Effectiveness Not Established

Ama Deus Energy Healing

for Anxiety

Energy healing is a system to stimulate and catalyze healing processes by using the hands. The Ama Deus system incorporates ceremony, sacred symbols, and more of a spiritual and symbol-driven set of components than other systems of energy healing.

Research Evidence Summaries

Weller, M., Cosmos, E., DeBruyn, J., & Brader, K. (2008). The use of energy healing for ovarian cancer patients. Society of Gynecologic Nurse Oncologists, 18(4), 29–33.

Study Purpose

To examine the effects of Ama Deus healing energy in reducing anxiety and depression in patients with a diagnosis of stage III ovarian cancer

Intervention Characteristics/Basic Study Process

The study involved three weeks of intervention or control, a one-week wait period, then followed by another three weeks of treatment or control. The intervention group received a hand-mediated energy healing technique called Ama Deus, and the control group received relaxation sessions. The intensity and frequency of the intervention/control were not described. During the first three weeks, 64% received the Ama Deus intervention and 36% received a relaxation intervention. After a one-week break, participants crossed over to receive the other intervention. Data were collected at the first meeting after enrollment (pretest), after completion of the first three weeks (midtest), and after the last session of the second three weeks (post-test).

Sample Characteristics

  • The study reported on a sample of 14 patients with stage III ovarian cancer.
  • Patients’ ages ranged from 48 to 69 years.

Setting

  • Single site
  • Community hospital setting
  • Great Lakes region of the United States

Phase of Care and Clinical Applications

  • Patients were undergoing the active treatment phase of care.
  • The study has clinical applicability for late effects and survivorship.

Study Design

A simple crossover design was used, with each patient acting as her own control.

Measurement Instruments/Methods

  • Beck Depression Inventory (BDI)    
  • State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI)

Results

Ama Deus Group 1 had significant reduction in state anxiety, and Group 2 demonstrated significant reduction in trait anxiety. Significant findings in depression reduction were revealed among Group 2 participants. It must be noted that no statistical values or types of statistical methods were reported to support these statements.

Conclusions

The study was poorly designed and reported, so no valid conclusion can be made.

Limitations

  • The study had a small sample size, with less than 30 participants.
  • The article was written in first-person narrative.
  • References were listed, but no footnotes were provided. 
  • Statements were not supported by any scores or statistics.
  • Interventions were not clearly described.

Nursing Implications

Implications should only come from peer-reviewed, professionally written sources.

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