Effects of Energetic Healing on Depression and Stress

Reiki photo courtesy of ABMP.

Long-Term Effects of Energetic Healing on Symptoms of Psychological Depression and Self-Perceived Stress

The following is a summary by Pat Cougar of the research article " Long-Term Effects of Energetic Healing on Symptoms of Psychological Depression and Self-Perceived Stress" by Adina Goldman Shore, PhD. Originally published in the May/June 2004, Vol. 10, No. 3 issue of Alternative Therapies magazine, reprints of the original article may be obtained by contacting: InnoVision Communications, 169 Saxony Road, Suite 103, Encinitas, CA 92024; phone, (866) 828-2962 or (760) 633-3910; email, alternative.therapies@innerdoorway.com

Dr. Adina Goldman Shore's article is the result of a one-year study of the effects of Reiki, a form of energy healing, on psychological depression and self-reported stress. The study investigated the hypothesis that it is the Reiki energy itself, and not the "hands on" touch, that is the healing factor, and examined the long-term effects of Reiki on depression and stress. Dr. Shore also provides some basic information regarding the uses of Reiki, including it usefulness in psychotherapy.

Forty-five participants with symptoms of depression and stress volunteered for this study. Participants were randomly assigned to one of three groups: Hands-on (touch) Reiki, Distance (non-touch) Reiki, and distance Reiki placebo. Participants were not aware of which group would be receiving placebo Reiki. Twelve Reiki Masters, and three second degree Reiki practitioners were chosen to conduct the one to one and one-half hour sessions. Each participant received one treatment weekly for six weeks. The article describes the protocols for the selection of Reiki practitioners and participants for the study, as well as uniformity in the manner in which sessions were conducted.

Three tests, designed to measure levels of depression and stress, were administered to each participant before and after the series of six sessions. One year later, the participants retook the three tests. After testing was completed, the control/placebo group received another six weeks of Reiki treatments, this time with actual Reiki, and the three tests were administered to this group again.

Findings of the study demonstrated that there were no changes in the control/placebo group until they received the six sessions of actual Reiki a year after the first six placebo sessions. Both the hands-on and the distance Reiki were effective in relieving symptoms of depression and stress. Distance Reiki was shown to be slightly more effective than hands on, which ruled out touch as the causative factor, although the difference may have been influenced in part by the project's design (please see original article for details). The results of the placebo group served to rule out any changes due to expectations of the participants. Re-testing a year later demonstrated that the positive results of the six Reiki treatments had remained intact.

Dr. Shore suggests combining Reiki with traditional forms of treatment for psychological depression, because of Reiki's effectiveness, and cost reduction. She encourages further studies of energy healing on other psychological and physiological disorders.

Massage Therapy can Relieve Depression Symptoms

If you’ve ever had a massage you know that massage is good for the body and spirit. It relieves stress and tension and leaves you feeling more relaxed and at peace. Therapeutic touch is just that, therapeutic on many levels. And science has shown that massage is therapeutic for depression sufferers:

A course of 17 studies involving 786 people conducted by Dr. Wen-Hsuan Hou of I-Shou University in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, who used massage and other alternative treatments showed that massage is “significantly effective” in the treatment of depression symptoms.

Another study conducted by Kira M. Weier, CNM, MSN, and Margaret W. Beal, CNM, PhD compared relaxation and massage on 32 teen mothers suffering from depression to determine the effects. Overall the participants showed improvement, but only the massage group had “significant decreases in depression scores”.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, roughly 9.5 percent of the U.S. population is afflicted with a type of mood disorder (Major Depressive Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, Dysthymic Disorder.) Of the mood disorders, Major Depressive Disorder is number one cause of disability for people between the ages of 15 and 44. It affects 6.7 percent of Americans age 18 and over.

Massage doesn’t promise to be the miracle cure for depression, but it is a therapy that can be used in conjunction with counseling, diet, and other complimentary health techniques.

If you choose to use massage to treat depression, look for a caring, mature massage therapist that has some experience with energy work and embraces a philosophy of holistic health. Work with your MT to set up a series of massage sessions to reap maximum benefits. Massage has cumulative effects, the more you have it, the better it is for you.

Massage Therapy Research