title: An HMO-based prospective pilot study of energy medicine for chronic headaches: whole-person outcomes point to the need for new instrumentation.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this study was to evaluate an energy healing treatment for possible inclusion as a Kaiser Permanente Northwest (KPNW) Pain Clinic provided therapy, and to identify the appropriate number of treatment sessions for a Pain Clinic protocol, should the intervention prove successful. In addition, our intent was to document the full range of outcomes experienced by patients undergoing energy healing, including whole-person and transformative outcomes should they occur.
  
  
  METHODS
  The setting for this study was Kaiser Permanente Northwest Pain Clinic.
  
  
  METHODS
  Thirteen (13) patients with chronic headache who were members of the KPNW Health Plan were recruited through flyers or mailings.
  
  
  METHODS
  Thirteen (13) participants received at least three energy healing sessions at approximately weekly intervals. Assessments were based on pre- and post-treatment qualitative interviews.
  
  
  METHODS
  The treatment consisted of three Healing Touch sessions provided by a Certified Healing Touch Practitioner. Treatments contained elements common to all sessions, and elements that were tailored to the individual subject.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Twelve (12) of 13 participants experienced improvement in frequency, intensity, or duration of pain after three treatments. In addition, 11 of 13 participants experienced profound shifts in their view of themselves, their lives, and their potential for healing and transformation. These changes lasted from 24 hours to more than 6 months at follow-up.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Energy healing can be an important addition to pain management services. More in-depth qualitative research is needed to explore the diversity of outcomes facilitated by energy healing treatments. Furthermore, the development of new instrumentation is warranted to capture outcomes that reflect transformative change and changes at the level of the whole person.
authors.affiliation: Helfgott Research Institute, National College of Natural Medicine , Portland, OR 97201, USA. lsutherland@ncnm.edu
authors.forename: Elizabeth G
authors.initials: EG
authors.lastname: Sutherland
authors.forename: Cheryl
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Ritenbaugh
authors.forename: Susan J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Kiley
authors.forename: Nancy
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Vuckovic
authors.forename: Charles
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Elder
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D020773:Headache Disorders / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D006279:Health Maintenance Organizations; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019222:Mind-Body Relations, Metaphysical; D059408:Pain Management; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012649:Self Concept; D019124:Therapeutic Touch / Q000379:methods*; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome
references.citation: Qual Health Res. 1993 Feb;3(1):112-21
references.pmid: 8457790
references.citation: J Altern Complement Med. 2003 Feb;9(1):39-50
references.pmid: 12676034
references.citation: Arthritis Rheum. 2003 Oct;48(10):2916-22
references.pmid: 14558098
references.citation: J Altern Complement Med. 2008 Jun;14(5):475-87
references.pmid: 18564953
references.citation: Health Psychol. 2004 Jul;23(4):354-62
references.pmid: 15264971
references.citation: J Rheumatol. 1997 Oct;24(10):2000-7
references.pmid: 9330945
references.citation: J Altern Complement Med. 2007 Jul-Aug;13(6):659-68
references.pmid: 17718649
references.citation: J Clin Psychol. 2004 May;60(5):531-41
references.pmid: 15048699
references.citation: Qual Health Res. 2003 Apr;13(4):491-509
references.pmid: 12703412
references.citation: J Orofac Pain. 2003 Winter;17(1):9-20
references.pmid: 12756926
references.citation: J Clin Psychol. 2004 May;60(5):503-17
references.pmid: 15048697
references.citation: Altern Ther Health Med. 2007 Nov-Dec;13(6):18-29
references.pmid: 17985808
references.citation: Perm J. 2007 Summer;11(3):79-82
references.pmid: 21461118
references.citation: J Altern Complement Med. 2004 Feb;10(1):13-5
references.pmid: 15025872
references.citation: Altern Ther Health Med. 2002 Nov-Dec;8(6):60-9
references.pmid: 12440840
references.citation: J Altern Complement Med. 2004 Feb;10(1):79-81
references.pmid: 15025881
references.citation: Clin J Pain. 2001 Mar;17(1):33-46
references.pmid: 11289087
references.citation: Pain. 1983 Oct;17(2):197-210
references.pmid: 6646795