1
|
Bengston W, Cizdziel P, Tanaka A, Matsuda H. Differential In Vivo Effects on Cancer Models by Recorded Magnetic Signals Derived From a Healing Technique. Dose Response 2023; 21:15593258231179903. [PMID: 37325440 PMCID: PMC10265331 DOI: 10.1177/15593258231179903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Previous research on "healing-with-intent" has reasonably demonstrated the validity of the phenomenon at least when a human healer is present and involved. However, in order for healing to be adopted into more conventional therapies, it must be able to be made scalable. The present study tests the effects of a scalable recording of the Bengston Healing Method on 3 cancer models. BalbC mice engrafted with 4T1 breast cancer cells, C57BL mice with melanoma B16 cells, and C3H mice with bladder MBT-2 wells were exposed to a recording of healing intent for 4 hours/day for approximately 1 month. In the breast cancer model, there was significant tumor suppression and a reduction of anemia marker HCT in treated vs control mice. In the melanoma model, there were no significant differences except for a reduction in platelet count among the treated mice. For unknown reasons, tumor growth never became evident in the bladder cancer model. While the effects of the recording seem to vary by model, there appears reason to pursue scalable delivery systems in multiple models and with multiple doses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Akane Tanaka
- Division of Animal Life Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Matsuda
- Institute of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Beseme S, Bengston W, Radin D, Turner M, McMichael J. Transcriptional Changes in Cancer Cells Induced by Exposure to a Healing Method. Dose Response 2018; 16:1559325818782843. [PMID: 30022894 PMCID: PMC6047252 DOI: 10.1177/1559325818782843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2018] [Accepted: 05/15/2018] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Energy healing, or healing with intent, is a complementary and alternative
medicine therapy reported to be beneficial with a wide variety of conditions. We
are developing a delivery technology for a method previously tested in mouse
models with solid tumors (the Bengston method) independent of the presence of a
healer. The goal of this study was to assess whether stored or recorded energy
has an impact on breast cancer cells in vitro, using energy-charged cotton and
electromagnetic recording of healers practicing the method. Expression of genes
involved in cancer and inflammation pathways was measured by quantitative
reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Treatment of cells
using energy-charged cotton resulted in statistically significant changes
<1.5-fold. In cells exposed to an electromagnetic recording, 37 genes of 167
tested showed a >1.5-fold change when compared to the control, and 68 genes
showing statistically significant fold changes. Two genes, ATP citrate lyase
(ACLY) and interleukin 1β (IL-1β), were
consistently downregulated at 4 and 24 hours of exposure to the recording,
respectively, in 3 independent experiments. Both ACLY and
IL-1β were also downregulated in cells exposed to a
hands-on delivery of the method, suggesting these 2 genes as potential markers
of the healing method.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Beseme
- Beech Tree Labs, Inc, Providence, RI, USA.,The Institute for Therapeutic Discovery, Delanson, NY, USA
| | | | - Dean Radin
- Institute of Noetic Sciences (IONS), Petaluma, CA, USA
| | - Michael Turner
- Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers, MDT Consulting, Huntsville, AL, USA
| | - John McMichael
- Beech Tree Labs, Inc, Providence, RI, USA.,The Institute for Therapeutic Discovery, Delanson, NY, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Helgeson HL, Peyerl CK, Solheim-Witt M. Quantum Physics Principles and Communication in the Acute Healthcare Setting: A Pilot Study. Explore (NY) 2016; 12:408-415. [PMID: 27667741 DOI: 10.1016/j.explore.2016.08.007] [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] [Received: 11/25/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This pilot study explores whether clinician awareness of quantum physics principles could facilitate open communication between patients and providers. DESIGN In the spirit of action research, this study was conceptualized with a holistic view of human health, using a mixed method design of grounded theory as an emergent method. SAMPLING Instrumentation includes surveys and a focus group discussion with twelve registered nurses working in an acute care hospital setting. RESULTS Findings document that the preliminary core phenomenon, energy as information, influences communication in the healthcare environment. Key emergent themes include awareness, language, validation, open communication, strategies, coherence, incoherence and power. CONCLUSION Research participants indicate that quantum physics principles provide a language and conceptual framework for improving their awareness of communication and interactions in the healthcare environment. Implications of this pilot study support the feasibility of future research and education on awareness of quantum physics principles in other clinical settings.
Collapse
|
4
|
|
5
|
Depré F, Aboud N, Ringel F, Salama A. Thrombopoietin Receptor Agonists Are Often Ineffective in Immune Thrombocytopenia and/or Cause Adverse Reactions: Results from One Hand. Transfus Med Hemother 2016; 43:375-379. [PMID: 27781025 DOI: 10.1159/000446195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2015] [Accepted: 11/19/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Eltrombopag and romiplostim are thrombopoietin receptor agonists (TPOs) that have been increasingly used for the treatment of immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). Based on our experience, the incidence of abortive treatment with these drugs and the occurrence of adverse reactions that lead to therapy break-off despite response are higher than has been previously suggested. METHODS During the last 8 years, a total of 65 patients were treated with eltrombopag and/or romiplostim at our institute. RESULTS 36 of a total of 58 patients responded well to eltrombopag. In 12 patients that responded, treatment with eltrombopag was discontinued due to the development of adverse reactions. Eltrombopag was replaced by romiplostim in 23 cases (14 non-responders, 9 patients with adverse reactions). Of these patients, 83% responded to romiplostim. Among all patients treated with romiplostim (n = 32), 75% initially responded; however, 8 of these patients developed adverse reactions. Romiplostim was replaced by eltrombopag in 5 cases (4 due to adverse reactions, 1 non-responsive patient), and only 3 (60%) of these patients were observed to respond to eltrombopag. CONCLUSION TPOs often remain ineffective in ITP or result in adverse reactions, which lead to treatment stop or to drug switch. Therefore, alternative treatment options are required.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fabian Depré
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Nasra Aboud
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Frauke Ringel
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Abdulgabar Salama
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
|
7
|
Gronowicz G, Bengston W, Yount G. Challenges for Preclinical Investigations of Human Biofield Modalities. Glob Adv Health Med 2015; 4:52-7. [PMID: 26665042 PMCID: PMC4654781 DOI: 10.7453/gahmj.2015.013.suppl] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Preclinical models for studying the effects of the human biofield have great potential to advance our understanding of human biofield modalities, which include external qigong, Johrei, Reiki, therapeutic touch, healing touch, polarity therapy, pranic healing, and other practices. A short history of Western biofield studies using preclinical models is presented and demonstrates numerous and consistent examples of human biofields significantly affecting biological systems both in vitro and in vivo. Methodological issues arising from these studies and practical solutions in experimental design are presented. Important questions still left unanswered with preclinical models include variable reproducibility, dosing, intentionality of the practitioner, best preclinical systems, and mechanisms. Input from the biofield practitioners in the experimental design is critical to improving experimental outcomes; however, the development of standard criteria for uniformity of practice and for inclusion of multiple practitioners is needed. Research in human biofield studies involving preclinical models promises a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying the efficacy of biofield therapies and will be important in guiding clinical protocols and integrating treatments with conventional medical therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gloria Gronowicz
- Department of Surgery, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington (Dr Gronowicz)
| | - William Bengston
- Department of Sociology, St Joseph's College, Patchogue, New York (Dr Bengston)
| | - Garret Yount
- Research Institute, California Pacific Medical Center, San Francisco, California, and Institute of Noetic Sciences, Petaluma, California (Dr Yount)
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Radin D, Schlitz M, Baur C. Distant Healing Intention Therapies: An Overview of the Scientific Evidence. Glob Adv Health Med 2015; 4:67-71. [PMID: 26665044 PMCID: PMC4654780 DOI: 10.7453/gahmj.2015.012.suppl] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
This article provides a broad overview of “distant healing intention” (DHI) therapies, ie, intentional healing modalities claimed to transcend the usual constraints of distance through space or time. We provide a summary of previous reviews and meta-analyses that have explored a diverse array of DHI modalities, outcome measures, and experimental protocols. While some significant experimental effects have been observed, the evidence to date does not yet provide confidence in its clinical efficacy. The purported “nonlocal” nature of DHI raises significant methodological and theoretical challenges. We recommend several avenues for improving future research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dean Radin
- Institute of Noetic Sciences, Petaluma, California (Dr Radin)
| | - Marilyn Schlitz
- California Pacific Medical Center Research Institute, San Francisco, California (Dr Schlitz)
| | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Animal models for studying homeopathy and high dilutions: Conceptual critical review. HOMEOPATHY 2010; 99:37-50. [DOI: 10.1016/j.homp.2009.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2009] [Revised: 10/26/2009] [Accepted: 11/03/2009] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
|
10
|
Shao L, Zhang J, Chen L, Zhang X, Chen KW. Effects of external qi of qigong with opposing intentions on proliferation of Escherichia coli. J Altern Complement Med 2009; 15:567-71. [PMID: 19425820 DOI: 10.1089/acm.2008.0408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The existence and characteristics of external qi (EQ) in qigong therapy has long been subject to scientific debate and rigorous examination. The therapist's intent has played an important role in many studies. This study investigates the effect of EQ with opposing intentions on the proliferation of Escherichia coli. METHODS We performed two studies with the same design. In study 1, 75 5-mL tubes containing test samples (3 mL each) were randomly divided into three groups: control, promoted, and inhibited group (25 each). In study 2, three 96-well plates with test samples (200 microL each) were randomly designated as control, promoted, or inhibited. Test samples were placed 60 cm apart on a bench with control in the middle. A qigong therapist performed EQ with either promoting or killing intent for 15 minutes each on the treatment groups. After incubation for 24 hours, optical density of the E. coli samples was measured at 600 nm (OD(600)). RESULTS In the initial experiment of both studies, the OD(600) value of the promoted group was significantly higher than that of control (p < 0.05), while the OD(600) value of the inhibited group was significantly lower than that of the control group (p < 0.01), suggesting that the healer's intent played a critical role in the effects of EQ on E.coli proliferation. However, subsequent experiments did not replicate the initial finding in either study and showed a pattern of declining effect. CONCLUSION A healer's intent may affect the proliferation of microbes with specificity and directivity, so future studies of bioenergy healing should take the role of intention into consideration. The circumstances surrounding replication of the results in such biofield studies need further exploration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Linxiang Shao
- College of Chemistry and Life Science, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, Zhejiang, China
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Abstract
The recent explosion of opportunities and interest in learning to heal has not been accompanied by sufficiently convincing empirical data to show that healing is teachable. We explore selected examples of teaching modalities and outline their general ethos. Five empirical criteria necessary to demonstrate teachability are outlined. We suggest that no research to date, including a previous claim by one of us (W.F.B.), has surmounted the difficult obstacles that need to be overcome to make such a claim. Some scientific and social implications of the teachability of healing are discussed.
Collapse
|
12
|
Radin D, Lobach E. Toward Understanding the Placebo Effect: Investigating a Possible Retrocausal Factor. J Altern Complement Med 2007; 13:733-39. [DOI: 10.1089/acm.2006.6243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Dean Radin
- Institute of Noetic Sciences, Petaluma, CA
| | - Eva Lobach
- University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|