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The psychophysiology of nontraditional prayer
International Journal of Psychosomatics : Official Publication of the International Psychosomatics Institute
|January 1, 1994
Summary
Distant healing prayer significantly reduced electromagnetic energy in specific paraspinal muscles (T6 and L3). This complementary healing intervention also influenced autonomic indicators, suggesting a mild anticipatory effect in participants.
Area of Science:
- Psychophysiology
- Complementary and Alternative Medicine
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Previous research suggested Non-Contact Therapeutic Touch influences central nervous system (CNS) end organs.
- Replication and extension of prior studies on subtle energy interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the psychophysiological effects of distant healing prayer.
- To assess the impact of complementary healing on autonomic and CNS parameters.
Main Methods:
- Randomized, double-blind, within-subject crossover design.
- Utilized surface electromyographic (sEMG) recordings at frontalis, C4, T6, and L3 paraspinals.
- Monitored autonomic indicators: hand temperature, heart rate, skin conductance levels (SCL), and blood volume pulse (BVP).
- Blinded participants to control for placebo and suggestion effects.
Main Results:
- Autonomic indicators showed a slight decrease in BVP and heart rate, with a minor increase in SCL.
- Significant reduction in electromagnetic energy observed in T6 and L3 paraspinal muscles during and after distant healing.
- T6 sEMG significance at p < .0002; L3 sEMG significance at p < .001.
Conclusions:
- Distant healing prayer demonstrated a measurable effect on specific paraspinal muscle activity.
- Findings suggest potential physiological correlates of complementary healing interventions.
- Further research is warranted to explore the mechanisms of distant healing effects.
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