| Spiritual or psychic healing is believed to transfer | | | | seem to respond particularly well, and well-conducted |
| healing energy by the laying on of hands. Christians | | | | experiments have all shown a definite effect on living |
| say it works through God or "the Christ energy" and | | | | organisms such as plant and seed growth, blood |
| spiritualists claim that the spirits of physicians heal | | | | samples, and cancer cells. Experiments have also |
| through them. Some healers say they are helped by | | | | shown that distant healing, in the form of prayer or |
| angels. Many describe themselves as channeling | | | | thought sent to people elsewhere, has similarly |
| "cosmic" or "universal energy," "light," or "bioenergy." | | | | measurable effects. In many states and also in parts |
| People may experience this energy as a hot or cool | | | | of Germany, it is a prisonable offense to practice |
| current, relieving pain, and promoting well-being and | | | | healing using "psychic power," whereas in Britain |
| relaxation. Some healers touch their clients, others | | | | healing is not only legal but widespread and well |
| work only in the energy field. Some combine healing | | | | organized. Some British physicians even have healers |
| with massage, others use crystals, color, and sound. | | | | in their clinics, and members of the National |
| Instant "miracle" cures are rare, but most people | | | | Federation of Spiritual Healers in Britainhal been |
| receive some benefit, from the relief of stress, | | | | allowed to visit patients in 1,500 hospitals sim the |
| depression, and pain, to the alleviation of chronic | | | | 1970s. An umbrella organization - the UK |
| conditions. Treatment may include examining | | | | Confederation of Healing Organizations - includes 14 |
| underlying emotional problems. NowÂadays | | | | member organizations and about 8,000 healers, |
| healers are encouraged to train in counseling | | | | covering a variety of spiritual beliefs. They run training |
| techniques and a few are even qualified | | | | courses, abide by a code of conduct, and offer |
| psychotherapists. For lasting benefit, regular sessions | | | | healing as a complement to conventional medical |
| may be necessary over some weeks or months. | | | | healthcare. |
| In spite of American researcher Dr. Dan Benor's | | | | When seeking a healer, avoid those who demand a |
| recent publication of more than 155 controlled studies | | | | substantial advance financial commitment, or insist |
| showing that healing is effective, many physicians and | | | | that you abandon medication or your religious beliefs. |
| scientists are still skeptical, dismissing any effects as | | | | Read out for Strength ball training. |
| being due to suggestion. Yet babies and animals | | | | |