EEG Alpha Spectral Power is Augmented During Energy Healing
Juan Acosta-Urquidi
This study provides objective scientific data that Energy Healers can shift brain states when engaged in healing. A broad sample of practitioners from many traditions were voluntarily recruited for this study, including Reiki, Pranic, Johrei, Faith Healing, Shamanic, Vedic, Quantum Touch, and Deeksha. A partial report has been previously communicated (J. Acosta- Urquidi, AAPB, 2009; ISSSEEM, 2010).
EEG data was recorded using Lexicor NRS-24 and Mitsar 201 amplifiers (St. Petersburg, Russia), employing 19-channel electrocap, referential linked ears, impedances ca. 5 KOhms, 250 samples/sec. Data from N = 20 healers (8 male, 12 female, age 40–65) were analyzed using Neuroguide software (www.appliedneuroscience.com). Peak Absolute FFT spectral power values (uV2) were compared before (baseline resting eyes closed, EC) and during eyes closed healing state (HS). Data were statistically analyzed (paired correlated samples t-test). Healers were recorded under two conditions: with client present in the room (some healers preferred light touching of client), and distant healing (working with a distant client).
During the healing state (HS), healers shifted brain states across all frequency bands: Delta (0.3–4 Hz), Theta (4–8 Hz), Alpha (8–12 Hz) and Beta (13–40 Hz). However, the most consistent and reproducible result, found in 90% of the healers sample studied, was a statistically significant (P < .0024, N = 20) robust increase in global Alpha spectral power (mean % increase 109.5 ± 16.34). Clients receiving a healing also exhibited highly significant
(P < 0.0023, N = 9) increased Alpha power (mean % increase 105.17 ± 26.17). In recent tests with a gifted healer, we demonstrated robust EEG effects, recorded from two clients, who received a distant healing (Seattle, WA, to Santa Cruz, CA). This is a demonstration of non- locality in the domain of energy healing. The unexpected finding that different healing traditions all share a common increase in Alpha power during HS is discussed.
It is emphasized that these studies measured shifts in EEG brain states; no claims as to the efficacy of the healing were investigated. Different topographic brainmaps showing that Alpha relative (and absolute) power is selectively increased in a Deeksha healer during on-site healing will be shown demonstrating the effect. Contact: [email protected], www.energymedresearch.com.