Spiritual healers believe they can channel healing energy into patients' bodies to bring about an improvement or cure of an illness. Many variations of the theme exist and terminology is confusing: distant healing, faith healing, intercessory prayer, Johrei, Reiki, and therapeutic touch. About 1400 healers are registered in the UK. According to the Department of Health-sponsored patient guide, ‘research has shown some benefit in many areas including: healing of wounds, chronic conditions such as migraine or irritable bowel syndrome, reducing side-effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy for people with cancer, contributing to pain relief, helping relaxation, improving sleep patterns, reducing tension, stress and anxiety, providing emotional and spiritual support, contributing to a sense of wellbeing.’1
Currently, the National Federation of …