StudyprimarychallengesVerified

A close look at therapeutic touch

Linda Rosa, Emily Rosa, et al. · 1998 · JAMA, 279(13), 1005-1010

Spiritual Evidence Map/Last updated May 10, 2026/Claims v1.0.0-provisional/Sources v1.0.0/Scores provisional

Summary

Blinded test of therapeutic-touch practitioners' claimed ability to detect a human energy field; practitioners performed at chance.

Why it matters here

A compact, famous controlled test of human-energy-field perception, relevant to aura and energy-healing claims even though it targets therapeutic touch rather than Reiki specifically.

Linked claims

Evidence score 1/10

Auras as visible biofields

Direct tests have failed to detect aura perception. 'Aura photography' is heat or skin conductance.

Evidence score 2/10

Reiki

Trials show some benefit from relaxation and attention; the postulated energy has not been demonstrated.

Related evidence hubs

Topic hub

Energy, Healing & Divination

Practice claims — prayer, reiki, chakras, astrology, tarot, manifestation.

Evidence pillar

Energy healing & subtle body

Reiki, chakras, auras, crystals, prayer healing.