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Efficacy of distant healing--a proposal for a four-armed randomized study (EUHEALS)
H Walach1, H Bösch, E Haraldsson
1Institute of Environmental Medicine and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Freiburg, Germany. walach@ukl.uni-freiburg.de
Summary
This study investigated distant healing for chronic fatigue syndrome and multiple chemical sensitivity. The randomized trial aimed to determine if distant healing offers benefits beyond placebo effects for these conditions.
Area of Science:
- Complementary and Alternative Medicine
- Clinical Trials
- Psychoneuroimmunology
Background:
- Distant healing is a widely used modality with some preliminary evidence suggesting potential efficacy.
- Patients with multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) have limited effective treatment options.
- This study addresses the need for rigorous investigation into distant healing for these patient populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of distant healing as a treatment for patients with severe idiopathic chronic fatigue, chronic fatigue syndrome, or multiple chemical sensitivity.
- To differentiate the specific effects of distant healing from placebo effects (expectation) and time-dependent changes.
- To identify potential moderator variables that may predict treatment outcomes.
Main Methods:
- A four-armed randomized controlled trial involving 400 patients diagnosed with severe idiopathic chronic fatigue, CFS, or MCS.
- Patients were randomized into a 2x2 factorial design, receiving either distant healing or no healing, and knowing or not knowing about the treatment.
- Healers from diverse European traditions provided distant healing using only patient name and photograph; healers had no direct patient contact.
Main Results:
- Primary outcome was the mental health summary scale of the MOS SF-36, assessed at baseline and after a 6-month period.
- Analysis aimed to disentangle the effects of healing, expectation, and time.
- Moderator variables were examined for their predictive value on patient outcomes.
Conclusions:
- The study provides a robust methodology to assess distant healing's efficacy in a population with limited treatment options.
- By controlling for expectation and time, the trial design allows for a clearer understanding of distant healing's specific impact.
- Findings will contribute to evidence-based practice in complementary medicine for chronic conditions.