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Hammerschlag R, Sprengel ML, Baldwin AL. Biofield therapies: Guidelines for reporting clinical trials. Complement Ther Med 2024; 82:103011. [PMID: 38307809 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctim.2023.103011] [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: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2024] Open
Abstract
A set of guidelines has been developed to help improve reporting of clinical trials of biofield therapies. The need for enhanced transparency when reporting trials of this family of integrative health practices, e.g., External Qigong, Healing Touch, Reiki and Therapeutic Touch, has been advocated in systematic reviews of these studies. The guidelines, called Biofield Therapies: Reporting Evidence Guidelines (BiFi REGs), supplement CONSORT 2010 by including details of the intervention protocols relevant to biofield therapy trials. BiFi REGs evolved through a draft document created by a core group, two rounds of a Delphi process with an international group of subject matter experts and two panels, meeting via Zoom, which included editors of complementary and integrative medicine journals. BiFi REGs comprises a 15-item Intervention checklist. Modifications of two other CONSORT topic areas are also proposed to enhance their relevance to trials of biofield therapies. Included for each item are an explanation, and exemplars of reporting from peer-reviewed published reports of biofield therapy trials. When used in conjunction with all other items from CONSORT 2010, we anticipate that BiFi REGs will expedite the peer review process for biofield therapy trials, facilitate attempts at trial replication and help to inform decision-making in the clinical practice of biofield therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Hammerschlag
- Consciousness and Healing Initiative, La Jolla, CA, USA; NOVA Institute for Health, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Meredith L Sprengel
- Human Factors, Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research (TNO), Soesterberg, the Netherlands; Subtle Energy Collective, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Ann L Baldwin
- Department of Physiology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
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Hammerschlag R, Sprengel ML, Baldwin AL. Biofield therapies: Guidelines for reporting clinical trials. Explore (NY) 2024; 20:196-205. [PMID: 38307816 DOI: 10.1016/j.explore.2023.08.001] [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: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Abstract
A set of guidelines has been developed to help improve reporting of clinical trials of biofield therapies. The need for enhanced transparency when reporting trials of this family of integrative health practices, e.g., External Qigong, Healing Touch, Reiki and Therapeutic Touch, has been advocated in systematic reviews of these studies. The guidelines, called Biofield Therapies: Reporting Evidence Guidelines (BiFi REGs), supplement CONSORT 2010 by including details of the intervention protocols relevant to biofield therapy trials. BiFi REGs evolved through a draft document created by a core group, two rounds of a Delphi process with an international group of subject matter experts and two panels, meeting via Zoom, which included editors of complementary and integrative medicine journals. BiFi REGs comprises a 15-item Intervention checklist. Modifications of two other CONSORT topic areas are also proposed to enhance their relevance to trials of biofield therapies. Included for each item are an explanation, and exemplars of reporting from peer-reviewed published reports of biofield therapy trials. When used in conjunction with all other items from CONSORT 2010, we anticipate that BiFi REGs will expedite the peer review process for biofield therapy trials, facilitate attempts at trial replication and help to inform decision-making in the clinical practice of biofield therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Hammerschlag
- Consciousness and Healing Initiative, La Jolla, CA, USA; NOVA Institute for Health, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Meredith L Sprengel
- Human Factors, Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research (TNO), Soesterberg, the Netherlands; Subtle Energy Collective, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Ann L Baldwin
- Department of Physiology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
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Hammerschlag R, Sprengel M, Baldwin AL. Biofield Therapies: Guidelines for Reporting Clinical Trials. JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE AND COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINE 2024; 30:133-145. [PMID: 38300148 PMCID: PMC10910875 DOI: 10.1089/jicm.2024.29128.rh] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2024]
Abstract
Highlights Guidelines have been created to improve the reporting of clinical trials of biofield therapies, e.g. External Qigong, Healing Touch, Reiki, and Therapeutic Touch. Appropriate use of these guidelines is likely to strengthen the evidence base for biofield therapies as well as increase their usage as stand-alone practices and as complementary therapies within mainstream healthcare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Hammerschlag
- Consciousness and Healing Initiative, La Jolla, California, USA
- NOVA Institute for Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Meredith Sprengel
- Human Factors, Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research (TNO), Soesterberg, the Netherlands
| | - Ann L. Baldwin
- Department of Physiology, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
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Hammerschlag R, Sprengel M, Baldwin AL. Biofield Therapies: Guidelines for Reporting Clinical Trials. GLOBAL ADVANCES IN INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE AND HEALTH 2024; 13:27536130231202501. [PMID: 38304734 PMCID: PMC10832441 DOI: 10.1177/27536130231202501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
A set of guidelines has been developed to help improve reporting of clinical trials of biofield therapies. The need for enhanced transparency when reporting trials of this family of integrative health practices, eg, External Qigong, Healing Touch, Reiki and Therapeutic Touch, has been advocated in systematic reviews of these studies. The guidelines, called Biofield Therapies: Reporting Evidence Guidelines (BiFi REGs), supplement CONsolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) 2010 by including details of the intervention protocols relevant to biofield therapy trials. BiFi REGs evolved through a draft document created by a core group, two rounds of a Delphi process with an international group of subject matter experts and two panels, meeting via Zoom, which included editors of complementary and integrative medicine journals. BiFi REGs comprises a 15-item Intervention checklist. Modifications of two other CONSORT topic areas are also proposed to enhance their relevance to trials of biofield therapies. Included for each item are an explanation, and exemplars of reporting from peer-reviewed published reports of biofield therapy trials. When used in conjunction with all other items from CONSORT 2010, we anticipate that BiFi REGs will expedite the peer review process for biofield therapy trials, facilitate attempts at trial replication and help to inform decision-making in the clinical practice of biofield therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Hammerschlag
- Consciousness and Healing Initiative, San Diego, CA, USA
- NOVA Institute for Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Meredith Sprengel
- Human Factors, Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research (TNO), Soesterberg, Netherlands
| | - Ann L Baldwin
- Department of Physiology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
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Hauptmann M, Kutschan S, Hübner J, Dörfler J. Bioenergy therapies as a complementary treatment: a systematic review to evaluate the efficacy of bioenergy therapies in relieving treatment toxicities in patients with cancer. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2022; 149:2607-2619. [PMID: 36166091 PMCID: PMC10129966 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-022-04362-x] [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] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Bioenergy therapies are among the popular alternative treatment options for many diseases, including cancer. Many studies deal with the advantages and disadvantages of bioenergy therapies as an addition to established treatments such as chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation in the treatment of cancer. However, a systematic overview of this evidence is thus far lacking. For this reason, the available evidence should be reviewed and critically examined to determine what benefits the treatments have for patients. METHODS In June 2022, a systematic search was conducted searching five electronic databases (Embase, Cochrane, PsychInfo, CINAHL and Medline) to find studies concerning the use, effectiveness and potential harm of bioenergy therapies including Reiki, Therapeutic Touch, Healing Touch and Polarity Therapy on cancer patients. RESULTS From all 2477 search results, 21 publications with 1375 patients were included in this systematic review. The patients treated with bioenergy therapies were mainly diagnosed with breast cancer. The main outcomes measured were anxiety, depression, mood, fatigue, quality of life (QoL), comfort, well-being, neurotoxicity, pain, and nausea. The studies were predominantly of moderate quality and for the most part found no effect. In terms of QoL, pain and nausea, there were improved short-term effects of the interventions, but no long-term differences were detectable. The risk of side effects from bioenergy therapies appears to be relatively small. CONCLUSION Considering the methodical limitations of the included studies, studies with high study quality could not find any difference between bioenergy therapies and active (placebo, massage, RRT, yoga, meditation, relaxation training, companionship, friendly visit) and passive control groups (usual care, resting, education). Only studies with a low study quality were able to show significant effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Hauptmann
- Klinik für Innere Medizin II, Hämatologie und Internistische Onkologie, Universitätsklinikum Jena, Am Klinikum 1, 07747, Jena, Germany.
| | - S Kutschan
- Klinik für Innere Medizin II, Hämatologie und Internistische Onkologie, Universitätsklinikum Jena, Am Klinikum 1, 07747, Jena, Germany
| | - J Hübner
- Klinik für Innere Medizin II, Hämatologie und Internistische Onkologie, Universitätsklinikum Jena, Am Klinikum 1, 07747, Jena, Germany.
| | - J Dörfler
- Klinik für Innere Medizin II, Hämatologie und Internistische Onkologie, Universitätsklinikum Jena, Am Klinikum 1, 07747, Jena, Germany
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Koçoğlu F, Zincir H. The Effect of Reiki on Pain, Fatigue, and Quality of Life in Adolescents With Dysmenorrhea. Holist Nurs Pract 2021; 35:306-314. [PMID: 34647912 DOI: 10.1097/hnp.0000000000000477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
This randomized, single-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted to evaluate the effect of Reiki applications on pain, fatigue, and quality of life in adolescents with dysmenorrhea. There were 38 patients in the Reiki group and 37 in the placebo-controlled group. Reiki was found to be effective on pain and fatigue in adolescents with dysmenorrhea but with no effect on the quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ferdane Koçoğlu
- Nursing Department, Department of Public Health Nursing, Niğde Zübeyde Hanım School of Health, Niğde Ömer Halisdemir University, Niğde, Turkey (Dr Koçoğlu); and Nursing Department, Public Health Nursing, Erciyes University Health Sciences Faculty, Kayseri, Turkey (Dr Zincir)
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Vural Doğru B, Utli H, Şenuzun Aykar F. Effect of therapeutic touch on daytime sleepiness, stress and fatigue among students of nursing and midwifery: A randomized sham-controlled trial. Complement Ther Clin Pract 2021; 43:101322. [PMID: 33548747 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2021.101322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2020] [Revised: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study was conducted to assess the effect of therapeutic touch on stress, daytime sleepiness, sleep quality and fatigue among students of nursing and midwifery. METHODS 96 students were randomized into three groups: the therapeutic touch (TT) group, the sham therapeutic touch (STT) group, and the control group. In this randomized sham-controlled study, the TT group was subjected to therapeutic touch twice a week for four weeks with each session lasting 20 min. RESULTS When the TT group was compared to the STT and control groups following the intervention, the decrease in the levels of stress (p < 0.001), fatigue (p < 0.001) and daytime sleepiness (p < 0.001), and the increase in the sleep quality (p < 0.001) were found to be significant. CONCLUSION It was found that TT, which is one form of complementary therapy, was relatively effective in decreasing the levels of stress, fatigue and daytime sleepiness, and in increasing the sleep quality of university students of nursing and midwifery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Birgül Vural Doğru
- Mersin University, Faculty of Nursing, Internal Nursing Department, Mersin, Turkey.
| | - Hediye Utli
- Mardin Artuklu University, Elderly Care Department, Mardin, Turkey.
| | - Fisun Şenuzun Aykar
- Izmir Tinaztepe University, Faculty of Health Sciences, Nursing Department, Izmir, Turkey.
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Mangione L, Swengros D, Anderson JG. Mental Health Wellness and Biofield Therapies: An Integrative Review. Issues Ment Health Nurs 2017; 38:930-944. [PMID: 28968143 DOI: 10.1080/01612840.2017.1364808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Biofield therapies such as Healing Touch and Reiki increase relaxation, decrease anxiety and stress, and improve mood. Understanding the efficacy of these therapies in terms of mental health wellness is important for nurses interested in complementary and integrative care. The goal of the present integrative review was to investigate the state of knowledge regarding biofield therapies and the impact on anxiety, mood, and mental health wellness. Electronic databases were searched for articles available in English and published from 2014 to 2016. Biofield therapies show safety and promise in reducing anxiety, improving mood, and cultivating mental health and wellness.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Joel G Anderson
- c University of Tennessee, College of Nursing , Knoxville , Tennessee , USA
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Guy JB, Bard-Reboul S, Trone JC, Vallard A, Espenel S, Langrand-Escure J, Hamrouni A, Mrad MB, Morisson S, Michaud P, Magné N, Rancoule C. Healing touch in radiation therapy: is the benefit tangible? Oncotarget 2017; 8:81485-81491. [PMID: 29113407 PMCID: PMC5655302 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.20594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2017] [Accepted: 08/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cancer patients tend to use more and more complementary or alternative medicine concomitantly to radiotherapy. A large part of these patients have recourse to Mind and Body practice, mainly with biofield healers or magnetizers, without any level of evidence. The aim of the present study was to report epidemiologic data on biofield healers in radiation therapy patients, and to assess the possible objective and subjective benefits. Materials and Methods A retrospective study was conducted in a French cancer institute. All consecutive breast or prostate cancer patients undergoing a curative radiotherapy during 2015 were screened (n = 806). Healer consultation procedure, frequency, and remuneration were collected. Patient's self-evaluation of healer's impact on treatment tolerance was reported. Tolerance (fatigue, pain) was assessed through visual analogic scale (0 to 10). Analgesic consumption was evaluated. Toxicities were described according to NTCAEv4.0. Results 500 patients were included (350 women and 150 men). A total of 256 patients (51.2%) consulted a healer during their radiation treatment, with a majority of women (58%, p < 0.01). Most of patients had weekly (n = 209, 41.8%) or daily (n = 84, 16.8%) appointments with their healer. Regarding the self-reported tolerance, > 80% of the patients described a “good” or “very good” impact of the healer on their treatment. Healers were mainly voluntary (75.8%). Regarding the clinical efficacy, no difference was observed in prostate and in breast cancer patients (toxicity, antalgic consumption, pain). Conclusions This study reveals that the majority of patients treated by radiotherapy consults a healer and reports a benefit on subjective tolerance, without objective tolerance amelioration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Baptiste Guy
- Département de Radiothérapie, Institut de Cancérologie de la Loire-Lucien Neuwirth, Saint-Priest-en-Jarez, France
| | - Sacha Bard-Reboul
- Département de Radiothérapie, Institut de Cancérologie de la Loire-Lucien Neuwirth, Saint-Priest-en-Jarez, France
| | - Jane-Chloé Trone
- Département de Radiothérapie, Institut de Cancérologie de la Loire-Lucien Neuwirth, Saint-Priest-en-Jarez, France
| | - Alexis Vallard
- Département de Radiothérapie, Institut de Cancérologie de la Loire-Lucien Neuwirth, Saint-Priest-en-Jarez, France
| | - Sophie Espenel
- Département de Radiothérapie, Institut de Cancérologie de la Loire-Lucien Neuwirth, Saint-Priest-en-Jarez, France
| | - Julien Langrand-Escure
- Département de Radiothérapie, Institut de Cancérologie de la Loire-Lucien Neuwirth, Saint-Priest-en-Jarez, France
| | - Anis Hamrouni
- Département de Radiothérapie, Institut de Cancérologie de la Loire-Lucien Neuwirth, Saint-Priest-en-Jarez, France
| | - Majed Ben Mrad
- Département de Radiothérapie, Institut de Cancérologie de la Loire-Lucien Neuwirth, Saint-Priest-en-Jarez, France
| | - Stéphanie Morisson
- Département Interdisciplinaire des Soins de Supports, Institut de Cancérologie de la Loire-Lucien Neuwirth, Saint-Priest-en-Jarez, France
| | - Patrick Michaud
- Département Interdisciplinaire des Soins de Supports, Institut de Cancérologie de la Loire-Lucien Neuwirth, Saint-Priest-en-Jarez, France
| | - Nicolas Magné
- Département de Radiothérapie, Institut de Cancérologie de la Loire-Lucien Neuwirth, Saint-Priest-en-Jarez, France
| | - Chloé Rancoule
- Département de Radiothérapie, Institut de Cancérologie de la Loire-Lucien Neuwirth, Saint-Priest-en-Jarez, France
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Greenlee H, DuPont-Reyes MJ, Balneaves LG, Carlson LE, Cohen MR, Deng G, Johnson JA, Mumber M, Seely D, Zick SM, Boyce LM, Tripathy D. Clinical practice guidelines on the evidence-based use of integrative therapies during and after breast cancer treatment. CA Cancer J Clin 2017; 67:194-232. [PMID: 28436999 PMCID: PMC5892208 DOI: 10.3322/caac.21397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 420] [Impact Index Per Article: 60.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Answer questions and earn CME/CNE Patients with breast cancer commonly use complementary and integrative therapies as supportive care during cancer treatment and to manage treatment-related side effects. However, evidence supporting the use of such therapies in the oncology setting is limited. This report provides updated clinical practice guidelines from the Society for Integrative Oncology on the use of integrative therapies for specific clinical indications during and after breast cancer treatment, including anxiety/stress, depression/mood disorders, fatigue, quality of life/physical functioning, chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, lymphedema, chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy, pain, and sleep disturbance. Clinical practice guidelines are based on a systematic literature review from 1990 through 2015. Music therapy, meditation, stress management, and yoga are recommended for anxiety/stress reduction. Meditation, relaxation, yoga, massage, and music therapy are recommended for depression/mood disorders. Meditation and yoga are recommended to improve quality of life. Acupressure and acupuncture are recommended for reducing chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. Acetyl-L-carnitine is not recommended to prevent chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy due to a possibility of harm. No strong evidence supports the use of ingested dietary supplements to manage breast cancer treatment-related side effects. In summary, there is a growing body of evidence supporting the use of integrative therapies, especially mind-body therapies, as effective supportive care strategies during breast cancer treatment. Many integrative practices, however, remain understudied, with insufficient evidence to be definitively recommended or avoided. CA Cancer J Clin 2017;67:194-232. © 2017 American Cancer Society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather Greenlee
- Assistant Professor, Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY
- Member, Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University, New York, NY
| | - Melissa J DuPont-Reyes
- Doctoral Fellow, Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY
| | - Lynda G Balneaves
- Associate Professor, College of Nursing, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Linda E Carlson
- Professor, Department of Oncology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Misha R Cohen
- Adjunct Professor, American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine at California Institute of Integral Studies, San Francisco, CA
- Clinic Director, Chicken Soup Chinese Medicine, San Francisco, CA
| | - Gary Deng
- Medical Director, Integrative Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
| | - Jillian A Johnson
- Post-Doctoral Scholar, Department of Biobehavioral Health, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA
| | | | - Dugald Seely
- Executive Director, Ottawa Integrative Cancer Center, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Executive Director of Research, Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Suzanna M Zick
- Research Associate Professor, Department of Family Medicine, Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
- Research Associate Professor, Department of Nutritional Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Lindsay M Boyce
- Research Informationist, Memorial Sloan Kettering Library, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
| | - Debu Tripathy
- Professor, Department of Breast Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
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Is energy healing an effective non-pharmacological therapy for improving symptom management of chronic illnesses? A systematic review. Complement Ther Clin Pract 2016; 25:26-41. [PMID: 27863608 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2016.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2016] [Accepted: 07/27/2016] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
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 the community with various NCDs. METHODS A systematic review of energy healing interventions for the management of non-communicable disease related symptoms, conducted between 01 January 2000 and 21 April 2015, published in an English peer-reviewed journal. This review conforms to the PRISMA statement. RESULTS Twenty seven studies were identified that evaluated various energy healing interventions involving 3159 participants. Thirteen of the energy healing trials generated statistically significant outcomes. CONCLUSIONS Energy healing has demonstrated some improvement in illness symptoms, however high level evidence consistently demonstrating efficacy is lacking. Further more robust trials are required to better understand which elements of energy healing interventions are associated with positive outcomes.
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Jain S, Hammerschlag R, Mills P, Cohen L, Krieger R, Vieten C, Lutgendorf S. Clinical Studies of Biofield Therapies: Summary, Methodological Challenges, and Recommendations. Glob Adv Health Med 2015; 4:58-66. [PMID: 26665043 PMCID: PMC4654788 DOI: 10.7453/gahmj.2015.034.suppl] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Biofield therapies are noninvasive therapies in which the practitioner explicitly works with a client's biofield (interacting fields of energy and information that surround living systems) to stimulate healing responses in patients. While the practice of biofield therapies has existed in Eastern and Western cultures for thousands of years, empirical research on the effectiveness of biofield therapies is still relatively nascent. In this article, we provide a summary of the state of the evidence for biofield therapies for a number of different clinical conditions. We note specific methodological issues for research in biofield therapies that need to be addressed (including practitioner-based, outcomes-based, and research design considerations), as well as provide a list of suggested next steps for biofield researchers to consider.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shamini Jain
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego; and Center for Integrative Medicine, University of California San Diego; and Consciousness and Healing Initiative, San Diego (Dr Jain)
| | - Richard Hammerschlag
- Consciousness and Healing Initiative, San Diego; and The Institute for Integrative Health, Baltimore, Maryland (Dr Hammerschlag)
| | - Paul Mills
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego; and Center for Integrative Medicine, University of California San Diego; and Center of Excellence for Research and Training in Integrative Health, University of California, San Diego (Dr Mills)
| | - Lorenzo Cohen
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston (Dr Cohen)
| | - Richard Krieger
- Institute of Noetic Sciences, Petaluma, California (Dr Krieger)
| | - Cassandra Vieten
- Institute of Noetic Sciences, Petaluma, California; and California Pacific Medical Center Research Institute, San Francisco (Dr Vieten)
| | - Susan Lutgendorf
- Institute of Noetic Sciences, Petaluma, California; and Departments of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Urology, and Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Iowa, Iowa City (Dr Lutgendorf)
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Bedlack RS, Joyce N, Carter GT, Paganoni S, Karam C. Complementary and Alternative Therapies in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Neurol Clin 2015; 33:909-36. [PMID: 26515629 PMCID: PMC4712627 DOI: 10.1016/j.ncl.2015.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Given the severity of their illness and lack of effective disease-modifying agents, it is not surprising that most patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) consider trying complementary and alternative therapies. Some of the most commonly considered alternative therapies include special diets, nutritional supplements, cannabis, acupuncture, chelation, and energy healing. This article reviews these in detail. The authors also describe 3 models by which physicians may frame discussions about alternative therapies: paternalism, autonomy, and shared decision making. Finally, the authors review a program called ALSUntangled, which uses shared decision making to review alternative therapies for ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard S Bedlack
- Department of Neurology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27702, USA.
| | - Nanette Joyce
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of California, Davis School of Medicine, 4860 Y Street Suite 3850, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Gregory T Carter
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, St. Luke's Rehabilitation Institute, 711 South Cowley, Spokane, WA 99202, USA
| | - Sabrina Paganoni
- Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Boston VA Health Care System, Harvard Medical School, Massachussets General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Chafic Karam
- Department of Neurology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, 170 Manning Drive, Campus Box 7025, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7025, USA
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Mitchell SA, Hoffman AJ, Clark JC, DeGennaro RM, Poirier P, Robinson CB, Weisbrod BL. Putting evidence into practice: an update of evidence-based interventions for cancer-related fatigue during and following treatment. Clin J Oncol Nurs 2015; 18 Suppl:38-58. [PMID: 25427608 DOI: 10.1188/14.cjon.s3.38-58] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) has deleterious effects on physical, social, cognitive, and vocational functioning, and causes emotional and spiritual distress for patients and their families; however, it remains under-recognized and undertreated. This article critically reviews and integrates the available empirical evidence supporting the efficacy of pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic treatment approaches to CRF, highlighting new evidence since 2007 and 2009 Putting Evidence Into Practice publications. Interventions that are recommended for practice or likely to be effective in improving fatigue outcomes include exercise; screening for treatable risk factors; management of concurrent symptoms; yoga; structured rehabilitation; Wisconsin ginseng; cognitive-behavioral therapies for insomnia, pain, and depression; mindfulness-based stress reduction; and psychoeducational interventions such as anticipatory guidance, psychosocial support, and energy conservation and activity management. This information can be applied to improve the management of CRF, inform health policy and program development, shape the design of clinical trials of new therapies for CRF, and drive basic and translational research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra A Mitchell
- Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, National Cancer Center, Bethesda, MD
| | - Amy J Hoffman
- College of Nursing, Michigan State University, East Lansing
| | - Jane C Clark
- Georgia Center for Oncology Research and Education in Atlanta
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Hammerschlag R, Marx BL, Aickin M. Nontouch biofield therapy: a systematic review of human randomized controlled trials reporting use of only nonphysical contact treatment. J Altern Complement Med 2015; 20:881-92. [PMID: 25181286 DOI: 10.1089/acm.2014.0017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED OBJECTIVE AND CONTEXT: This review was designed to assess the quality and review the outcomes of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of biofield therapies (external qigong, Healing Touch, Johrei, Reiki, and Therapeutic Touch) that report using only nonphysical touch forms of treatment. RCTs of nonphysical contact biofield therapies have the potential to contribute to an evidence base for health-promoting effects mediated through mechanisms outside the present understanding of biomedicine. METHODS Articles meeting inclusion criteria were identified from database and reference list searches and evaluated for a range of reporting and design items. Data were extracted to determine the range of protocol parameters and treatment outcomes. The final set of included RCTs were evaluated via a modified 5-item Jadad scale as well as by a set of 20 criteria that included items relevant to the early-phase nature of the trials and to the examination of nonphysical touch biofield therapy interventions. RESULTS Of 90 RCTs that assessed effectiveness of a biofield therapy in humans, 28 trials involving 1775 participants met additional inclusion criteria (most importantly a clearly reported use of only nonphysical contact treatment). The research designs of these 28 trials revealed marked heterogeneity in regard to condition treated, number and duration of treatments, nature of the control/comparison group, and outcome measures. Finally, 10 trials were excluded on the basis of low quality assessment scores. Twelve of the remaining 18 trials (7 Therapeutic Touch, 3 external qigong, 1 Reiki, and 1 Healing Touch) reported at least one primary outcome with statistically significant beneficial treatment outcomes. CONCLUSIONS The pilot study nature of essentially all the identified nonphysical contact biofield therapy RCTs, as reflected by low sample sizes alone, precludes drawing robust conclusions. Given this perspective, the finding that two thirds of the higher-scoring trials demonstrated at least partial effectiveness favors a continued research effort, especially in light of the translational value of biofield clinical trials for studies exploring the nature and physiologic basis of biofield healing.
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Estores IM, Frye J. Healing Environments: Integrative Medicine and Palliative Care in Acute Care Settings. Crit Care Nurs Clin North Am 2015; 27:369-82. [PMID: 26333757 DOI: 10.1016/j.cnc.2015.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Conventional medicine is excellent at saving lives; however, it has little to offer to address the physical, mental, and emotional distress associated with life-threatening or life-limiting disease. An integrative approach to palliative care in acute care settings can meet this need by creating healing environments that support patients, families, and health care professionals. Mindful use of language enhances the innate healing response, improves communication, and invites patients and families to participate in their care. Staff should be offered access to skills training to cultivate compassion and mindful practice to enhance both patient and self-care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene M Estores
- Integrative Medicine Program, Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA.
| | - Joyce Frye
- Pharmacopeia Revision Committee, Homeopathic Pharmacopeia Convention of the United States, Baltimore, MD, USA
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