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Measuring Energy Work Effectively in Massage Therapy Research
Have you thought about whole system research (WSR) in massage therapy? Whole system research attempts to measure all the effects of a massage therapy session; including energy work. This is exciting scientific research that is inclusive and collaborative.
Go here for a Wikipedia explanation of WSR.
Every once in a while, I'll copy a WSR abstract for your review and include an attachment to the whole study as they become available and I become aware of them. Please feel free to do the same.
Here is an abstract of a current investigation to measure the effects of energy work in a MT session (you may recognize a couple of the authors).
Main objectives:
1. Evaluate the physical, psychological and emotional effects of MT using traditional paper based measures.
2. Evaluation of the whole-person effects of MT using GDV electro-photography.
3. Evaluate the correlation between the paper based and GDV electro-photographic outcomes.
Title: Evaluating the use of electro-photography for measuring whole-person changes associated with massage therapy
Authors: Jolie Haun, PhD, LMT; Gary Schwartz, PhD; Mark E. Boccuzzi
ABSTRACT
Background: Research has demonstrated the effects of massage therapy using both physiological and psychological measures. However, little research has adequately demonstrated the whole-person energetic effects of massage therapy, often seen by massage therapists in practice. Purpose: This research was designed to evaluate the whole-person energetic effects of massage therapy using electro-photography, Gas Discharge Visualization (GDV). The objectives of this study were to: (1) evaluate the physical, psychological and emotional effects of massage therapy using traditional paper-based measures; (2) conduct an evaluation of the whole-person effects of massage therapy using GDV electro-photography; and (3) to evaluate the correlation between the paper-based and GDV electro-photographic outcome measures. Significance: The findings of this study can identify the feasibility and validity of measuring whole-person energetic effects of massage therapy using advanced innovative GDV electro-photography data. Findings can also replicate the physical, mental, and integrative outcomes of massage therapy treatment found in previous research. Methods: Four licensed massage therapists provided a treatment group of 24 healthy volunteer participants with a single massage therapy treatment. Massage therapy treatments included a 50-minute full body relaxation massage. Each participant provided paper-based data four times, before and after providing GDV electro-photography imaging data which was conducted pre- and post massage treatment session. Standardized paper-based measures included visual analogue pain, muscle tension, and stress scales; and the Arizona Integrative Outcomes Scale, a visual analogue assessment with six scales including, overall wellbeing, physical, mental, emotional, social, spiritual wellbeing. Findings: Data collection was completed July 4, 2009. Preliminary data analysis suggests differences between pre- and post- massage session for the massage therapy treatment group. Data is currently being analyzed; statistical findings are forthcoming and will be prepared for presentation.
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Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by ricardo julio guerrero on
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DATA IS CURRENTLY BEING ANALYSED? i my gosh, while it is being analysed, it takes no momkey to tell all out their the great benefits of a good massage therapy. the reason we have such an impact on the body is to a large extent the way we are able, like many especialists do, to manupulate the nervoues system. to the point and in a very effecient and safe way, ricardo.
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Permalink Reply by Vlad on
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I've a couple of Q's:
Who funded that study?
Is Schwartz going to Seattle?
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I had a feeling that GDV electro-photography was a fancy name for Kirlian, or "aura" photography. I've had one made years ago. I'm lovely shades of purple and green:)
Laura - emerald green, right?
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Permalink Reply by Mike Hinkle on
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We will have an Aura Photographer at the Festival this year for anyone who would like an updated pic, Vlad!
Vlad said:I had a feeling that GDV electro-photography was a fancy name for Kirlian, or "aura" photography. I've had one made years ago. I'm lovely shades of purple and green:)
Laura - emerald green, right?
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Permalink Reply by Kim Goral on
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Hey Mike- You are in charge of the WMF, right? Not sure if you saw my question before, I directed it to Robin but I suppose I should have directed it to you. Robin mentioned that the 2011 WMF theme is research and education- but I didn't see any research classes (or research oriented teachers) listed so far under the list of presenters and class descriptions. Am I missing something, or is the list still incomplete?
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Hi Kim,
Well, I don't know if Whitney Lowe, Leon Chaitow, Diana Thompson, Ben Benjamin and The Massage Therapy Foundation would agree with you that no will be there, tied to research. They will all be entering the Hall of Fame and at the time the Theme was decided, they were 1/3 of the program.
Then came the Education portion of the theme and there are many including schools and some of the best educators in the industry. And with the amount of growth in our program, just in the last month, I can almost tell you for sure there will be many additions to the program in 2011. There will also be energy classes and teaching the teachers classes. Hope to see you there!
Kim Goral said:Hey Mike- You are in charge of the WMF, right? Not sure if you saw my question before, I directed it to Robin but I suppose I should have directed it to you. Robin mentioned that the 2011 WMF theme is research and education- but I didn't see any research classes (or research oriented teachers) listed so far under the list of presenters and class descriptions. Am I missing something, or is the list still incomplete?
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Well, that's why I asked- I must have missed where it said Whitney et al and the Foundation would be there. :) Thanks for the clarification, and I will certainly keep it in mind for attending.
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Who else would you like to see there?
Kim Goral said:Well, that's why I asked- I must have missed where it said Whitney et al and the Foundation would be there. :) Thanks for the clarification, and I will certainly keep it in mind for attending.
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Permalink Reply by Christopher A. Moyer on
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How about some psychic vampires? That'd be cool.
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Apparently The History Channel thinks they are out there!
Christopher A. Moyer said:How about some psychic vampires? That'd be cool.
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Well, since you asked :) In no particular order...
Bodhi Haroldsson
Janet Kahn
Paul Ingraham
Angie Palmier
Chris Alvarado
Ruth Werner (though assume she will already be there with the foundation)
Chris Moyer
That would be a good party ;)
Mike Hinkle said:Who else would you like to see there?
Kim Goral said:Well, that's why I asked- I must have missed where it said Whitney et al and the Foundation would be there. :) Thanks for the clarification, and I will certainly keep it in mind for attending.
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The squirrel wants to meet Schwartz.
I'd like to get totally sloshed with him and have a chin wag. It would be one helluvan interesting conversation.
He probably doesn't drink though.
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