register ultra-weak photon emission from natural artesian waters

Oral Presentations and aqueous solutions of amino acids.

Results: We discovered that water in solutions containing nat-
ural ingredients of artesian waters being in contact with air grad-
Biofield Imaging ually oxidizes and accumulates EEE turning into a highly non-equi-
librium dynamic system. In aqueous amino acid solutions there
O-1 develop autoxidation processes accompanied with spontaneous and
IMAGING BIOFIELD INTERACTIONS BY MEASURING stimulated emission of radiation. These processes display oscilla-
BIOPHOTON EMISSION tory patterns and are highly sensitive to external ultra-weak influ-
ences.
Katherine Creath, PhD, PhD,1,2 and Gary E. Schwartz, PhD1,3 Conclusions: We suggest that water—the most abundant mol-
1Center for Frontier Medicine in Biofield Science, University of ecular constituent of living systems and being at the same time
Arizona, Tucson, AZ structured matrix of life—may also play primary role in bioener-
2Optical Sciences Center, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ
getics as the source of EEE. This high density energy may serve
3Psychology, Surgery, Medicine, Neurology, and Psychiatry, Uni-
for sparking downstream biochemical and physiological events
versity of Arizona, Tucson, AZ while oscillatory character of processes with ROS participation
flowing in aqueous systems may play the pacemaker role for them.
Objective: This study was designed to image biophoton emis- On the other hand these processes are likely to be receptive for ex-
sion from and between various plant parts. ternal resonance-like factors. Besides, drinking value of water may
Materials and Methods: A highly sensitive, low-noise, cooled, depend on its ability to “burn.”
Roper Scientific camera was used to image self-generated biolog-
ical chemiluminescence (biophotons) in a completely dark, light- O-3
tight chamber from plant parts. Biophoton emission correlates with GAS DISCHARGE VISUALIZATION MEASUREMENTS
oxidative metabolic processes producing singlet oxygen and other OF THE EFFECT OF INTENT ON WATER
oxygen-related free radicals. Plant parts were placed on either black
or white (non-fluorescing) backgrounds. A sequence of long-ex- Daniel A. Lewis II, BA,1,2* Sabrina E. Lewis, BA,1,2,3, Lewis
posure images (1/2 to 2 hours) was taken once the chlorophyll flu- Mehl-Madrona, MD,3,5 Iris R. Bell, MD, PhD,1,3,4,5,6,7 and Gary
orescence decayed (after 30 minutes in darkness) over a period of E. Schwartz, PhD,1,4,5
several hours. Image brightness corresponds to the amplitude of 1Center for Frontier Medicine in Biofield Science, University of
biophoton emission. Arizona, Tucson, AZ
Results: More light is seen between adjacent plant parts than 2Saybrook Graduate School and Research Institute, San Francisco, CA
where there are no adjacent plant parts. Definite structure can be 3Program in Integrative Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ
seen between plant parts that falls off with distance. White back- 4Department of Psychology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ
grounds scatter and reflect more biophoton emission than absorp- 5Department of Surgery, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ
tive black backgrounds. With time this interaction increases and 6College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ
then decays as the plant parts decay. 7College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ
Conclusion: Each biological object is a weak light source that
interacts with adjacent biological objects. When looking at inter- Objective: Building upon our previous findings that the GDV
actions between objects, white backgrounds enhance these effects, is capable of discriminating various types, we investigated if in-
while black backgrounds enhance effects within the object. These tention and/or energy could be placed in water.
images show feedback and synergy between living systems as well Materials and Methods: Highly purified liquid chromato-
as pictorial evidence of biofields and auras. Light streaming be- graphy water (HPLC), purified water (PW), and Tucson tap water
tween objects indicates a type of communication between the ob- were used. Three experimental conditions were: (1) a control con-
jects. We speculate that these self and mutual fluorescence/lumi- dition (no intervention), (2) an individual concentrated on bring-
nescence effects are not exclusive to plants and are present in all ing earth energy up through his feet into a bottle of water or sy-
biological systems that emit biophotons. ringe held in his hand, and (3) that same individual concentrated
on the water emanating the best amethyst properties that it could.
Supported in part by NIH P20 AT00774-01 (Center for Fron- Trials were 2 minutes for each condition. GDV photographs were
tier Medicine in Biofield Science) from the National Center for taken immediately after each condition.
Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM), and Prof. Results: The differences between purified and HPLC replicated
Arthur F. Gmitro and his research group for use of equipment Form Coefficient [F(1, 22)  5.2760, p  .03151], spectrum [F(1,
and facilities. 22)  10.835, p  .00333], and area [F(1,22)  10.835, p 
.00333]. The amethyst intention condition was statistically differ-
O-2 ent from the control condition, on spectrum [F(1, 12)  11.586,
HIGH DENSITY ENERGY IN WATER AND AQUEOUS p  .00523] and area [F(1, 12)  9.9069, p  .00841]. In addition,
SYSTEMS across all reported parameters earth energy and the amethyst con-
dition showed marginally significant differences between them-
Vladimir Voeikov, and M.V. Lomonosov, Moscow State Univer- selves.
sity, Moscow, Russia Conclusions: The GDV can be used to measure intention and
the imparting of energy into water can be studied. The findings in-
Objectives: Recently it became known that water may be oxi- dicate that the use of amber glass bottles does not stop the flow of
dized by singlet oxygen giving rise to hydrogen peroxides and other energy or intention into water.
reactive oxygen species (ROS). Such reactions are known to pro-
duce energy of electronic excitation (EEE) equivalent to photons Supported by NIH grants P20-AT000774-01S1 (DAL), P20
in visible and UV-range of the spectrum. Can analogous processes AT000774 (SEL, LM-M, IRB and GES), K24 AT00057 (IRB),
arise in aqueous systems spontaneously? P50 AT00008 from the National Center for Complementary and
Materials and Methods: Single photon counters were used to Alternative Medicine (NCCAM)

723
O-4 increased HOB proliferation after 2 weeks. PCNA staining con-
THE EFFECTS OF REIKI ON BACTERIAL CULTURE firmed these data. No calcium content increase was observed in
GROWTH IN RELATION TO PSYCHO-SOCIAL CONTEXT HOB or SaOs cells at 1 week, but mineralization increased in HOBs
and significantly (p  0.004) decreased in SaOs after 2 weeks of
Beverly Rubik PhD,1 Audrey Brooks PhD,2 and Gary Schwartz, TT, which was confirmed by calcein/phalloidin staining. Northern
PhD2 blots indicated an increase in mRNA expression for bone matrix
1Biofield Research Center, Institute for Frontier Science, Oakland, CA proteins in HOBs and a decrease for SaOs.
2Department of Psychology and Center for Frontier Medicine in Conclusions: Therapeutic Touch increases human osteoblast pro-
Biofield Science, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ liferation, differentiation and bone mineralization, and decreases dif-
ferentiation and mineralization in human osteosarcoma-derived cells.
Objective: To measure effects of Reiki treatments on growth of
heat-shocked bacteria, and to determine the influence of practi- Supported by NIH grant, P20 AT-756.
tioner psychosocial well-being.
Materials and Methods: E. coli K12 was grown overnight and O-6
resuspended in fresh medium. Culture samples were paired with A COMPARISON OF HUMAN ENERGY FIELDS BEFORE
controls to minimize any ordering effects. Samples were heat- AND AFTER STIMULATION OF DR. C. NORMAN
shocked prior to Reiki treatment, which was performed by single SHEALY’S RINGS OF FIRE, EARTH, WATER, AIR, AND
Reiki practitioners for up to 15 min, with untreated controls. Plate CRYSTAL
count assays were performed to determine the number of viable Barbara A. Haydon, BSN, MA, ThD
bacteria using an automated counter. 14 Reiki practitioners com- Brasstown, NC
pleted 2 runs (n  28 runs).
Results: No difference was found between the Reiki and control
plates using paired t-tests. Half the runs showed control counts greater Objective: The present research explores the human energetic
than Reiki bacterial counts, and vice versa. Individual practitioners field change in the human body after the electrical stimulus of Dr.
did not produce consistent effects in duplicate runs. However, upon C. Norman Shealy’s Rings of Fire, Earth, Air, Water, and Crystal
close examination of the pre-post psychosocial data, changes in so- are applied. In addition, a control group of non-acupuncture points
cial (p  .05), mental (p  .09), emotional (p  .09), and overall is also compared to the rings’ analysis. The rings of acupuncture
well-being (p  .08) were found to correlate with Reiki treatment points produce specific hormones in the body with stimulation of
outcome. For practitioners starting with a lower level of well-being, the points with the SheLi TENS. The present study compares the
control counts are likely to be higher than Reiki-treated bacterial five rings and their respective electro magnetic energy fields.
counts. For practitioners starting with a higher level of well-being, Materials and Methods: The Gas Discharge Visualization Bio-
Reiki counts are likely to be higher than control counts. Although electrography (BEO-GDV) instrument was used to measure the
practitioners with control counts greater than Reiki have lower well- change in the human energy field. The GDV camera did a mea-
being scores initially, both groups improve to the same level of well- surement of the fingertips with and without a filter. The SheLi
being at post-test. TENS stimulator device was used to stimulate the acupuncture
Conclusion: Changes in Reiki practitioners’ well-being corre- points of the rings and control group. Fifty-five to sixty-one vol-
late with the outcome of Reiki on bacterial culture growth. unteers were tested in each set. The age ranges was 21 to 80 years
and were all healthy individuals.
Supported by National Institutes of Health P20 AT00774-01. Results: The pre-treatment numbers were compared to the post-
treatment numbers. A statistical change was detected in the Rings of
Water, Earth, Crystal, and Air without a filter both right and left hands.
O-5 No statistical change was detected for the Ring of Fire with or with-
THERAPEUTIC TOUCH AFFECTS PROLIFERATION AND out a filter. Statistically significant changes in the energy field with a
BONE FORMATION IN VITRO filter included the Ring of Crystal left hand and Ring of Earth right
hand. The rings of Air and Water had no statistical significant change
A. Jhaveri, M.B. McCarthy, and G. Gronowicz with a filter. The control showed no statistical significant change with
Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University of Connecticut or without a filter. Another analysis of the least-squares fit was done
Health Center, Farmington, CT. to show the movement of the electromagnetic field before and after
stimulation. All of the rings showed a movement toward the balance
points except the control group.
Objective: Our goal was to determine if Therapeutic Touch (TT) Conclusion: The most significant finding in this research was
had an effect on the growth and differentiation of bone cells in vitro. that the electrical stimulation of the acupuncture points (rings) with
Materials and Methods: Human osteoblasts (HOBs) obtained the SheLi TENS moved the electromagnetic energy toward a home-
from bones of patients undergoing orthopaedic procedures, and os- ostasis or balance point in the body.
teoblast-like cells derived from a human osteosarcoma (SaOs) were
used. Cells were plated into culture dishes and qualified practi-
tioners performed TT for 10 minutes, twice a week. Correspond-
ing untreated cultures were used as controls. At 1 and 2 weeks, Physiology and Energy Healing
cell proliferation was determined by [3H]-thymidine incorporation
and by immunocytochemistry for Proliferating Cell Nuclear Anti- O-7
gen (PCNA). At 2 and 4 weeks, calcium content was measured HOLISTIC APPROACH TO THE STUDY OF
biochemically and was visualized by fluorescent microscopy with PSYCHOSPIRITUAL HEALING
calcein and phalloidin. Northern blots were performed to deter-
mine the expression of mRNA levels of Type I collagen, bone Maria Syldona, PhD
sialoprotein and alkaline phosphatase. Transpersonal MindBody Healing Center, Huntington, NY
Results: No significant differences were found in proliferation
assayed by [3H]-thymidine incorporation at 1 or 2 weeks for SaOs Objective: Investigating psychospiritual healing is best accom-
and 1 week of TT for HOBs. However, TT significantly (p  0.01) plished with a multifaceted approach. This study integrates East-

724
ern and Western scientific traditions and first and third-person Conclusion: These studies demonstrate measurable physiolog-
analyses toward understanding the mechanisms of psychospiritual ical changes during SE state that correlate with a psycho-spiritual
healing. healing experience. Ongoing studies are measuring EEG and HRV
Materials and Methods: Energetic mechanisms underlying the in the clients receiving the energy healing.
healing meditation state of consciousness in 27 mental healing
practitioners was assessed by obtaining and comparing d.c. elec- O-9
trodermal measures recorded simultaneously and continuously EEG CHANGES IN EXPERIENCED JOHREI
from acupoint and nonacupoint locations using two Autogen PRACTITIONERS
3400 Dermographs (biofeedback machines; Autogenics-Cyborg,
Chicago) and specially designed electrodes to minimize artifact. Gary Schwartz,1,2 Audrey Brooks,1,2 Daniel Lewis,1,2,3 Kim Cor-
An ABAB within-subject experimental design, with baseline, was ley,1,2 Katie Reece,1,2 and Katherine Burleson2,4
employed. Five-minute wakeful (talking) states of external focus 1Department of Psychology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ

alternated with 5-minute healing meditation states. After each of 2Center for Frontier Medicine in Biofield Science, University of

the five-minute segments, subjects indicated graphically their felt Arizona, Tucson, AZ
sense of a flow of healing energy. 3Saybrook Institute, San Francisco, CA

Results and Conclusions: Results supported the main hy- 4Program in Integrative Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ

potheses: primarily that d.c. potential measurements taken on acu-

points differ in nature from those taken on nonacupoints, and may Objective: To examine the difference in EEG activity between
indicate that the flow of qi (or prana) through the meridian (nadi) “givers” and “receivers” of Johrei before and after a healing session.
system is identical to, or closely underlies, the endogenous d.c. po- Methods and Materials: Twenty Johrei practitioners (10 pairs)
tentials of the body. Furthermore, d.c. potential data displayed tem- conducted a standardized Johrei healing session for 22 minutes.
poral patterns distinguishing acupoint from nonacupoint measure- Participants were randomly assigned to be either the giver or re-
ments. Patterns also appeared that distinguished healing meditation ceiver. All participants had a minimum Johrei practice of 1 year
states from ordinary wakeful states of external focus. Additionally, and were active Johrei “givers” and “receivers.” EEG activity was
subjects’ graph of their felt sense of a flow of healing meditation recorded pre- and post healing intervention. Five minute eyes-open
energy corresponded only to d.c. potential patterns taken from acu- and 5-minute eyes-closed recordings were obtained.
point locations. ANOVA analysis revealed a statistically signifi- Results: Initial findings for EEG alpha (8–12 hz) from the left
cant difference (p  .001) between acupoint and nonacupoint d.c. and right sides of the head reveal different EEG alpha patterns for
potential measurements. “givers” and “receivers.” Repeated measures analyses of variance
indicate that (1) the senders decrease their EEG alpha from pre to
post intervention on both sides of the heads, and (2) the receivers
O-8 show a relative increase in left-sided EEG alpha post training.
EEG BRAINWAVES AND HEART RATE VARIABILITY Conclusion: This is the first basic science study examining bio-
(HRV) ANALYSIS OF BIOENERGETIC HEALERS physical and psychophysiological mechanisms of giving and re-
ceiving energy. The difference in EEG alpha activity between
Juan Acosta-Urquidi, PhD “givers” and “receivers” suggests that receivers experience a rela-
BRAIN-TOPOS, Seattle, WA tive increase in relaxation in the “left hemispheric.”
Objective: To record EEG and HRV data during Bioenergetic Supported by National Institutes of Health P20 AT00774.
Healing sessions.
Materials and Methods: Cortical potentials were measured O-10
with a Lexicor NRS-24 digital QEEG system, Boulder, CO, full DYNAMICAL CHANGES IN EEG ALPHA CORDANCE
cap 19 electrodes, Intl. 10–20 system, bandwidth 0.5–32 Hz, in- RESPONSES OVER TIME DURING SUCCESSFUL
cluding offline analysis software. HRV analysis used the Heart HOMEOPATHIC TREATMENT OF FIBROMYALGIA
Rhythm Scanner 1500 ECG unit, BioCom Technologies, Poulsbo,
WA. An electrocrystal sensor device (BFA, Enermed, Vancouver, Iris R. Bell, MD, PhD, Daniel A. Lewis, II, BS, Gary E. Schwartz,
CAN.) recorded discrete electromagnetic (EM) signals from the PhD, Sabrina E, Lewis, BA, Anne Scott, PhD, Audrey J. Brooks,
practitioners during the state of “sending enegy” (SE). EEG, HRV PhD, and Carol M. Baldwin, RN, PhD
and BFA signals were simultaneously recorded from practitioners, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ
revealing the complex shifting brainstates, the physio-emotional
components of the experience and EM emission signals. A base- Objective: We previously reported that initial electro-
line was initially recorded and compared to data taken at 10–40 encephalographic (EEG) alpha cordance patterns distinguished fi-
min. time points during SE state. Practitioners of diverse Energy bromyalgia patients with subsequently excellent local (tender point
Healing modalities (Pranic, Reiki, Quantum Touch, Shamanic, pain) and global (overall health) clinical responses to homeopathy
Johrei), were selected for this study. Most sessions consisted of from all other patients (Bell et al. 2004). Given homeopathy’s his-
distant healing, but in some cases the client was in the same room tory of inconsistent replicability, the present study reassessed the
receiving the healing. same measure over time.
Results: Baseline EEG signatures were distinct, as expected, but Materials and Methods: Evaluated initial, 3-month, and 6-
some consistent features were noted: assymetrical alpha activity, month EEG alpha (8–12 hertz) cordance during a double-blind,
was shifted to right temporal-parietal sites, maximal at T6, P4. randomized, placebo-controlled trial of individualized LM-potency
Phase synchrony maps (theta-alpha, 7-10Hz) and low-amplitude homeopathy in fibromyalgia (N  50). EEG sessions (eyes-closed)
delta power (1–4 Hz), revealed higher than normal Z-scores included 16 2-second sniffs of diluted patient-specific treatment
(LSRDB database). During SE state, robust (45–200% increase) in solution [verum for Active; placebo for Placebo group], random-
mostly alpha power was detected at T6, P4. Phase synchrony was ized in order by pairs with 16 2-second sniffs of similarly-prepared
also increased in alpha-theta band. HRV analysis during SE state control solvent solution. Cordance was computed as a derivative
revealed increased coherence (peak ca. 0.1 Hz power-freq. spec- of absolute and relative power for nearest neighbor electrode pairs
trum) in only a few healers, most showed increased sympathetic per www.qeeg.org. Averaged cordance values for all sniffs of treat-
arousal, reflecting the establishment of a “healing connection” with ment solution minus control solvent were compared over excel-
their target. lent, good, and poor responders.

725
 Results: The excellent clinical responders (defined at 3 months) Conclusion: A combination of Yoga exercises, meditation, and
showed a progressive shift from negative to positive difference energy healing is effective in increasing mental and physical flex-
scores in cordance over 6 months. The pattern differed from that ibility, diminishing physical and mental problems, and enhancing
of good and poor responders to verum and placebo. individual’s reflective/intuitive abilities. By learning Yoga and med-
Conclusions: Consistent with the complex adaptive systems itative exercises, individuals were able to continue experiencing the
model for homeopathic healing, the data suggest that EEG cor- benefits obtained from energy healing provided by Yoga Masters.
dance is a dynamic biomarker for the evolution of excellent clin-
ical responses. The pattern over time was unique to exceptional re- O-12
sponders on verum. Apparent irreproducibility of homeopathy DEVELOPING TOOLS TO ASSESS OUTCOMES FOR
research may stem partly from the assumptions of conventional SPIRITUAL/ENERGETIC HEALING: PILOT STUDY
medical researchers that human beings and biomarkers are static
rather than dynamic entities. Elizabeth Sutherland, ND,1,2 Cheryl Ritenbaugh, PhD, MPH,1,2
Susan Kiley MSW LMT,3 and Nancy Vuckovic PhD1
1Center for Health Research, Kaiser Permanente Northwest,

Portland, OR
2Helfgott Research Institute, National College of Naturopathic

Medicine, Portland, OR
3Kaiser Permanente Northwest Pain Management Clinic, Portland,

OR

Objective: Conventional assessment instruments do not capture

the multidimensional outcomes of spiritual/energetic healing. To
address this, we elicited descriptions of how subjects themselves
describe their healing process. The long-term goal is to develop
language that can portray a patient’s healing experience, regard-
less of healing tradition, and ultimately to deepen our understand-
ing of what actually heals. This work is initially qualitative but can
lead to development of Likert-type scales for spiritual/energetic
outcomes assessment.
Supported by NIH R21 AT00315 (IRB), K24 AT00057 (IRB), and Materials and Methods: Within a pilot study of energy heal-
P20 AT00774 (GES) from the National Center for Complementary ing for chronic headache, six female patients recruited from Kaiser
and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) and NIH HL53938-07S1 Permanente Northwest (KPNW) Pain Clinic were given audiotaped
(CMB). Its contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and interviews for approximately one hour at baseline, post-third treat-
do not necessarily represent the official views of NCCAM or NIH. ment, end of treatment, and three months after end of treatment.
Initial analysis was conducted by coding interviews for emergent
Qualitative Research themes, common descriptors, and key events.
Results: Each participant reported profound shifts in self-aware-
O-11 ness after three sessions. In each case changes were noted by oth-
CLIENT PERCEPTIONS OF THE EXPERIENCE OF ers (healthcare providers, family members), and four of six showed
DAHN YOGA ENERGY HEALING, MEDITATION, AND decreased utilization of KPNW medical resources. Examples of
EXERCISE language used to describe this experience included: “Walls that ob-
structed my creativity have melted”; and “Something locked up in-
Bonnie Raingruber, PhD side me since childhood has released, relieving the hold it had on
Center for Health and Human Services Research, California State my body.” Potential scalable items from this study will be used in
University, Sacramento, CA the next pilot.
Conclusion: Patients’ descriptions of their healing process may
Objective: The objective of this study was to examine client lead to a systematic way to query patients across healing traditions
perceptions of Dahn Yoga energy healing, physical exercises, and and provide the basis for spiritual/energetic outcomes assessment
meditative practices. scales.
Methods: A phenomenological investigation of 10 adults re-
ceiving energy healing and practicing meditation and Dahn Yoga Supported in part by the NCCAM-funded by the Oregon Cen-
was conducted. Caucasian adults between the age of 21 and 55 ter for Complementary and Alternative Medicine and by Kaiser
were interviewed. Themes that appeared throughout the interviews Permanente Northwest.
were identified using a Heideggerian approach. The results were
presented to the participants for validation. O-13
Results: Participants described being aware of physical sensa- BECOMING AN ENERGY HEALER: A QUALITATIVE
tions associated with Chi energy flow and feeling more energetic EXPLORATION
following Yoga, meditation, and energy healing sessions. Partici-
pants reported that their intuitive experiences increased as a result Deogracia Cornelio, PhD, and Sara L. Warber MD
of these practices. Intuitive experiences included seeing colors/ Michigan Integrative Medicine, University of Michigan, and Depart-
lights, seeing images that were described as having significance in ment of Family Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
terms of one’s life, noticing precognitive insights, and experienc-
ing more vivid dreams. Participants mentioned becoming more Objective: To elucidate the concepts and processes related to
flexible and experiencing physical improvements such as decreased becoming a biofield energy healer.
back pain, enhanced sleep, decreased depression, and improved im- Materials and Methods: Nineteen participants were selected to
mune function. The sense of community in the Yoga center moti- represent a variety of energy healing modalities from Midwestern
vated individuals to participate in the healing sessions as well as U.S. metropolitan area. Semi-structured interviews elicited their
the meditative and Yoga practices on a regular basis. descriptions of healing theory and practice. Interview transcripts

726
were qualitatively analyzed to identify recurrent themes, concep- (5) willingness and ability to receive love; (6) relationship to di-
tual categories and relationships. They were reviewed and vali- vine purpose; (7) soul issues; (8) surrender to a spiritual path.
dated by a second investigator. Conclusions: Identified dimensions for pre and post ener-
Results: The healer and client enter the healing space and are getic/spiritual assessment provide a starting point for studying spir-
defined anew as partners, as agents, as energy entities. The ability itual interventions in HIV/AIDS in relation to biological and psy-
to help others heal is achieved through an “awareness” of and “an chometric outcomes, a first step toward integration of spiritual
openness” to energy. The healer’s role is one of “facilitator” of the science with biomedical research.
client’s own ability to heal, a “conduit” for the energy. Healers talk
of “holding” clients in a “sacred” space of “deep love and com-
passion” to “meet the client where he or she is” and “work with
them.” Thus, they must reach a state characterized by clear “in- Theory
tent.” This state demands a practice of self-care and self-manage-
ment, which bring the healer to embody important aspects of their O-15
definition of energy, health and ethical practice. The healer’s iden- A COMPLEX ADAPTIVE SYSTEMS SCIENCE
tity is one of “living the practice.” MODEL FOR TRANSFORMATIONAL HEALING IN
Conclusion: Becoming an energy healer extends beyond formal HOMEOPATHY
training and into the development of a cohesive practice informed by
a complex system of beliefs and the principles of their traditions. It Iris R. Bell, MD, PhD
includes mentorship, overarching philosophical explorations and on- Program in Integrative Medicine, University of Arizona College
going self-regulation. The healer state and identity are defined by of Medicine, Tucson, AZ
what is conducive to health and promotes healing.
Objective: To describe a complex adaptive system (CAS) sci-
Funded in part by the Robert Wood Johnson Clinical Scholars ence model for transformational healing in homeopathy.
Program Methods: Examined homeopathic case analysis approaches and
empirical evidence.
O-14 Results: Observationally, 70–90% of homeopathic patients im-
A PHASE 0 STUDY OF SPIRITUAL HEALING FOR prove; 20% report multidimensional, transformational responses.
PATIENTS WITH HIV/AIDS: DEVELOPING METHODS Treatment choice derives from fixed patterns/themes that perme-
FOR SPIRITUAL ASSESSMENT ate the patient’s presentation as a whole, emphasizing mental and
general symptoms. A tenet of classical homeopathy is that all dis-
John Laird, MD,1 Ibrahim Jaffe, MD,1 and Cheryl Ritenbaugh, ease begins at the spiritual level, manifesting at mental, emotional,
PhD, MPH1,2 and physical levels. Each person needs a single remedy from the
1The Jaffe Institute, Pope Valley, CA earth’s animal, mineral, or plant kingdom that expresses the in-
2Helfgott Research Institute, National College of Naturopathic tensity of a pervasive life theme, e.g., survival and competition (an-
Medicine, Portland, OR imals), structure (minerals), sensitivity (plants). In a qualitative
study, homeopaths reported “unstuckness” from recurrent self-de-
Objective: To develop methods for studying spiritual healing feating behaviors as signaling transformational change. Change oc-
among HIV/AIDs patients, including identification of the most im- curs in a hierarchical pattern from within outward, above down-
portant spiritual foci for assessment before and after interventions, ward, and in reverse order of time of appearance. Two recent
and parameters to evaluate these foci in relation to changes in bio- quantitative studies demonstrated nonlinear, dynamical (nonstatic)
medical and psychometric measures. patterns of responses to homeopathic remedies.
Materials and Methods: Fifteen patients participated in a wait- Discussion: Systems science accommodates the convergent
list controlled pilot study of spiritual healing for HIV/AIDS. The clinical and empirical evidence. A person is a CAS, an open evo-
protocol included an introductory explanatory session, two inten- lutionary self-organized system in which many different indepen-
sive group healings 10 days apart, and 4 class sessions in between dent variables interact in interdependent and unpredictable ways.
to help integrate the healings. At each of the intensive group heal- Each person is part of the larger dynamic network of the planet,
ing sessions, I. Jaffe led the healers in qualitatively assessing the living out, within a human experience, the challenges/themes of
patients at several energetic levels and describing what appeared his/her environment’s animal, mineral, or plant components. Cor-
relevant to the patients’ health, well-being, and outcome. Assess- rect homeopathic treatment triggers a cascade of sudden change,
ments were tape-recorded, transcribed, and coded for themes and i.e., self-organized criticality, leading to healthier adaptation
content. Changes and areas which resisted change from pre-base- throughout the person and network. The model predicts homeo-
line to post-second healing were noted. These form the basis for pathic treatment of super-connected individuals should markedly
subsequent comparison with viral loads, CD4 counts, and psycho- improve world-network health.
metric assessment at baseline, one, and three months post healing.
Results: Qualitative analysis provided eight dimensions for con- Supported by NIH K24 AT00057 and P20 AT00774 from the Na-
sistent assessment of spiritual state: (1) energetic assessment of T tional Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NC-
cells; (2) energetic assessment of virus; (3) energetic relationship CAM). Its contents are solely the responsibility of the author and do
of patient’s T cells and virus; (4) energetic assessment of thymus; not necessarily represent the official views of NCCAM or NIH.

727