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.
To examine the effects of Ama Deus healing energy in reducing anxiety and depression in patients with a diagnosis of stage III ovarian cancer
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).
A simple crossover design was used, with each patient acting as her own control.
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.
The study was poorly designed and reported, so no valid conclusion can be made.
Implications should only come from peer-reviewed, professionally written sources.