Part 6 - Energy Therapy and the Larger Scientific Community
Let’s dive into what science has to say about energy therapies. The scientific evidence supporting energy therapies is varied and often controversial. While some studies suggest potential benefits, others highlight methodological limitations.
Integrative medicine often emphasizes a holistic approach, this means considering psychological, social, and spiritual factors in medicine and healing. This broader context can influence study results and patient experiences.
6.1 - Studies on the Effects of Energy Therapies
Despite the skepticism or indifference of scientists, evidence of the beneficial effects of certain energy practices have been established.
Some studies indicate that Reiki may help reduce stress, anxiety, and pain, and improve overall well-being. A study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that Reiki reduced anxiety and pain in hospitalized patients. Another one run by the American College of Cardiology shows that Reiki significantly increased parasympathetic activity and improved emotional well-being in patients recovering from acute coronary syndrome (ACS).
Some research suggests that Therapeutic Touch can help reduce pain and anxiety. A study in the Journal of Holistic Nursing reported reductions in pain and anxiety in postoperative patients who received Therapeutic Touch. Acupuncture has more substantial evidence supporting its efficacy, especially for pain management. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) recognize acupuncture for certain conditions.
Concerning the field of spiritual energy therapies, ancestral or modern, the most advanced research is currently carried out by the Trance Science Research Institute, which relies on an international team of researchers led by Corinne Sombrun, the first Westerner to achieve the status of Udgan (a Mongolian shaman). This institute has demonstrated that trance modifies the circuits of brain functioning, in the same way as the meditative state, and that it has therapeutic potential. But it is not limited to this; it induces a greater perception of life, a sort of augmented reality. These studies are as moving as they are inspirational.
One fascinating fact about so many energy therapies such as Reiki is that it can be effectively performed remotely, with practitioners able to channel energy and promote healing without being physically present with the recipient. This makes it a unique and accessible therapy for individuals regardless of their location. (Reiki Galore)(MindBodyGreen).
6.2 - Research at A Glance
For centuries, passionate scientists have tried to pave the way and raise awareness in the world of research regarding energy therapies. Although the beneficial effects of certain energy treatments have been measured and validated, there is no international, scientific consensus on the basis of energy therapies. Here we will explore the main theories put forward on the subject.
Since the animal magnetism theory was developed by Mesmer (1733-1815), many avenues regarding an innate life force have been explored. In the second half of the 20th century, magnetite was discovered in the human brain, and much work to develop studies around this have been done by the likes of physicis Yves Rocard, geophysicist Joseph L. Kirschvink and the ethologist-biologist James L. Gould. Humans have, via these magnetite microcrystals, an internal magnetoreceptor-transmitter, like a 6th sense. But how does it work and where exactly is it located? We trace the tale of the 3rd eye towards the pineal gland of the brain, or "seat of the soul" as Descartes called it, to find the 6th sense. The bioenergetic interaction between the practitioner and the patient is a pathway studied by the Canadian biologist Bernard Grad. Other researchers use biophotons, or particles of light, which are present in our DNA. Some researchers set up laboratory tests, trying to reproduce interactions at a distance, such as in the work of Doctor Stefan Schmidt. Finally, there is the quantum trail which was put forward by the famous Indian-American endocrinologist Deepak Chopra (The Quantum Body, 1989) which is again rising in popularity due to recent advances in the matter.
For a better overview of all this research, we recommend the books of the prolific Dean Radin, an American scientist known worldwide for his innovative experiments in the study of consciousness and parapsychology phenomena.
Since the 1980s, the WHO has recommended developing research into all complementary alternative medicines (called CAM). It also recommends better training for alternative practitioners and encourages all countries to “put in place a policy for integrating CAM into their health systems.” Thus, emerging countries, which heavily use traditional medicine, have recently committed to building a body of evidence and reliable data on their practices and products. To this end, in 2022, WHO established the Global Center for Traditional Medicine in Jamnagar, India. This center aims to harness the potential of traditional medicine from around the world through modern science and technology to “improve the health of people and the planet.” From this ongoing research emerges elements of a scientific answer to the mysteries of energy healing mechanisms and possibly even the existence of a universal power.
Go to Part 7 - Telemedicine