Élida Mara Carneiro

The Spiritist laying on of hands is the subject of research in a University in the State of Minas Gerais

 
The effectiveness of the use of the Spiritist laying on of hands was scientifically proven after groups of researchers from the Federal University of the Triangulo Mineiro (UFTM), in the city of Uberaba (MG), studied its effects in groups of newborns and adults. The researcher and physiotherapist Elida Mara Carneiro, Coordinator of the Spiritist Chaplaincy at the Clinical Hospital of the Federal University of Triangulo Mineiro and a member of the Medical-Spiritist Association of Uberaba (AME-UBE), presents interesting data about the imposition of hands, now proven within Hospitals, following rigors for studies, as shown in the following interview that she kindly granted us.

How did the idea come up to apply the laying on of hands in the treatment of neonates?
 

Five years ago, we started the Spiritist Chaplaincy at the Clinical Hospital of the Federal University of the Triangulo Mineiro (UFTM), which includes, among the various activities and places of work, the application of the Spiritist laying on of hands in the neonates of the Neonatal and Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. In order to perform the research to evaluate the effects of the Spiritist imposition of hands, we initially chose the newborns because an earlier study was carried out with this population and some members of the team already had skills in the collection of salivary cortisol. Subsequently, we continued the research inserting other populations.

What is evaluated? Were there any changes before, during or after the laying on of hands?
 

A double-blind randomized clinical trial was performed in newborns. Stress levels were evaluated through the analysis of salivary cortisol, pain, physiological parameters such as respiratory rate, heart rate and peripheral oxygen saturation, before and after the application of the Spiritist laying on of hands when compared to the imposition of hands with intent to cure for a period of 10 minutes for three consecutive days. After these interventions, the complications and length of stay of newborns in the hospital were recorded. There was a significant reduction regarding the respiratory rate and a considerable decrease, although not statistically significant, in the number of complications and length of hospital stay in newborns who received the Spiritist laying on of hands compared to those who were subject to the imposition of hands with the intent to cure.
 

Was this study done with adult patients?

In adults, two studies have been published. The first included patients admitted to the Medical Clinic Infirmary. The patients were allocated in three groups: the Spiritist laying on of hands, imposition of hands with the intent of healing and control, for 10 minutes, on three consecutive days. The psychological variables evaluated were: anxiety levels, depression, pain intensity, perception of muscular tension and sense of well-being, and as physiological parameters: heart rate and peripheral oxygen saturation. Concerning the results, there was a significant reduction in the levels of anxiety, depression and muscular tension, with consequent increase of sensation of well-being in the patients who received the Spiritist laying on of hands. Regarding the second study, the sample comprised patients with hospitalized cardiovascular diseases. It was observed in the group that received the Spiritist laying on of hands a significant decrease in anxiety scores and in the perception of muscular tension, improvement of the sense of well-being and increase in the peripheral saturation of oxygen, and in the group of imposition of hands with intention to cure, there was a significant reduction in the perception of muscular tension and an increase in the sensation of well-being. However, the reduction of muscular tension and improvement of well-being were greater in the group that received the Spiritist laying on of hands.

If there were changes, are they purely observational or can they be measured clinically?

The changes were measured using validated instruments for Brazil, the measurements of physiological parameters by the specific monitors and the salivary cortisol dosage in a reference laboratory. It should be noted that in all studies, the evaluators were blind to the procedures patients received, i.e., the examiners who participated in the questionnaires, in the salivary cortisol collection and in the physiological variables did not know which treatment the patients were receiving and in which group they were allotted.

Were the results expected by the team of researchers?

The research team expected the results against the hypotheses of the studies, although not all the variables presented significant assumed differences.

What about the reception from colleagues, health professionals and the hospital's board of directors regarding the research?

Several health professionals and colleagues expressed an interest in the results of the research. In relation to the hospital's board of directors, from the beginning, we had a valuable support from the Superintendent and also from the Coordinators of the various sectors of the hospital.

Was the acceptance also the same for the relatives of the patients?

The acceptance of the Spiritist laying on of hands, during the research, by the parents of the newborns and relatives of the patients was relevant (89%). These results show the acceptance of this complementary therapy by the majority of individuals eligible for the research, regardless of religious belief.

Is there any new project involving the laying on of hands for the future?

Yes, we are working on a new study with the evaluation of other variables.