Quantifying Biofield Therapy through Biophoton Emission in a Cellular Model

Biofield therapy has shown positive results over a broad range of pathology from preclinical research to human studies. However, biofield therapy investigation is limited by an inability to quantify the therapeutic effect. This study aimed to measure the effects Reiki had on mice intervertebral disc (IVD) cells compared to sham and to quantify Reiki by measuring photon emission. We treated mice IVD cells with ten minutes sessions of either Reiki or sham on three successive days. During treatment, we placed the cells in a specifically constructed box with an installed photon multiplier tube (PMT). Reiki significantly increased the photon emission of the cells post-treatment compared to Reiki pretreatment and sham (P<0.05). Real time PCR showed an increase in collagen II and aggrecan (P <0.05). We present a means to quantify biofield therapy by measuring the post-treatment photon emission. We concurrently demonstrate Reiki’s effect on the anabolic healing response.

Human Biofield Therapy Modulates Tumor Microenvironment and Cancer Stemness in Mouse Lung Carcinoma

Studies have demonstrated that purported biofield therapy emitted from humans can inhibit the proliferation of cancer cells and suppress tumor growth in various cancers. We explored the effects of biofield therapy on tumor growth in the Lewis lung carcinoma and expanded mechanistic outcomes. We found biofield therapy did not inhibit tumor growth. However, the experimental (Ex) condition exposed tumors had a significantly higher percentage of necrosis (24.4 ± 6.8%) compared with that of the Control condition (6.5 ± 2.7%; P < .02) and cleaved caspase-3 positive cells were almost 2.3-fold higher ( P < .05). Similarly, tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes profiling showed that CD8+/CD45+ immune cell population was significantly increased by 2.7-fold in Ex condition ( P < .01) whereas the number of intratumoral FoxP3+/CD4+ (T-reg cells) was 30.4% lower than that of the Control group ( P = .01), leading to a significant 3.1-fold increase in the ratio of CD8+/T-reg cells ( P < .01). Additionally, there was a 51% lower level of strongly stained CD68+ cells ( P < .01), 57.9% lower level of F4/80high/CD206+ (M2 macrophages; P < .02) and a significant 1.8-fold increase of the ratio of M1/M2 macrophages ( P < .02). Furthermore, Ex exposure resulted in a 15% reduction of stem cell marker CD44 and a significant 33% reduction of SOX2 compared with that of the Controls ( P < .02). The Ex group also engaged in almost 50% less movement throughout the session than the Controls. These findings suggest that exposure to purported biofields from a human is capable of enhancing cancer cell death, in part mediated through modification of the tumor microenvironment and stemness of tumor cells in mouse Lewis lung carcinoma model. Future research should focus on defining the optimal treatment duration, replication with different biofield therapists, and exploring the mechanisms of action.

Energy Modalities and Aromatherapy

This chapter covers energy modalities and aromatherapy. The first part introduces subtle energy and biofield therapy as a complementary therapy for senior patients to stimulate innate healing forces and promote health and relaxation. Biofield therapies combine the use of touch and intention to help the older patient mitigate symptoms and improve functional status. They are safe and have no unwanted side effects. Reiki, internal qi gong therapy, and aromatherapy can be taught for self-care, further empowering the healing process and increasing exposure to the modality. Essential oil use can be an effective option or adjunct in the treatment of many geriatric health care needs. Advantages of using essential oils include flexibility in delivery methods, low cost compared with many prescription medications, and a high safety profile when used properly.