Can Spiritual Healing Help People with Moderate Depression?

What you need to know

• Depression is a common mental health condition that can significantly impact quality of life
• Current treatments like antidepressants and therapy aren’t always accessible or effective for everyone
• This study examines spiritual healing as a potential complementary treatment option for moderate depression

Understanding Depression and Treatment Challenges

Depression affects millions of people worldwide and can make daily life extremely challenging. The core symptoms include persistent low mood, loss of interest in activities, decreased energy, and feelings of worthlessness. While there are established treatments like antidepressant medications and psychotherapy, these aren’t always the right fit for everyone. Some people experience unpleasant side effects from medications, while others face long wait times to see mental health professionals.

What is Spiritual Healing?

Spiritual healing is one of the most commonly used complementary medicine approaches in Norway. It involves practitioners using their hands to help balance and harmonize the body’s energy, potentially supporting natural healing processes. The treatment considers the whole person - including physical, psychological and emotional aspects - as well as environmental factors like family and community support.

The Research Approach

This pilot study will examine whether spiritual healing, when combined with usual medical care, could help people with moderate depression. The researchers will recruit 28 adults diagnosed with moderate depression and randomly assign them to receive either:

• Spiritual healing plus usual medical care, or
• Usual medical care alone

Those receiving healing will get 10 sessions over 16 weeks. Each session lasts 45-60 minutes and involves the healer placing their hands on different “power points” of the body (over clothing). The healer may also provide lifestyle advice.

Early Evidence and Safety

Previous research suggests spiritual healing may benefit people with depression while carrying minimal risks. A preliminary study found that most participants reported improvements in their depression symptoms after healing sessions. None experienced worsening symptoms. However, more rigorous research is needed to confirm these findings.

What This Means for You

If you’re struggling with moderate depression and:

• Are experiencing unwanted medication side effects
• Face long wait times for therapy
• Are interested in complementary approaches alongside conventional treatment

Spiritual healing may be worth discussing with your healthcare provider as a potential addition to your treatment plan. However, it’s important to:

• Continue any prescribed treatments unless advised otherwise by your doctor
• Only work with qualified, registered healing practitioners
• Monitor and report any changes in your symptoms
• Maintain open communication with all your healthcare providers

Conclusions

• This research could help determine if spiritual healing is a viable complementary option for moderate depression
• The study emphasizes a whole-person approach to mental health treatment
• Results will provide valuable information about both benefits and potential risks