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Research + Evidence of Natural Based Healing Modalities.
Pic: beth during her
many MINI travels
summers of 2022-24.
The Science Behind Natural Therapies.
Natural & Integrative Healing Research Scientific research continues to explore how complementary and natural approaches may support physical, emotional and mental well-being. Below is a growing collection of published research related to many of the approaches and principles used at Healing Wurks.Our goal is to make this research easier to find and understand. Each section provides a brief summary along with a link to the published research so you can explore the findings for yourself.
1. Reiki & Energy HealingReiki for Pain & Anxiety Review of Randomized Clinical Trials Researchers reviewed randomized controlled studies examining Reiki for pain and anxiety. Seven studies met the review criteria. The researchers calculated effect sizes and concluded that the results provided evidence suggesting Reiki may be effective for reducing pain and anxiety, while also recommending larger and more standardized studies.
Published in: Pain Management Nursing
Research Type: Review of randomized controlled trials
PMID: 24582620Read the published research on PubMed Reiki Following Abdominal SurgeryRandomized Controlled Trial Researchers studied 93 patients undergoing abdominal surgery and compared Reiki with sham Reiki and standard care. The study evaluated pain, anxiety, fear and oxygen saturation surrounding surgery.The researchers reported that Reiki reduced anxiety, fear and pain compared with the other groups and concluded that Reiki could be used as a complementary approach in surgical care.
Published in: Explore
Research Type: Randomized controlled trial
PMID: 36481177 Read the published research on PubMed Reiki for Pain & Anxiety in Intensive CareRandomized, Single-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study Researchers studied Reiki in 60 mechanically ventilated intensive-care patients. Participants received either Reiki or sham Reiki.The Reiki group experienced significant reductions in both pain and anxiety compared with the sham Reiki group. Researchers also measured physiological parameters and reported changes in heart rate and diastolic blood pressure.
Published in: Journal of Integrative and Complementary Medicine, 2026
Research Type: Randomized, single-blind, placebo-controlled study
PMID: 41051913Read the published research on PubMed
2. EFT / TappingEFT for StressSystematic Review & Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled TrialsA 2026 systematic review and network meta-analysis examined 17 randomized controlled trials of Clinical Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT).For psychological stress, the analysis of 14 studies involving 1,051 participants found a large, statistically significant reduction in stress compared with control conditions. Analysis of physiological measures also found significant improvement.
Published in: Explore, 2026
Research Type: Systematic review and network meta-analysis
PMID: 42425024 Read the published research on PubMed EFT for Anxiety Systematic Review & Meta-Analysis Researchers analyzed 14 studies involving 658 participants to examine the effect of EFT tapping on anxiety.The analysis found a significant decrease in anxiety scores following EFT treatment, providing evidence supporting EFT as an approach for reducing anxiety.
Published in: Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease
Research Type: Systematic review and meta-analysis
PMID: 26894319 Read the published research on PubMed Does the Tapping Component of EFT Matter?Meta-AnalysisResearchers examined whether stimulating acupuncture points through tapping contributes to EFT’s effects rather than the results coming solely from the psychological components of the technique.Their analysis found that treatment protocols using actual acupoint tapping produced stronger outcomes than comparison approaches that did not use the acupoints.
Research Type: Meta-analysis
PMID: 30273275Read the published research on PubMed
3. Sound, Music & Vibrational Wellness Music Therapy & Stress Systematic Review & Meta-AnalysisResearchers analyzed 47 studies involving 2,747 participants to examine how music therapy affected stress-related outcomes.The analysis found an overall medium-to-large effect of music therapy on stress-related outcomes. Researchers evaluated both psychological and physiological measures of stress.This research contributes to the growing scientific understanding of how sound and music can influence the human stress response and well-being.
Published in: Health Psychology Review
Research Type: Systematic review and meta-analysis Read the published research on PubMed Music Therapy & Anxiety Systematic Review & Meta-Analysis A large 2025 systematic review and meta-analysis examined 51 studies and 93 effect sizes involving music therapy and anxiety. Researchers found an overall medium effect of music therapy on anxiety outcomes, including a medium effect on participants’ self-reported anxiety.
Published in: eClinicalMedicine, 2025
Research Type: Systematic review and meta-analysis
PMID: 40547443 Read the published research on PubMed Music Therapy & Chronic PainSystematic Review & Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials Researchers analyzed nine randomized controlled trials involving 787 people experiencing chronic pain.The analysis found that music therapy significantly reduced chronic pain compared with control conditions. Improvements in depression were also reported.
Published in: BMC Psychology, 2025
Research Type: Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
PMID: 40307940 Read the published research on PubMed
4. Mind-Body & Emotional WellnessThe Mind and Body Are Connected Our emotional, mental and physical experiences are deeply interconnected. Stress and emotional experiences can influence the nervous system and the way we experience physical sensations, while practices that encourage relaxation, mindfulness and greater emotional regulation can influence both emotional and physical well-being. A growing body of research is helping us better understand these mind-body connections and how practices that work with the mind, emotions and nervous system may support overall wellness.
Mindfulness & Chronic Pain Systematic Review & Meta-Analysis of 38 Randomized Controlled Trials Researchers reviewed 38 randomized controlled trials examining mindfulness meditation for adults experiencing chronic pain.The analysis found that mindfulness meditation was associated with improvements in pain, depression symptoms and quality of life. The researchers concluded that mindfulness meditation can improve pain, depression symptoms and quality of life, while also noting the need for additional large, rigorous clinical trials.
Research Type: Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Number of Studies: 38Read the Published Research on PubMed:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27658913/Mind-Body Practices, Stress & the Autonomic Nervous System Systematic Review & Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials Researchers examined the effects of the mind-body practices Tai Chi and yoga on perceived stress and heart rate variability.Heart rate variability, or HRV, provides information about the activity and regulation of the autonomic nervous system — the system involved in functions such as heart rate, breathing, digestion and the body’s stress response.The meta-analysis included 17 medium-to-high-quality randomized controlled trials.Researchers found significant beneficial effects on several measures of heart rate variability as well as a significant reduction in perceived stress.The researchers suggested that the stress-reducing effects of these mind-body practices may be related to changes in the balance between sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous-system activity.
Research Type: Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Number of Studies: 17
Read the Published Research on PubMed:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30384420/Mindfulness-Based Approaches for Chronic Pain 2025 Systematic Review & Network Meta-Analysis A large systematic review and network meta-analysis examined 68 studies involving 5,339 participants to compare different types of mindfulness-based approaches for chronic pain. Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction showed particularly promising results for improving pain intensity and depression. Researchers found moderate-certainty evidence for its effect on pain intensity and high-certainty evidence for its effect on depression.Another approach, Mindfulness-Oriented Recovery Enhancement, showed promising results for improving physical functioning.The researchers concluded that their findings contribute to the evidence supporting mindfulness-based approaches in chronic pain management.
Research Type: Systematic review and network meta-analysis
Number of Studies: 68
Participants: 5,339 Read the Published Research on PubMed:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40010103/Why Mind-Body Research Matters For centuries, many natural and traditional healing approaches have viewed the mind, emotions and body as interconnected rather than completely separate.Modern research is providing additional ways of examining these relationships by measuring changes in areas such as stress, pain perception, emotional well-being, quality of life and autonomic nervous-system activity. At Healing Wurks, we believe this whole-person perspective is important. Emotional experiences, stress, lifestyle, beliefs, physical experiences and energetic well-being can all be valuable areas to explore when working toward greater balance and wellness.
5. Bach Flower Essences & Emotional Wellness A Natural Approach Focused on Emotional Balance Bach Flower Essences were developed in the 1930s by British physician and homeopath Dr. Edward Bach. Dr. Bach developed a system of 38 individual flower remedies, with each remedy traditionally associated with a particular emotional state or pattern. His approach was based on the belief that emotional well-being is an important part of whole-person health. Today, Bach Flower Essences continue to be used around the world as a complementary approach to emotional wellness, and researchers have explored their use in areas including anxiety, emotional well-being, fear, pain and stress. Bach Flower Essences in Healthcare 2022 Scope Review Researchers conducted a review to map the use of Bach Flower Remedies in adult healthcare.The review identified the use of several individual flower essences, including Impatiens, Cherry Plum, White Chestnut and Beech.Across the studies reviewed, researchers reported reductions in areas including anxiety, depression, fear and pain following the use of Bach Flower Essences.The review provides a useful look at how Bach Flower Essences have been studied and incorporated as a complementary approach within healthcare.
Published in: Holistic Nursing Practice, 2022
Research Type: Scope Review
PMID: 36255345Read the Published Research on PubMed:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36255345/Bach Flower Therapy & AnxietyRandomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical TrialResearchers studied 81 adults experiencing moderate to high anxiety in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial.The Bach Flower Essence formula contained Impatiens, White Chestnut, Cherry Plum, Chicory, Crab Apple and Pine.Researchers evaluated anxiety along with sleep patterns, binge eating and resting heart rate.The study provides an interesting example of modern clinical research investigating Bach Flower Essences using a randomized, placebo-controlled design.
Research Type: Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial
Participants: 81 adults
PMID: 33902293 Read the Published Research on PubMed:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33902293/Bach Flower Therapy & Dental Anxiety in Children Randomized Controlled Study Researchers studied 120 children between the ages of 4 and 6 to compare Bach Flower Therapy, music therapy and a control group during dental treatment.Dental anxiety was evaluated using behavioral, visual and physiological measures.Children receiving Bach Flower Therapy demonstrated significantly better behavior than children in the control group.The researchers concluded that Bach Flower Therapy and music therapy were effective alternative approaches for reducing dental anxiety in pediatric patients.Published in: Journal of the Indian Society of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry, 2020
Research Type: Randomized controlled study
Participants: 120 children
PMID: 32174632Read the Published Research on PubMed:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32174632/Bach Flower Essences, Pain & Emotional OutlookRetrospective Case Analysis Researchers examined clinical case information involving 384 people who had used Bach Flower Remedies. Among participants experiencing painful conditions, 46% reported that treatment relieved their pain.Even more notable was the emotional response: approximately 88% of all participants reported improvement in their emotional outlook.The author concluded that the use of Bach Flower Remedies was associated with positive emotional changes in the majority of clients included in the analysis.Published in: Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 2007
Research Type: Retrospective case-study analysis
Participants: 384
PMID: 17631260 Read the Published Research on PubMed:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17631260/Why Emotional Balance Matters at Healing Wurks Dr. Bach’s original philosophy centered on the relationship between emotional patterns and overall well-being.That philosophy fits naturally with the whole-person approach used at Healing Wurks. Rather than viewing emotional and physical experiences as completely separate, we believe emotional patterns can be valuable areas to explore as part of a broader wellness journey. Healing Wurks has created sound frequencies corresponding to the traditional emotional themes of the 38 Bach Flower Essences, providing another way for individuals to explore these emotional patterns through sound and intentional self-guided work.
6. Natural, Complementary & Whole-Person WellnessLooking at the Whole Person Integrative and whole-person approaches to wellness recognize that health can be influenced by many interconnected factors — including physical health, emotional well-being, stress, lifestyle, nutrition, relationships, personal goals and a person’s sense of meaning and purpose. Rather than focusing exclusively on a particular symptom, whole-person approaches encourage individuals to become active participants in their well-being while drawing from conventional healthcare, complementary practices and healthy lifestyle approaches when appropriate. This philosophy is increasingly being explored within major healthcare systems, including the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs through its Whole Health model of care.VA Whole Health Approach & Chronic Pain2026 Randomized Clinical Trial A major randomized clinical trial evaluated the Veterans Affairs Whole Health approach in people experiencing chronic pain. The study included 764 participants across six VA health systems. Participants were assigned to a Whole Health team approach, cognitive behavioral therapy for chronic pain, or usual care.The Whole Health approach provided individualized, interdisciplinary care involving a primary-care clinician, a clinician providing nonpharmacological or integrative pain care, and a health coach. Care was designed around each person’s individual health goals, values and life goals. After 12 months, participants receiving the Whole Health intervention experienced significantly greater improvement in how much pain interfered with their lives compared with both the cognitive behavioral therapy and usual-care groups.The researchers concluded that the results support the use of the Whole Health team approach for people experiencing chronic pain.
Research Type: Randomized clinical trial
Participants: 764
Healthcare Systems: 6 VA health systems
Published: 2026
PMID: 42054020 Read the Published Research on PubMed:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42054020/More Than 1 Million Veterans Studied in the VA Whole Health SystemLarge-Scale Evaluation of Whole Health Care Researchers evaluated the Veterans Health Administration’s Whole Health System of Care using electronic health records from more than 1.3 million Veterans, along with surveys from Veterans receiving care at 18 Whole Health pilot medical centers.Whole Health services included health coaching, peer-led groups, personal health planning and complementary and integrative health therapies.Veterans using Whole Health services reported greater improvements in several areas compared with those receiving conventional care, including:• engagement in their healthcare
• engagement in self-care
• meaning and purpose in life
• pain
• perceived stress
• perceptions of their healthcareResearchers also found greater decreases in opioid use among Veterans using Whole Health services.The findings contributed to policy changes expanding access to Whole Health services within the Veterans Health Administration.
Research Type: Large-scale healthcare system evaluation
Electronic Health Records: 1,368,413 Veterans
Whole Health Pilot Sites: 18 VA medical centers
Published: 2022
PMID: 35243621Read the Published Research on PubMed:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35243621/Complementary & Integrative Health and Quality of LifeSystematic Review of Approximately 14,000 Patients Researchers conducted a systematic review examining individualized complementary and integrative health care delivered in real-world outpatient clinical settings. The researchers searched more than 3,300 records and identified 19 studies examining quality of life or well-being, representing approximately 14,000 patients. The review examined individualized complementary and integrative approaches as they are actually being provided in clinical practice, helping researchers understand their potential contribution to patient quality of life and well-being.
Research Type: Systematic review
Studies Included: 19
Patients Represented: Approximately 14,002
Read the Published Research on PubMed:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35834609/Complementary & Integrative Approaches and Quality of LifeSystematic Review & Meta-Analysis of 34 Randomized Controlled Trials
Researchers examined complementary and integrative approaches and health-related quality of life among people with cancer. The analysis included 34 randomized controlled trials involving 3,010 participants. Overall, the researchers found complementary and integrative approaches improved health-related quality of life.Approaches represented in the research included qigong, mindfulness, acupuncture, yoga, massage, nutritional approaches, Chinese herbal medicine and multimodal complementary medicine. The findings demonstrate how a variety of complementary approaches are being scientifically investigated alongside conventional healthcare.
Research Type: Systematic review and meta-analysis
Randomized Controlled Trials: 34
Participants: 3,010
PMID: 31413628 Read the Published Research on PubMed:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31413628/Whole-Person Care & Personal Empowerment One of the most encouraging developments in modern healthcare is growing recognition that people are more than a diagnosis or collection of symptoms.Whole-person approaches consider the individual’s physical health alongside emotional well-being, lifestyle, personal goals, relationships, stress, meaning, purpose and other factors that can contribute to quality of life. This philosophy closely reflects the approach we have long taken at Healing Wurks: look at the whole person, explore the many factors that may be contributing to imbalance, and give individuals tools that allow them to participate more actively in their own wellness journey.The growing body of research into Whole Health, complementary medicine, mind-body practices, sound, Reiki, EFT and other integrative approaches provides exciting opportunities to better understand the many ways we can support human well-being.
About This Research Library Healing Wurks believes people should have access to information about the many approaches being explored in natural, complementary and integrative wellness. This library highlights published research related to approaches and principles discussed or used at Healing Wurks. Study summaries are provided for educational purposes and are intended to make the research easier to understand. Links are provided whenever possible so visitors can read the published research and draw their own conclusions. Research continues to evolve, and the presence of a study on this page does not mean that every Healing Wurks service or frequency has been clinically tested or that individual results can be predicted.
1. Reiki & Energy HealingReiki for Pain & Anxiety Review of Randomized Clinical Trials Researchers reviewed randomized controlled studies examining Reiki for pain and anxiety. Seven studies met the review criteria. The researchers calculated effect sizes and concluded that the results provided evidence suggesting Reiki may be effective for reducing pain and anxiety, while also recommending larger and more standardized studies.
Published in: Pain Management Nursing
Research Type: Review of randomized controlled trials
PMID: 24582620Read the published research on PubMed Reiki Following Abdominal SurgeryRandomized Controlled Trial Researchers studied 93 patients undergoing abdominal surgery and compared Reiki with sham Reiki and standard care. The study evaluated pain, anxiety, fear and oxygen saturation surrounding surgery.The researchers reported that Reiki reduced anxiety, fear and pain compared with the other groups and concluded that Reiki could be used as a complementary approach in surgical care.
Published in: Explore
Research Type: Randomized controlled trial
PMID: 36481177 Read the published research on PubMed Reiki for Pain & Anxiety in Intensive CareRandomized, Single-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study Researchers studied Reiki in 60 mechanically ventilated intensive-care patients. Participants received either Reiki or sham Reiki.The Reiki group experienced significant reductions in both pain and anxiety compared with the sham Reiki group. Researchers also measured physiological parameters and reported changes in heart rate and diastolic blood pressure.
Published in: Journal of Integrative and Complementary Medicine, 2026
Research Type: Randomized, single-blind, placebo-controlled study
PMID: 41051913Read the published research on PubMed
2. EFT / TappingEFT for StressSystematic Review & Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled TrialsA 2026 systematic review and network meta-analysis examined 17 randomized controlled trials of Clinical Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT).For psychological stress, the analysis of 14 studies involving 1,051 participants found a large, statistically significant reduction in stress compared with control conditions. Analysis of physiological measures also found significant improvement.
Published in: Explore, 2026
Research Type: Systematic review and network meta-analysis
PMID: 42425024 Read the published research on PubMed EFT for Anxiety Systematic Review & Meta-Analysis Researchers analyzed 14 studies involving 658 participants to examine the effect of EFT tapping on anxiety.The analysis found a significant decrease in anxiety scores following EFT treatment, providing evidence supporting EFT as an approach for reducing anxiety.
Published in: Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease
Research Type: Systematic review and meta-analysis
PMID: 26894319 Read the published research on PubMed Does the Tapping Component of EFT Matter?Meta-AnalysisResearchers examined whether stimulating acupuncture points through tapping contributes to EFT’s effects rather than the results coming solely from the psychological components of the technique.Their analysis found that treatment protocols using actual acupoint tapping produced stronger outcomes than comparison approaches that did not use the acupoints.
Research Type: Meta-analysis
PMID: 30273275Read the published research on PubMed
3. Sound, Music & Vibrational Wellness Music Therapy & Stress Systematic Review & Meta-AnalysisResearchers analyzed 47 studies involving 2,747 participants to examine how music therapy affected stress-related outcomes.The analysis found an overall medium-to-large effect of music therapy on stress-related outcomes. Researchers evaluated both psychological and physiological measures of stress.This research contributes to the growing scientific understanding of how sound and music can influence the human stress response and well-being.
Published in: Health Psychology Review
Research Type: Systematic review and meta-analysis Read the published research on PubMed Music Therapy & Anxiety Systematic Review & Meta-Analysis A large 2025 systematic review and meta-analysis examined 51 studies and 93 effect sizes involving music therapy and anxiety. Researchers found an overall medium effect of music therapy on anxiety outcomes, including a medium effect on participants’ self-reported anxiety.
Published in: eClinicalMedicine, 2025
Research Type: Systematic review and meta-analysis
PMID: 40547443 Read the published research on PubMed Music Therapy & Chronic PainSystematic Review & Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials Researchers analyzed nine randomized controlled trials involving 787 people experiencing chronic pain.The analysis found that music therapy significantly reduced chronic pain compared with control conditions. Improvements in depression were also reported.
Published in: BMC Psychology, 2025
Research Type: Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
PMID: 40307940 Read the published research on PubMed
4. Mind-Body & Emotional WellnessThe Mind and Body Are Connected Our emotional, mental and physical experiences are deeply interconnected. Stress and emotional experiences can influence the nervous system and the way we experience physical sensations, while practices that encourage relaxation, mindfulness and greater emotional regulation can influence both emotional and physical well-being. A growing body of research is helping us better understand these mind-body connections and how practices that work with the mind, emotions and nervous system may support overall wellness.
Mindfulness & Chronic Pain Systematic Review & Meta-Analysis of 38 Randomized Controlled Trials Researchers reviewed 38 randomized controlled trials examining mindfulness meditation for adults experiencing chronic pain.The analysis found that mindfulness meditation was associated with improvements in pain, depression symptoms and quality of life. The researchers concluded that mindfulness meditation can improve pain, depression symptoms and quality of life, while also noting the need for additional large, rigorous clinical trials.
Research Type: Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Number of Studies: 38Read the Published Research on PubMed:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27658913/Mind-Body Practices, Stress & the Autonomic Nervous System Systematic Review & Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials Researchers examined the effects of the mind-body practices Tai Chi and yoga on perceived stress and heart rate variability.Heart rate variability, or HRV, provides information about the activity and regulation of the autonomic nervous system — the system involved in functions such as heart rate, breathing, digestion and the body’s stress response.The meta-analysis included 17 medium-to-high-quality randomized controlled trials.Researchers found significant beneficial effects on several measures of heart rate variability as well as a significant reduction in perceived stress.The researchers suggested that the stress-reducing effects of these mind-body practices may be related to changes in the balance between sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous-system activity.
Research Type: Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Number of Studies: 17
Read the Published Research on PubMed:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30384420/Mindfulness-Based Approaches for Chronic Pain 2025 Systematic Review & Network Meta-Analysis A large systematic review and network meta-analysis examined 68 studies involving 5,339 participants to compare different types of mindfulness-based approaches for chronic pain. Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction showed particularly promising results for improving pain intensity and depression. Researchers found moderate-certainty evidence for its effect on pain intensity and high-certainty evidence for its effect on depression.Another approach, Mindfulness-Oriented Recovery Enhancement, showed promising results for improving physical functioning.The researchers concluded that their findings contribute to the evidence supporting mindfulness-based approaches in chronic pain management.
Research Type: Systematic review and network meta-analysis
Number of Studies: 68
Participants: 5,339 Read the Published Research on PubMed:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40010103/Why Mind-Body Research Matters For centuries, many natural and traditional healing approaches have viewed the mind, emotions and body as interconnected rather than completely separate.Modern research is providing additional ways of examining these relationships by measuring changes in areas such as stress, pain perception, emotional well-being, quality of life and autonomic nervous-system activity. At Healing Wurks, we believe this whole-person perspective is important. Emotional experiences, stress, lifestyle, beliefs, physical experiences and energetic well-being can all be valuable areas to explore when working toward greater balance and wellness.
5. Bach Flower Essences & Emotional Wellness A Natural Approach Focused on Emotional Balance Bach Flower Essences were developed in the 1930s by British physician and homeopath Dr. Edward Bach. Dr. Bach developed a system of 38 individual flower remedies, with each remedy traditionally associated with a particular emotional state or pattern. His approach was based on the belief that emotional well-being is an important part of whole-person health. Today, Bach Flower Essences continue to be used around the world as a complementary approach to emotional wellness, and researchers have explored their use in areas including anxiety, emotional well-being, fear, pain and stress. Bach Flower Essences in Healthcare 2022 Scope Review Researchers conducted a review to map the use of Bach Flower Remedies in adult healthcare.The review identified the use of several individual flower essences, including Impatiens, Cherry Plum, White Chestnut and Beech.Across the studies reviewed, researchers reported reductions in areas including anxiety, depression, fear and pain following the use of Bach Flower Essences.The review provides a useful look at how Bach Flower Essences have been studied and incorporated as a complementary approach within healthcare.
Published in: Holistic Nursing Practice, 2022
Research Type: Scope Review
PMID: 36255345Read the Published Research on PubMed:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36255345/Bach Flower Therapy & AnxietyRandomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical TrialResearchers studied 81 adults experiencing moderate to high anxiety in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial.The Bach Flower Essence formula contained Impatiens, White Chestnut, Cherry Plum, Chicory, Crab Apple and Pine.Researchers evaluated anxiety along with sleep patterns, binge eating and resting heart rate.The study provides an interesting example of modern clinical research investigating Bach Flower Essences using a randomized, placebo-controlled design.
Research Type: Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial
Participants: 81 adults
PMID: 33902293 Read the Published Research on PubMed:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33902293/Bach Flower Therapy & Dental Anxiety in Children Randomized Controlled Study Researchers studied 120 children between the ages of 4 and 6 to compare Bach Flower Therapy, music therapy and a control group during dental treatment.Dental anxiety was evaluated using behavioral, visual and physiological measures.Children receiving Bach Flower Therapy demonstrated significantly better behavior than children in the control group.The researchers concluded that Bach Flower Therapy and music therapy were effective alternative approaches for reducing dental anxiety in pediatric patients.Published in: Journal of the Indian Society of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry, 2020
Research Type: Randomized controlled study
Participants: 120 children
PMID: 32174632Read the Published Research on PubMed:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32174632/Bach Flower Essences, Pain & Emotional OutlookRetrospective Case Analysis Researchers examined clinical case information involving 384 people who had used Bach Flower Remedies. Among participants experiencing painful conditions, 46% reported that treatment relieved their pain.Even more notable was the emotional response: approximately 88% of all participants reported improvement in their emotional outlook.The author concluded that the use of Bach Flower Remedies was associated with positive emotional changes in the majority of clients included in the analysis.Published in: Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 2007
Research Type: Retrospective case-study analysis
Participants: 384
PMID: 17631260 Read the Published Research on PubMed:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17631260/Why Emotional Balance Matters at Healing Wurks Dr. Bach’s original philosophy centered on the relationship between emotional patterns and overall well-being.That philosophy fits naturally with the whole-person approach used at Healing Wurks. Rather than viewing emotional and physical experiences as completely separate, we believe emotional patterns can be valuable areas to explore as part of a broader wellness journey. Healing Wurks has created sound frequencies corresponding to the traditional emotional themes of the 38 Bach Flower Essences, providing another way for individuals to explore these emotional patterns through sound and intentional self-guided work.
6. Natural, Complementary & Whole-Person WellnessLooking at the Whole Person Integrative and whole-person approaches to wellness recognize that health can be influenced by many interconnected factors — including physical health, emotional well-being, stress, lifestyle, nutrition, relationships, personal goals and a person’s sense of meaning and purpose. Rather than focusing exclusively on a particular symptom, whole-person approaches encourage individuals to become active participants in their well-being while drawing from conventional healthcare, complementary practices and healthy lifestyle approaches when appropriate. This philosophy is increasingly being explored within major healthcare systems, including the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs through its Whole Health model of care.VA Whole Health Approach & Chronic Pain2026 Randomized Clinical Trial A major randomized clinical trial evaluated the Veterans Affairs Whole Health approach in people experiencing chronic pain. The study included 764 participants across six VA health systems. Participants were assigned to a Whole Health team approach, cognitive behavioral therapy for chronic pain, or usual care.The Whole Health approach provided individualized, interdisciplinary care involving a primary-care clinician, a clinician providing nonpharmacological or integrative pain care, and a health coach. Care was designed around each person’s individual health goals, values and life goals. After 12 months, participants receiving the Whole Health intervention experienced significantly greater improvement in how much pain interfered with their lives compared with both the cognitive behavioral therapy and usual-care groups.The researchers concluded that the results support the use of the Whole Health team approach for people experiencing chronic pain.
Research Type: Randomized clinical trial
Participants: 764
Healthcare Systems: 6 VA health systems
Published: 2026
PMID: 42054020 Read the Published Research on PubMed:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42054020/More Than 1 Million Veterans Studied in the VA Whole Health SystemLarge-Scale Evaluation of Whole Health Care Researchers evaluated the Veterans Health Administration’s Whole Health System of Care using electronic health records from more than 1.3 million Veterans, along with surveys from Veterans receiving care at 18 Whole Health pilot medical centers.Whole Health services included health coaching, peer-led groups, personal health planning and complementary and integrative health therapies.Veterans using Whole Health services reported greater improvements in several areas compared with those receiving conventional care, including:• engagement in their healthcare
• engagement in self-care
• meaning and purpose in life
• pain
• perceived stress
• perceptions of their healthcareResearchers also found greater decreases in opioid use among Veterans using Whole Health services.The findings contributed to policy changes expanding access to Whole Health services within the Veterans Health Administration.
Research Type: Large-scale healthcare system evaluation
Electronic Health Records: 1,368,413 Veterans
Whole Health Pilot Sites: 18 VA medical centers
Published: 2022
PMID: 35243621Read the Published Research on PubMed:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35243621/Complementary & Integrative Health and Quality of LifeSystematic Review of Approximately 14,000 Patients Researchers conducted a systematic review examining individualized complementary and integrative health care delivered in real-world outpatient clinical settings. The researchers searched more than 3,300 records and identified 19 studies examining quality of life or well-being, representing approximately 14,000 patients. The review examined individualized complementary and integrative approaches as they are actually being provided in clinical practice, helping researchers understand their potential contribution to patient quality of life and well-being.
Research Type: Systematic review
Studies Included: 19
Patients Represented: Approximately 14,002
Read the Published Research on PubMed:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35834609/Complementary & Integrative Approaches and Quality of LifeSystematic Review & Meta-Analysis of 34 Randomized Controlled Trials
Researchers examined complementary and integrative approaches and health-related quality of life among people with cancer. The analysis included 34 randomized controlled trials involving 3,010 participants. Overall, the researchers found complementary and integrative approaches improved health-related quality of life.Approaches represented in the research included qigong, mindfulness, acupuncture, yoga, massage, nutritional approaches, Chinese herbal medicine and multimodal complementary medicine. The findings demonstrate how a variety of complementary approaches are being scientifically investigated alongside conventional healthcare.
Research Type: Systematic review and meta-analysis
Randomized Controlled Trials: 34
Participants: 3,010
PMID: 31413628 Read the Published Research on PubMed:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31413628/Whole-Person Care & Personal Empowerment One of the most encouraging developments in modern healthcare is growing recognition that people are more than a diagnosis or collection of symptoms.Whole-person approaches consider the individual’s physical health alongside emotional well-being, lifestyle, personal goals, relationships, stress, meaning, purpose and other factors that can contribute to quality of life. This philosophy closely reflects the approach we have long taken at Healing Wurks: look at the whole person, explore the many factors that may be contributing to imbalance, and give individuals tools that allow them to participate more actively in their own wellness journey.The growing body of research into Whole Health, complementary medicine, mind-body practices, sound, Reiki, EFT and other integrative approaches provides exciting opportunities to better understand the many ways we can support human well-being.
About This Research Library Healing Wurks believes people should have access to information about the many approaches being explored in natural, complementary and integrative wellness. This library highlights published research related to approaches and principles discussed or used at Healing Wurks. Study summaries are provided for educational purposes and are intended to make the research easier to understand. Links are provided whenever possible so visitors can read the published research and draw their own conclusions. Research continues to evolve, and the presence of a study on this page does not mean that every Healing Wurks service or frequency has been clinically tested or that individual results can be predicted.
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