhea in rats. This was done by oral administration of 9 X 108 CFU of Shigella flexneri to rats that were treated twice daily with Crinum jagus water/ethanol extract for seven consecutive days. Ciprofloxacin was used as positive control. Daily Shigella flexneri load was evaluated. After one treatment week, animals were then sacrificed and interleukins (IL-2 and INF-γ), immunoglobulins (IgA and IgM), motilin, vasoactive intestinal peptide, and ions (sodium, potassium, calcium, and chloride) levels were determined. Also, blood cell count was realized. Crinum jagus water/ethanol extract dose-dependently inhibited Shigella flexneri growth with inhibition diameter of 18.90 and 25.36 mm, respectively, at 0.39 and 200 mg/mL. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was 0.10 mg/mL and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) was 0.30 mg/mL with MBC/MIC ratio of 3.0. In Shigella flexneri-induced diarrheic rats, Crinum jagus reduced (p<0.01) diarrheal stools emission and Shigella load and lowered IL-2, INF-γ, IgA, IgM, and motilin blood levels, whereas it increased (p<0.01) vasoactive intestinal peptide, sodium, potassium, calcium, and chloride blood levels. In diarrheal rats, Crinum jagus restored the decreasing white blood cells and haemoglobin and restored the damaged colon epithelium, where it reduced the density of mucus-filled goblet cells. These results confirm the use of Crinum jagus in ethnomedicine in diarrhea treatment.
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