Alternative medicine techniques have long been employed by people looking to balance chi, the energy that courses through our bodies. While acupuncture has been shown effective, less research has been conducted into other treatments like biofield therapy.
This review seeks to assess randomised controlled trials examining energy healing interventions as part of self-management strategies for adults living with noncommunicable diseases. Furthermore, it examines their potential to decrease illness symptoms and enhance wellbeing.
Ayurveda
Ayurveda is an integrative practice that uses natural treatments, herbal medicines, and therapies to achieve balance among body, mind, spirit, and the external world. Ayurvedic practices may include diet guidelines, sleep patterns, exercise routines, home remedies to boost digestion and immunity function and restore focus and increase energy.
Ayurved practitioners believe that optimal health results from the balance between the five elements of nature: air, fire, water and earth. When combined in your body they form three life forces or energies known as vata, pitta and kapha which regulate how your body works and maintains health; they can be disrupted by genetic abnormalities, environmental influences or your emotions causing imbalance.
Contrary to Western medicine’s one-size-fits-all approach, Ayurved medicine takes into account your individual physiology and symptoms when prescribing holistic treatment plans. Treatment typically combines yoga, meditation, massages using herbal oils and lotions and herbal remedies; Ayurved medicine has proven particularly successful at treating asthma, arthritis and digestive issues.
Many individuals have turned to Ayurved practices as an avenue for self-healing, with some scientists questioning its efficacy. Studies have demonstrated its benefits by helping reduce stress levels, improve sleep quality and concentration as well as increasing immunity against diseases.
Ayurved medicine recognizes that you are more than muscles and bones; it reminds us to embrace our souls and energies so we may remain at one with ourselves and the planet. Ayurved medicine also emphasizes finding balance within yourself by connecting to all elements and energies for proper balance and wellbeing.
Ayurved treatments are gentle and non-toxic. With no chemicals used in their creation, Ayurved treatments have long been utilized to treat chronic diseases such as fibromyalgia, back pain, arthritis and anxiety. When seeking out Ayurvedic doctors it’s essential that they are qualified professionals licensed by state regulatory bodies so they can give advice regarding diet and lifestyle as well.
Reiki
Reiki is an alternative healing technique that promotes deep relaxation by activating the parasympathetic nervous system, with claims it can aid healing of chronic illness and stress-related conditions. Practitioners employ light-touch therapies to transfer energy directly into recipients bodies during sessions that typically last around 30 minutes and are conducted fully clothed; research on Reiki has indicated its ability to reduce pain while also improving mood for cancer and fibromyalgia patients, but further investigation will need to take place to ascertain optimal frequency and duration for specific conditions.
According to the International Association of Reiki Professionals, Reiki therapy may be effective at treating many physical and emotional conditions. Though not a permanent solution, Reiki may alleviate symptoms while helping the body heal itself more easily. While not intended as a replacement for traditional medications, Reiki therapies may be used alongside conventional ones if appropriate; always consult with your healthcare provider first when considering complementary or alternative therapies as a possible treatment plan.
Reiki therapy’s benefits stem from its belief that it restores equilibrium to the whole body, which is necessary for good health. Reiki stimulates natural healing processes within your own body while supporting other treatments like medication or massage therapy. Furthermore, Reiki may ease anxiety while improving overall well-being.
A 2024 controlled trial involving cancer patients receiving chemotherapy treatments reported that Reiki reduced fatigue, improved quality of life, and decreased depression. Other studies have confirmed its benefits in helping with sleep problems, anxiety and other conditions.
Baldwin et al conducted a groundbreaking study which demonstrated how both Reiki and sham Reiki helped reduce noise-stressed rats’ rise in heart rate, using rigorous testing methods such as microscopic tissue examination and implanted telemetric transmitters – with both treatments used alongside a sham placebo control to avoid psychological placebo effects.
Reiki therapy offers a noninvasive and drug-free solution to improving mood and decreasing stress levels, relieving pain and fatigue relief and is frequently combined with other forms of therapy.
Healing touch
Healing touch is a heart-centered energy therapy that uses gentle yet nurturing techniques to balance and restore the natural flow of energy within the body. As an adjunctive and alternative form of medicine, it may also be combined with conventional treatments and can benefit those looking to enhance their emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being.
Healing touch practitioners believe that people are composed of energy, which may become unbalanced through life experiences or disruption. Their hands can help restore its flow during sessions by positioning several inches above a patient and using sweeping hand motions – in addition to relaxing them physically, healing touch can reduce pain and anxiety as well.
Studies demonstrate the therapeutic value of Healing Touch as an aid for stress reduction, strengthening immunity, easing neck and spine conditions, improving chronic conditions and providing an overall sense of well-being. Furthermore, Healing touch may reduce narcotic pain medication needs during surgery while simultaneously improving quality of life; making Healing touch an appropriate option for all ages that works well alongside standard medical care practices.
Participants reported experiencing various sensations and images during sessions, relaxation, feelings of nurtured comfort and spiritual release; many also made realizations or created new meanings; according to Rogerian Science these feelings reflect an overwhelming sense of unity with the Universe.
Sleep disturbances are all too familiar, often the result of stress or an irregular sleeping routine. Healing Touch offers relief by soothing an anxious mind and relieving muscle tension – leading to deeper, more restful restful sleep. Additionally, Healing Touch may alleviate emotional pain linked to sleeping difficulties; so before beginning Healing Touch therapy sessions it’s wise to discuss its use with a healthcare provider first and schedule weekly sessions with a trained practitioner; however some individuals may benefit from less frequent sessions depending on individual circumstances; so be sure to talk through your needs and goals with your practitioner beforehand!
Biofeedback
Biofeedback is a therapeutic practice that teaches individuals to control involuntary bodily functions through biosensors placed on the body, measuring such processes as heart rate, breathing rate, muscle tension, etc. Information collected via these sensors is then displayed live on a monitor, giving patients control over their physical state in real time and helping reduce stress as well as improving various medical issues such as anxiety migraine headaches chronic pain and urinary incontinence.
At each session, electrodes are attached to various parts of the body and communicated to a computer via sensors that interact with audio/visual cues to display information in real time, for instance a beeping sound or flashing lights that indicate muscles tensing in response to stress are displayed by computer via audiovisual cues such as audio-visual cues. Beeping sounds or flashing lights may indicate this phenomenon and patients learn how to control these responses through practicing relaxation techniques and paying attention to positive feedback – eventually being able to produce these changes without using devices or any external stimuli from devices is their ultimate goal!
Biofeedback offers many advantages; however, for optimal use it must be combined with other therapies to treat specific conditions. For instance, cognitive behavioral therapy combined with biofeedback may help manage depression or anxiety more effectively while physical rehabilitation utilizes this technique to speed recovery and promote healing more rapidly. Furthermore, the technique helps patients become less dependent on medication by helping them become more independent over time.
Biofeedback therapy is an entirely noninvasive procedure. A trained therapist will monitor physical signs of your stress and teach you ways to make changes; treatments typically last 30-60 minutes per session and the therapist will also train you how to perform this technique at home using self-monitoring devices and written material.
Though researchers remain uncertain how biofeedback works, it appears to be effective in helping individuals gain more control of their bodies and emotions. Studies have demonstrated its beneficial properties by alleviating high blood pressure, anxiety, and stress symptoms – although more studies must be completed before concluding whether biofeedback can actually prevent or reverse certain diseases.
