Supporting Research

Validated Studies: CranioSacral Therapy

Effectiveness of osteopathic craniosacral techniques: a meta-analysis

Craniosacral osteopathic manipulative medicine—also known as craniosacral therapy (CST)—is a widely taught and used component of osteopathic medicine. This paper seeks to systematically review and conduct a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials assessing the clinical effectiveness of CST compared to standard care, sham treatment, or no treatment in adults
and children.

The Effect of Craniosacral Therapy on Blood Levels of Stress Hormones in Male Firefighter Cadets: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Fire department cadets preparing to become firefighters and paramedics experience high levels of stress when participating in incidents like traffic accidents and fires. Stress adversely affects health, and coping with it proves difficult. Unfortunately, there is no single method that reduces stress completely in humans. One non-invasive method for lowering stress hormone levels is craniosacral therapy. (2) Methods: Fifty-seven firefighting cadets aged 18–24 years (21.63  1.41) participated in the study. They were randomly assigned to either a test group or a control group.

Participants’ blood levels of cortisol and CRH (corticotropin-releasing hormone) were assessed before and after the study. The study group underwent 5-week craniosacral therapy (1 per week). (3) Results: The Kruskal–Wallis test showed that the therapy group’s results were statistically significant for CRH values (p-value = 0.00067) and for cortisol values (p-value  0.0001). Wilxocon and Dunn tests showed statistical significance for cortisol after CS therapy between the control and study groups (p = 0.0377), and for CRH between the control and study groups before (p = 0.00634) and after the study (p = 0.000887), and in the study group before and after the study (p = 0.0101). (4)

Conclusions:
The application of craniosacral therapy reduced stress hormone levels in male firefighter cadets. The results indicate that craniosacral therapy (five sessions, one per week) has an effect on the reduction of stress hormones.

Effectiveness of Craniosacral therapy, Bowen therapy, static touch, and standard exercise program on sleep quality in fibromyalgia syndrome: A protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Sleep disturbance is a common feature seen in fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS), negatively impacting quality of life. FMS participants often opt for complementary therapies for their symptoms. However, there is limited evidence on manual therapies aimed at influencing sleep quality in those with FMS in India. Thus, this study aims to determine the effectiveness of Craniosacral therapy, Bowen therapy, static touch, and standard exercise program on sleep quality in participants with FMS.

Methods: 132 participants diagnosed with FMS will be randomly allocated to one of four groups (Craniosacral therapy, Bowen therapy, static touch, or standard exercise program). The participants in all groups will receive once-a-week supervised sessions for 12 weeks, except those in the standard exercise group who will receive once- a-week supervised sessions on the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 5th, 9th, and 12th week, and twice-weekly home exercises for those 6 weeks. Then, they will be asked to do thrice weekly home exercises for the remaining weeks up to 12 weeks. After 12 weeks, all the participants will be taught and asked to do the standard exercise program at home for another 12 weeks. A blinded assessor will take the outcomes at baseline, at the end of the 12th and 24th week of intervention. The study’s primary outcome is the Pittsburgh sleep quality index. The secondary outcomes are pressure pain threshold, quality of life, physical function, fatigue, pain catastrophizing, kinesiophobia, and positive-negative affect. Repeated measures ANOVA and appropriate post hoc tests will be applied to analyze the between-group differences.

Conclusion: The current study will provide insights into the treatment options to manage sleep and fibromyalgia symptoms.

Clinical Effectiveness of Craniosacral Therapy in Patients with Headache Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

To analyze the effectiveness of craniosacral therapy in improving pain and disability among patients with headache disorders.

Two independent reviewers searched the databases and extracted data from randomized controlled trials comparing craniosacral therapy with control or sham interventions. The same reviewers assessed the methodological quality and the risk of bias using the PEDro scale and the Cochrane Collab- oration tool, respectively. Grading of recommendations, assessment, development, and evaluations was used to rate the certainty of the evidence. Meta-analyses were conducted using random effects models using RevMan 5.4 software.

Advocacy for Change: An Osteopathic Review of Traumatic Brain Injury Among Combat Veterans

As a "signature injury" of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, traumatic brain injury (TBI) remains a major health concern among military service members. Traumatic brain injury is associated with a wide range of symptoms which may be cognitive, emotional, psychological, biochemical, and social in nature. Mild TBI (mTBI) ranks as the most common traumatic brain injury among veterans. Due to the absence of specific symptoms, mTBI diagnosis may be challenging in acute settings. Repetitive traumatic brain injury during combat deployments can lead to devastating chronic neurodegenerative diseases and other major life disruptions. Many cases of TBI remain undetected in veterans and may lead to long-term adverse comorbidities such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), suicide, alcohol disorders, psychiatric diagnoses, and service-related somatic dysfunctions. Veterans with TBI are almost twice as likely to die from suicide in comparison to veterans without a history of TBI. Veterans diagnosed with TBI experience significant comorbid conditions and thus advocacy for improved care is justified and necessary. Given the complexity and variation in the symptomatology of TBI, a personalized, multimodal approach is warranted in the evaluation and treatment of veterans with TBI and other associated conditions. As such, this review provides a broad overview of treatment options, with an emphasis on advocacy and osteopathic integration in the standard of care for veterans.

Craniosacral therapy for chronic pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Chronic pain disorders are the leading global cause of disability and are still increasing in prevalence [1]. Low back and neck pain, headache and migraine considerably affect all age groups from the beginning of adolescence to middle-aged and older adults [1]. The often limited effects and potential side effects of pharmacological treatments for chronic musculoskeletal pain conditions [2] may be reasons why patients frequently use complementary therapies [3–5]. Among them, Craniosacral Therapy (CST) is a typically requested treatment for complaints of the back and neck, headache and migraine, and associated stress related and mental health problems

Comparative study of muscle energy technique, craniosacral therapy, and sensorimotor training effects on postural control in patients with nonspecific chronic low back pain

Malalignment in the pelvic and spinal column disturbs the balance and decreases the postural control ability. Malalignment is known as one of the main causes of back pain particularly the nonspecific chronic low back pain (NSCLBP). The aim of the study is to compare the effect of muscle energy technique (MET), craniosacral therapy (CST), and sensorimotor training (SMT) on postural control in patients with NSCLBP. Materials and Methods: In this randomized clinical trial study, 45 NSCLBP patients were accidentally allocated in three groups including CST (n = 15), MET (n = 15), and SMT (n = 15). Clinical interventions including CST, MET, and SMT were performed in 10 sessions in 5 weeks (2 sessions per week). The parameters of center of pressure (COP) were assessed in 8 positions such as standing position on double or single leg with open or closed eyes or half squat position on double or single leg with open or closed eyes. Results: The results of this study showed that all three methods of CST, MET, and SMT are effective in postural control in patients with NSCLBP, although it seems that CST is effective on more balance factors. CST has a greater effect on balance in standing position on a single leg with closed eye. It was also found that the effect of CST was continuous after follow‑up. Conclusion: Moreover, MET and SMT methods were effective in balance control in NSCLBP patients and postural control was more affected by CST.

Combining psychotherapy with craniosacral therapy for severe traumatized patients: A qualitative study from an outpatient clinic in Norway

Craniosacral therapy (CST) is an established complementary modality for several health complaints. A clinic for psychosomatics in Norway has included CST into a multimodal treatment approach for severely traumatized patients. The aim of this study was to investigate and describe the indications for the use of craniosacral therapy within trauma therapy. Specifically, to explore treatment philosophy, criteria for improvement, treatment aims, and the evaluation of the risk profile of the multimodal treatment approach.

Methods: Semi-structured individual interviews (n = 8) and one focus group interview were conducted with the therapists at the Clinic for Psychosomatics, Hospital of Southern Norway, Kristiansand, Norway. The text data were transcribed verbatim, and the analysis of the material was conducted according to conventional and direct content analysis.

Effects of CranioSacral therapy upon symptoms of post-acute concussion and Post-Concussion Syndrome: A pilot study

The purpose of this study was to investigate the utilization of CranioSacral Therapy (CST) in patients with Post-Concussion Syndrome (PCS) and capture patient-reported perceptions of clinical outcomes of lived treatment experiences.

A Role of Complementary Medicine in Rehabilitation of Military Traumatic Brain Injuries

This case series report describes the effects of CranioSacral Therapy (CST), Visceral Manipulation (VM), and Neuro-muscular Manipulation (NM) modalities for treating patients who have post-concussion syndrome. The goal of this study was to evaluate these effects on immobility, pain intensity, quality of life, sleep disorders, and cognition in these patients.

Healing Touch in Clinical Practice

The use of biofield energy therapy as complementary and alternative medicine in human health care system: a narrative review and potential mechanisms

There has been accumulating interest in the application of biofield therapy as complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) to treat various diseases. The practices include reiki, qigong, blessing, prayer, distant healing, known as biofield therapies. This paper aims to state
scientific knowledge on preclinical and clinical studies to validate its potential use as an alternative medicine in the clinic. It also provides a more in-depth context for understanding the potential role of quantum entanglement in the effect of biofield energy therapy.

Quantum Biofield Energy Therapy for Psychological and Mental Health Problems

Life is very complex, nonlinear, and dynamic. Each life form has a biofield that controls the integrity of all organisms. Overall, health is an experience of harmony between our physical body, mind, and connection to society.

Psychological and mental health are critical components of health. The mind-body-spirit is interlinked with each other that affects a person’s psychological, mental, and physical health. When symptoms affect cognitive thoughts, affective emotions, and physical behaviors, the consequences can be impairment of healthy human functioning and psychological distress. To cope with psychological and mental health problems, biofield energy therapies can provide an alternative therapy to treat and minimize the signs and symptoms of psychological and mental illness such as anxiety, depression, mood disorders, mental distress, emotional disorders, etc. The biofield energy treatments include Reiki, therapeutic touch, healing touch, blessing, prayer, Trivedi Effect®, external Qigong, etc. This holistic therapy is an effective, side-effect-free, and less expensive treatment. Biofield therapists/ practitioners do local and nonlocal interventions to treat their clients’ problems. The mechanism of action of biofield energy therapy remains unknown. Based on quantum physics, authors assume and hypothesize that the effectiveness of biofield energy therapy occurs due to quantum entanglement through spiritual healing. This chapter focuses on the theory of body-mind-consciousness, human biofield energy, the current concept of quantum aspects of biofield energy therapy, and its effectiveness in dealing with psychological and mental health problems.

Quantum Functional Energy Medicine: Basic Concepts

Energy medicine entails several systems that work with energy fields of the body to help restore health. Most energy-related therapies
challenge the current biomedical paradigm because they cannot be explained by conventional physical, chemical, biochemical, or physiological mechanisms. Quantum physics provides a more appropriate paradigm to explain
these therapeutic approaches. Energy therapies involve low-level (subtle) energy field interactions, such as Healing Touch, homeopathy, acupuncture, magnet therapy, bioelectromagnetic therapy, electrodermal therapy, and phototherapy.

Examining the Impact of a Healing Touch Intervention to Reduce Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms in Combat Veterans

This study examined the use of Healing Touch (HT), a biofield therapy, as an intervention in treating posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It exemplifies the upswing of biofield (energy field) therapies that have been taking place recently for a number of clinical conditions, including cancer, pain, arthritis, movement restriction, and energy psychology. Theoretically, the human body is the physical aspect of an individualized field of energy (biofield) in which electrical activity functions as a complex, organized whole or system. Hypothetically, this system plays a critical role in the effective treatment of PTSD. Trauma-induced congested energy in vital areas of the human body, particularly the chakras and the funnel-shaped crown-to-transpersonal channel, impedes the natural release of unwanted energy of emotions, thereby becoming a major obstacle to treatment. This qualitative and quantitative study examined the use of HT as an effective intervention to break up and clear away congested energy, promote a strong energy flow, and allow the natural release of unwanted energy of emotions to normalize.

Alternative Therapy for Veterans Diagnosed With Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

An increasing number of veterans diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has led to an increased demand for treatment within the Veteran Affairs health care system. Presently, veterans diagnosed with PTSD receive psychotropic medications and
intermittent therapy sessions. Nurses are challenged to educate veterans about other health care issues based on verbalized side effects from prescribed PTSD medications limiting veterans’ ability to focus. Identifying alternative treatment options may improve
treatment choices, reduce side effects, and promote positive outcomes for veterans with PTSD. This systematic review provided evidence-based practice information by addressing whether alternative therapy such as biofeedback would improve the
therapeutic response and reduce the need for psychotropic medications.

Pilot study: Improving patient outcomes with healing touch

Healing Touch therapies use a practitioner’s intentional placement of hands to influence energy fields of the patient to promote self-healing. In the changing climate of healthcare where patient experience increasingly drives reimbursements, it is vital to find unique and meaningful ways to ensure positive patient experiences beyond traditional medical therapies. To that end, our peritoneal dialysis clinic staff adopted Jean Watson’s theoretical framework by which patients are treated as whole, unique persons with a “multidimensional system of energy, with a consciousness that can be affected by another to promote well-being,”. With a rapidly growing urban clinic of more than 100 patients, our nurses identified the need to provide more ways to improve patient care.

Staff were educated on ways to set positive intentions for patient contacts and incorporate patient narratives into contact. Optional daily prayer was initiated, and patients were invited to attend a new support group for peritoneal dialysis patients and their families. In addition, a preliminary pilot provided healing touch treatments to interested patients. This pilot, described below, found improvement in 4 out of 5 measured categories. Fatigue and pain decreased by 46% and 68%, respectively. Stress/anxiety fell by 48%, while depression saw a large drop of 84%. Nausea was unchanged.

Comparative study of muscle energy technique, craniosacral therapy, and sensorimotor training effects on postural control in patients with nonspecific chronic low back pain

Malalignment in the pelvic and spinal column disturbs the balance and decreases the postural control ability. Malalignment is known as one of the main causes of back pain particularly the nonspecific chronic low back pain (NSCLBP). The aim of the study is to compare the effect of muscle energy technique (MET), craniosacral therapy (CST), and sensorimotor training (SMT) on postural control in patients with NSCLBP. Materials and Methods: In this randomized clinical trial study, 45 NSCLBP patients were accidentally allocated in three groups including CST (n = 15), MET (n = 15), and SMT (n = 15). Clinical interventions including CST, MET, and SMT were performed in 10 sessions in 5 weeks (2 sessions per week). The parameters of center of pressure (COP) were assessed in 8 positions such as standing position on double or single leg with open or closed eyes or half squat position on double or single leg with open or closed eyes. Results: The results of this study showed that all three methods of CST, MET, and SMT are effective in postural control in patients with NSCLBP, although it seems that CST is effective on more balance factors. CST has a greater effect on balance in standing position on a single leg with closed eye. It was also found that the effect of CST was continuous after follow‑up. Conclusion: Moreover, MET and SMT methods were effective in balance control in NSCLBP patients and postural control was more affected by CST.

OREGON HEALTH AND SCIENCE UNIVERSITY OFFICE OF CLINICAL INTEGRATION AND EVIDENCE-BASED PRACTICE

The concept of subtle energy and methods of its use for healing has been described by numerous cultures for thousands of years.13 These vital energy concepts all refer to subtle or nonphysical energies that permeate existence and have specific effects on the body-mind of all conscious beings.13 Although many of these practices have been used over millennia in various cultural communities for the purpose of healing physical and mental disorders, they have only recently been examined by current Western empirical methods.13 These modalities, collectively termed by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine as biofield therapies 19, began to be more widely taught and used by U.S. providers in many clinical and hospital settings starting in the 1970s.13 Biofield therapies in clinical practice use both hands-on and hands-off (nonphysical contact) procedures.17, 29 Biofield therapies have previously been used for reducing pain and discomfort in patients with cancer, chronic pain, and fatigue and anxiety, as well as for improving general health.23 Additionally, biofield therapies have shown positive effects on biological factors, such as hemoglobin and hematocrit levels, immunological factors, vital signs, healing rate of wounds, and arterial blood flow in the lower extremities. 23 Patient demand and utilization of these modalities outside of conventional medicine settings have prompted scientists and clinicians to examine more closely these healing techniques and their claimed effects. However, such studies are still in their beginning phase, in part due to the availability of research funding in this area to conduct large-scale randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of biofield therapies.13 This evidence brief aims to determine from the available studies if biofield therapies of Reiki, Healing Touch and Therapeutic Touch improve patient outcomes when integrated into clinical services.

Reiki and Healing Touch: Implications for Trauma Healing

This research explores implications for trauma healing through the energy therapies Reiki and Healing Touch. This is explored through the perspectives of women living in Tacoma, Washington who receive Reiki and/or Healing Touch and are also practitioners of Reiki and/or Healing Touch. In recent decades trauma healing has proved to be a holistic endeavor, and as the practice of energy therapies such as Reiki and Healing Touch are becoming more mainstream and even accepted in the medical community, these therapies boast a myriad of physical and psychological benefits that include trauma healing.

Mental Health Wellness and Biofield Therapies: An Integrative Review

Biofield therapies such as Healing Touch and Reiki increase relaxation, decrease anxiety and stress, and improve mood. Understanding the efficacy of these therapies in terms of mental health wellness is important for nurses interested in complementary and integrative care. The goal of the present integrative review was to investigate the state of knowledge regarding biofield therapies and the impact on anxiety, mood, and mental health wellness. Electronic databases were searched for articles available in English and published from 2014 to 2016. Biofield therapies show safety and promise in reducing anxiety, improving mood, and cultivating mental health and wellness.

Healing Touch: Enhancing Quality of Life

Healing touch (HT) is a non-invasive energy therapy used in the management of symptoms of various health conditions. HT utilization has demonstrated enhanced comfort and relief of symptoms such as chronic pain, post-traumatic- stress, depression, and anxiety. The purpose of
this evidence-based practice (EBP) project was to promote awareness and appointment compliance rate of HT amongst veterans, and also to determine effectiveness of HT intervention on symptom relief and well-being. The PICO question was: “For Veterans, what is the effect of HT education material and mail notification on appointment compliance rate, and HT delivery on symptom relief and well-being as compared prior to HT intervention?” The project took place at a VA Medical Center in Northwest IL.

Is energy healing an effective non-pharmacological therapy for improving symptom management of chronic illnesses? A systematic review

Emerging evidence suggests that some people living with non-communicable diseases (NCDs) have integrated energy healing into their self-management strategy, however little is known about its efficacy.

Purpose: To identify energy healing interventions that impacted positively on the symptom management outcomes for patients living in the community with various NCDs.

Methods: A systematic review of energy healing interventions for the management of noncommunicable disease related symptoms, conducted between 01 January 2000 and 21 April 2015, published in an English peer-reviewed journal. This review conforms to the PRISMA statement.

Results: Twenty seven studies were identified that evaluated various energy healing interventions involving 3159 participants. Thirteen of the energy healing trials generated statistically significant outcomes.

Conclusions: Energy healing has demonstrated some improvement in illness symptoms, however high level evidence consistently demonstrating efficacy is lacking. Further more robust trials are required to better understand which elements of energy healing interventions are associated with positive outcomes.

Healing Touch, Therapeutic Touch, and Reiki

Many factors have contributed to the increasing acceptance of energy medicine as an important healing practice in the medical community. The development and advancement of various energy medicine practices, consumer demand, clinician interest, and experienced practitioners have all contributed to a heightened awareness of the physical, emotional, and spiritual benefits of energy medicine.

In fact, today, energy medicine therapies, such as Healing Touch (HT), Therapeutic Touch,sm (TT) and Reiki are among the more common complementary therapies offered in hospital and community-care settings. Energy medicine is not only becoming more widely accepted, but health care professionals are also increasingly prescribing energy medicine as a part of patients’ treatment regimens.

Healing Touch With Guided Imagery for PTSD in Returning Active Duty Military: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a common and persistent problem in military populations that warrants swift and effective treatment. Recent estimates suggest that among recent Iraq and Afghanistan veterans, 21.8% are diagnosed with PTSD, with prevalence rates increasing 4 to 7 times after the invasion of Iraq. Substance use disorders, depression, and interpersonal conflicts also substantially increase in these soldiers, and physical health-related consequences such as increased risk for hypertension and diabetes have also been noted. Not surprisingly, the incidence of PTSD appears to increase with combat exposure.