Complementary Spiritist Therapy: Systematic Review of Scientific Evidence

Abstract

Spiritism is the third most common religion in Brazil, and its therapies have been used by millions worldwide. These therapies are based on therapeutic resources including prayer, laying on of hands, fluidotherapy (magnetized water), charity/volunteering, spirit education/moral values, and disobsession (spirit release therapy). This paper presents a systematic review of the current literature on the relationship among health outcomes and 6 predictors: prayer, laying on of hands, magnetized/fluidic water, charity/volunteering, spirit education (virtuous life and positive affect), and spirit release therapy. All articles were analyzed according to inclusion/exclusion criteria, Newcastle-Ottawa and Jadad score. At present, there is moderate to strong evidence that volunteering and positive affect are linked to better health outcomes. Furthermore, laying on of hands, virtuous life, and praying for oneself also seem to be associated to positive findings. Nevertheless, there is a lack of studies on magnetized water and spirit release therapy. In summary, science is indirectly demonstrating that some of these therapies can be associated to better health outcomes and that other therapies have been overlooked or poorly investigated. Further studies in this field could contribute to the disciplines of Complementary and Alternative Medicine by investigating the relationship between body, mind, and soul/spirit.

Effect of the Spiritist “passe” energy therapy in reducing anxiety in volunteers: A randomized controlled trial

“…The Spiritist "passe" is described as an "energy transfusion" changing the cellular field, and a "psychic transfusion of energy". 16,18 Spiritist therapists are authorized to perform in Spiritist Centers based on ability. Both therapists taking part in this study are affiliated to the São Paulo State Spiritist Federation, and have over 5 years of experience.…”

“…13,14 Scientific investigations on this type of energy therapy have been conducted over the last decade. [14][15][16] However, unlike Reiki, 12 and Johrei 3,17 there are no clinical studies on the Spiritist "passe" as an energy therapy. Therefore, the hypothesis of this study was that the Spiritist "passe" is an energy therapy that reduces the symptoms of anxiety and depression, and thus improves the quality of life of individuals with anxiety disorders.…”

Revascularização miocárdica: estratégias para o enfrentamento da doença e do processo cirúrgico

“…Faith is considered important to the patient in coping with the cardiac disease and in the search for quality of life, (12) and prayer is related to fewer complications in the postoperative period of cardiac surgery, as well as bringing positive results to health (13,14) through belief. The health professional, particularly in the nursing area, due to maintaining a closer contact with patients during hospitalization, has to be alert, appreciate and stimulate the spiritual resources in order to promote the psychic wellbeing of the patient and ensure a less traumatic experience.…”

Effect of the magnetized water supplementation on blood glucose, lymphocyte DNA damage, antioxidant status, and lipid profiles in STZ-induced rats

“…Also, the studies reported are mostly non-controlled observational studies that were performed between 20 and 30 years ago, and few scientists were involved in the area. Thus, rigorous and serious scientific analysis is needed, utilizing well-designed clinical studies in experimental animals and humans in the future to confirm the health-beneficial effects of magnetized water [41]. …”