Science x Spiritual: Energy Healing Is More Than Placebo

The next time someone tells me that they “believe in science” and therefore cannot take me or my work seriously, I will point them to:

“Effects of Distant Biofield Energy Healing on Adults Associated with Psychological and Mental Health-Related Symptoms (2024)” Read it here.

This is a study from 2024 which showed that distant energy healing significantly reduces anxiety, depression, stress, and sleep disturbances compared to placebo.

This means that energy healing is more than the placebo effect and there were even measurable biomarker changes:

• Reductions in proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8) and oxidative stress markers

• Increased neurotransmitters (dopamine, oxytocin) and anti-aging factors like the Klotho protein

• Improved vital vitamin levels (B12, C, D3) and enhanced cognitive-motor functions, including grip strength and balance.

Furthermore, these results were statistically significant, which means there is less than a 0.01% chance that the results happened by pure luck or coincidence.

Argument against the efficacy of the study:

• The study relies on subjective, self-reported data.

• Small sample size of 114 participants.

• Conflicts of interest because it was run by Trivedi Global, Inc. who have a significant financial and professional stake in the treatment being proven successful.

Arguments supporting the efficacy of the study:

• It used “The Big Three” methods, the gold-standard for scientific rigor in studies: randomized, placebo-control, double-blind.

• It measured biology, not just self-reported feelings.

• It used standardized psychological questionnaires that have been vetted for reliability and internal consistency instead of making up their own questions.

I wonder if this will test whether people believe in science or not more than if energy healing is real or not.