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Full-Text Articles in Medicine and Health Sciences
The Neuroscientific Study Of Spiritual Practices., Andrew B. Newberg, Md
The Neuroscientific Study Of Spiritual Practices., Andrew B. Newberg, Md
Marcus Institute of Integrative Health Faculty Papers
The purpose of this paper will be to provide a perspective on the current state of the research evaluating the neurobiological correlates of spiritual practices and review the methodological issues that confront this research field. There are many types of spiritual practices that might be studied including prayer and meditation, as well as unusual practices such as mediumistic trance states, speaking in tongues, and also drug-induced experiences. Current studies have utilized neuroimaging techniques including functional magnetic resonance imaging, single photon emission computed tomography, and positron emission tomography. These studies have helped elucidate the neurobiological mechanisms associated with spiritual practices. Such …
Transpersonal Healing: Assessing The Evidence From Laboratory And Clinical Trials, Marilyn Schlitz
Transpersonal Healing: Assessing The Evidence From Laboratory And Clinical Trials, Marilyn Schlitz
International Journal of Transpersonal Studies
Transpersonal or distant healing intention (DHI) is one of the most commonly used forms of complementary and alternative healing. While it is popular, its efficacy is uncertain and the mechanism of action unclear. This article provides an overview of both the laboratory research and clinical trials of DHI, summarizing the state of the field. There appears to be support, based on controlled laboratory studies, for a transpersonal dimension to DHI. Results of randomized, controlled clinical trials are more equivocal. While results do not offer clear evidence to support DHI as an evidence-based modality, this provocative field reveals important epistemological and …