Related Terms

• Absent healing, archaeus, bioenergy healing, bioenergotherapy, chakras, clairsentient readings, distant healing, faith healing, intercessory prayer, laying on of hands, LeShan, magnetic or sympathetic medicine, mental healing, od, odyle, orgone, paranormal healing, pneuma, prani, prayer, psychic healing, reiki, scanning, shamanism, telesomatic reactions, therapeutic touch.

• Note: Researchers apply the term "spiritual healing" somewhat loosely. Some consider all energy-based modalities as forms of spiritual healing, even though they are taught as secular.

Background

• The use of spiritual healing can be traced as far back as the New Testament of the Bible. In modern times, a number of therapeutic techniques involve spiritual aspects, and there is overlap between these different approaches. Individuals and organizations involved with spiritual healing may use many different approaches and styles.

• Some schools offer certification in healing, although official licensure is lacking in this area. In England, there are thousands of practitioners registered in numerous healing organizations. Organizations may require a minimum of 2 to 3 years of training for healers.

• Some of the therapies used in the United States that involve spiritual healing or mind/body medicine include distance healing, therapeutic touch, Ayurveda, prayer, pastoral counseling, supernatural healing sources, metaphysical healing and Reiki. These therapies may be grouped under the concept of holistic care.

• Spiritual healing is often practiced without charge, and many different approaches and durations have been used. Treatments may be given at healing centers, in the medical setting, in hospice programs, in the home, and from a distance. Spiritual healers may also work with patients over the Internet.

Theory

• Various theories have been proposed by healers and healing organizations to explain how these techniques might work. Reliable scientific study of these theories is limited, likely due to difficulties designing research in this area. Some healers suggest that illness is caused by imbalances in the body, and that channeling of "energy" via the healer to the patient may be therapeutic. In this model, spiritual healing is considered to be a direct interaction between the healer and an ill individual, with the intention of bringing about an improvement or cure of an illness. The healer is generally not considered to be the source of healing energy, but rather to serve as a vehicle for channeling greater forms of energy or power to the patient.

• Depending on the technique, it is believed that energy can be passed through physical contact or distance healing. Distant approaches may include directing compassionate thoughts, intentions, or prayers towards others. Participation by the patient may also be included, and healers may encourage visualization techniques, prayer, or positive thinking.

• Most healers do not diagnose specific illnesses, and may not relate to the disease categories used in Western medicine. More often, the aim is to help patients in more general non-specific terms, by increasing well-being or quality of life.

Scientific Evidence

Tradition/Theory

The below uses are based on tradition or scientific theories. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious and should be evaluated by a qualified health care professional.

• Aging, alcohol withdrawal, amyloidosis, anxiety, blood vessel disease, breast cancer, cervical disc disease, depression, diabetes, dissociative identity disorder (DID), epilepsy, fibromyalgia, gallstones, gastrointestinal disorders, goiter, Graves' disease, growth rates, heart attack, heart disease, immune system enhancement, influenza prevention, insomnia, intestinal blockage, labor and delivery, low back pain, malaria, migraine headache, multiple sclerosis, pancreatic cancer, pregnancy, quality of life (breast cancer), reducing side effects of chemotherapy or radiotherapy, schizophrenia, sickle cell disease, stress, surgical anxiety, tension, tranquilizer/sedation, trauma, tumors, viral infection, warts, wound healing.

Safety

Many complementary techniques are practiced by healthcare professionals with formal training, in accordance with the standards of national organizations. However, this is not universally the case, and adverse effects are possible. Due to limited research, in some cases only limited safety information is available.

• Spiritual healing should not be used as the only treatment approach for medical or psychiatric conditions, and should not delay the time it takes to consider more proven therapies. When spiritual healing leads to delays in medical treatment, disease symptoms may worsen.

• Spiritual healing may be unsafe to use in individuals who may be inclined to self-blame or shame if they do not get the desired results from spiritual healing.

• Spiritual healing techniques appear to be otherwise safe. Many medical traditions include spiritual aspects as a part of their overall approaches to ill patients.

Author Information

• This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).

References

Natural Standard developed the above evidence-based information based on a thorough systematic review of the available scientific articles. For comprehensive information about alternative and complementary therapies on the professional level, go to www.naturalstandard.com. Selected references are listed below.

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