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Physiological changes in energy healers during self-practice.

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Energy healers, including Reconnective Healers and Reiki Masters, did not show a more relaxed physiological state during self-practice. However, both groups experienced increased blood flow in their fingers.

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Area of Science:

  • Physiology
  • Complementary and Alternative Medicine
  • Autonomic Nervous System

Background:

  • The physiological effects of energy healing self-practice are not well understood.
  • Autonomic nervous system (ANS) activity is a key indicator of physiological state.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess changes in autonomic nervous system (ANS) activity during self-practice in Reiki Masters and Reconnective Healers.
  • To compare physiological responses between energy healers and control subjects.

Main Methods:

  • Measured heart rate (HR), heart rate variability (HRV), and finger blood perfusion in 31 Reiki Masters and 50 Reconnective Healers.
  • Included 32 control subjects who gazed at a calming picture.
  • Data collected before, during, and after self-practice in a laboratory setting.

Main Results:

  • Reconnective Healers showed decreased HRV and RMSSD during self-practice, indicating reduced parasympathetic activity.
  • Reiki Masters did not exhibit significant changes in HR, HRV, or RMSSD compared to controls.
  • Both Reconnective Healers and Reiki Masters demonstrated increased cutaneous blood perfusion.

Conclusions:

  • Energy healing self-practice does not appear to induce a more relaxed physiological state.
  • Peripheral vasodilation, likely mediated by humoral agents, was observed in both healer groups.
  • Further research is needed to fully understand the physiological correlates of energy healing practices.