Energy healing and pain: a review of the literature

Holist Nurs Pract. Mar-Apr 2010;24(2):79-88. doi: 10.1097/HNP.0b013e3181d39718.

Abstract

This article includes a review of the literature on research related to energy healing and pain from 1980 through 2008. The types of energy healing considered include Reiki, therapeutic touch, and healing touch. There has been limited research testing these holistic interventions and their effect on pain even though there is attention to the modalities in the nursing practice literature. Recommendations for future research include studies with larger and diverse samples and comparisons among the various modalities.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Evidence-Based Medicine
  • Holistic Health*
  • Humans
  • Nursing Methodology Research
  • Pain Management*
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Relaxation Therapy / methods
  • Research Design
  • Spirituality*
  • Stress, Psychological / therapy*
  • Therapeutic Touch / methods*