Energy Healing for Cancer: A Critical Review

Abstract

Background: This article explores the evidence base of efficacy and effectiveness of ‘energy healing’ for cancer patients. The term ‘energy healing’ refers to a wide variety of therapies which are based on the premise that the healer transfers energy to the patient. Among the most researched forms of energy healing are reiki, therapeutic touch and healing touch. Material and Methods: PubMed, AMED, JStor, Social Science Citation Index and PsycInfo databases were searched, and articles were rated according to the SIGN (Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network) quality scale. Six quantitative and two qualitative studies on the efficacy and effectiveness of energy healing for cancer patients met the inclusion criteria. Results: None of the studies are of a size or quality that allows to draw reliable conclusions. The results of the studies are, however, interesting and should be considered when developing new studies and hypotheses on working mechanisms. Conclusion: The existing research does not allow conclusions regarding the efficacy or effectiveness of energy healing. Future studies should adhere to existing standards of research on the efficacy and effectiveness of a treatment, and given the complex character of potential outcomes, cross-disciplinary methodologies may be relevant. To extend the scope of clinical trials, psychosocial processes should be taken into account and explored, rather than dismissed as placebo.

Feasibility of Energy Medicine in a Community Teaching Hospital: An Exploratory Case Series

“…Studies of the effectiveness of EM or biofield therapies on cancer-related symptoms (pain, fatigue, anxiety, and depression) reported a trend toward improvement. 2 However, the evidence for the effectiveness of biofield therapies in reducing fatigue and enhancing quality of life in these patients is still inconclusive. 24 The current study included only five patients with cancer but suggests that EM can be of benefit in immediate relief of symptoms.…”

“…E nergy healing and energy medicine (EM) are terms derived from the theory that a subtle biologic or spiritual energy surrounds and permeates the body and can be influenced for therapeutic effect. 1 , 2 Known by various names in 97 different cultures, 3 the concept of energy healing has been recorded throughout history. The National Institutes of Health includes energy healing therapy in its list of popular complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) methods.…”

“…Practitioners of EM treat the patient in close proximity (often with minimal or no physical contact) as well as at a distance (from a different room or even a different time zone). Studies have shown EM to improve pain, anxiety, wound healing, functional status, blood pressure, immune function, relaxation, well-being, 5 cancer outcomes, 6 , 7 fatigue, mood, 2 fibromyalgia, phantom limb pain, and carpal tunnel syndrome. 8 No report was found in the published literature of increased mortality, morbidity, 8 or serious adverse effects, 1 although some caution in patient selection is advisable.…”

Biofield Therapies for Symptom Management in Palliative and End-of-Life Care

“…There is a lack of agreement for a plausible mechanisms of action for biofield therapies, 19 and it is not well understood how these therapies work 18 ; therefore, their use remains controversial. Biofield therapies are based on the concept of a dynamic biophysical regulatory system.…”

“…36 Recent reviews of biofield therapies for cancer pain indicate that Reiki, TT, and HT may be effective in improving the management of cancer pain, 37,15,38,39 reducing anxiety, and enhancing relaxation. 15,38 A review of qualitative and quantitative studies for efficacy and effectiveness of biofield therapies (Reiki, TT, and HT) on cancer-related symptoms (pain, fatigue, anxiety, and depression) 19 also noted a trend toward effectiveness in easing pain and improving psychological symptoms such as feelings of well-being and relaxation. 19 HT has been found to have positive effects on stress, fatigue, pain, and mood of patients with cancer.…”