Pagliaro, G., Pandolfi, P., Collina, N., Frezza, G., Brandes, A., Galli, M., . . . Marconi, L. (2015). A randomized controlled trial of Tong Len meditation practice in cancer patients: Evaluation of a distant psychological healing effect. Explore, 12, 42-49.
To determine the effectiveness of Tong Len meditation on depression, stress, anxiety, and self-perception of quality of life in a population of patients with cancer.
Tong Len meditation (Tibetan meditation practice), a distant healing compassionate act, was used for three months, three times a week for 15-20 minutes on a group of patients with cancer. The evaluation of the results with the POMS and EQ 5 D questionnaires took place after two months, three months, and one month after treatment cessation.
Considering the results of Tong Len meditation on depression, there was a significant improvement (p = 0.003) in the treatment group. As far as the other components, there were no significant differences between treatment and control groups. There was a significant increase in levels of vigor and activity in the control group (p = 0.009). In both groups, there was an increase in self-perceived quality of life, possibly due to a “white lab coat\" effect.
Tong Len meditation does not show statistically significant evidence to support scientific efficacy on depression, anxiety, or stress. It does show an improvement in both groups in self-perceived quality of life and an overall psychological gain, which might reflect a positive \"white lab coat\" effect.
Although Tong Len meditation might be beneficial to patients with cancer, the results of this study should be interpreted with caution due to limitations, including small sample size, non-homogeneity of tumor pathology, and cancer treatment.