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Is spiritual healing a valid and effective therapy?
1Department of Biological Sciences, Wye College (University of London), Kent, UK.
Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine
|April 1, 1995
Summary
This review explores scientific evidence for healing, its methods, and its potential medical value. Further research is recommended to integrate healing therapies into healthcare services.
Area of Science:
- Integrative medicine
- Complementary therapies
- Health sciences
Background:
- Healing is increasingly recognized as a phenomenon with scientific underpinnings.
- Understanding the techniques and mechanisms of healing is crucial for its validation.
- The potential integration of healing into conventional medical services warrants investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the scientific evidence supporting the reality of healing.
- To examine the techniques and mechanisms involved in healing practices.
- To assess the potential value of healing therapies in medical services.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of scientific evidence on healing.
- Analysis of healing techniques and proposed mechanisms.
- Evaluation of the potential role of healing in healthcare.
Main Results:
- Evidence suggests healing is a scientifically-attestable phenomenon.
- Various techniques and mechanisms underlie healing practices.
- Healing therapies hold potential value for integration into medical services.
Conclusions:
- Healing is a legitimate area for scientific inquiry.
- Further extensive research is necessary to fully understand and validate healing.
- Strategies for future research should be developed to guide integration into healthcare.
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