Biofield Therapy and PTSD

A 2013 study on regular-force members of the Canadian Forces revealed “nearly 17% of respondents had experienced symptoms in the previous 12 months consistent with at least one of a half-dozen disorders” (Pedwell, 2014, August 11). “Roughly five per cent reported having experienced symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder or anxiety” (ibid). In the U.S. the Department of Veterans Affairs suggest up to 18% of OEF/OIF veterans “are likely to have PTSD after they return. In addition to PTSD, OEF/OIF service members are at risk for other mental health problems. Although studies vary widely in terms of methods used, estimates of depression in returning troops range from 3% to 25%” (U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, 2015).

A study of rescue workers showed a world-wide prevalence of PTSD to run at 10% (Berger et. al., 2012). A U.K. study on emergency ambulance workers found the rate of PTSD closer to 22% (Bennett et. al., 2004).

Research on Reiki is suggestive of the positive effects of biofield therapy on lessening anxiety. The Anxiety and Depression Association of America (2010-2016) lists anxiety reduction as one of the main treatments for PTSD (as a part of other therapies). While no one therapy will work for everyone, Reiki is gentle and non-invasive, and its positive effects are being demonstrated through current research.

References:

Anxiety and Depression Association of America. (2010-2016). Treatment for PTSD. Retrieved November 2, 2016, from https://www.adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/posttraumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd/treatment

Bennett, P., Williams, Y., Page, N., Hood, K., & Wollard, M. (2004). Levels of mental health problems among UK emergency
ambulance workers. Emergency Medical Journal, 21, 235-236. Retrieved November 2, 2016, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1726283/pdf/v021p00235.pdf

Berger, W., Coutinho, E. S. F., Figueira, I., Marques-Portella, C., Luz, M. P., Neylan, T. C., … Mendlowicz, M. V. (2012). Rescuers at risk: a systematic review and meta-regression analysis of the worldwide current prevalence and correlates of PTSD in rescue workers. Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology, 47(6), 1001–1011. http://doi.org/10.1007/s00127-011-0408-2

Pedwell, T. (2014, August 11). PTSD, depression, alcoholism prevalent in military, Statistics Canada reports. The Star. Retrieved November 2, 2016, from https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2014/08/11/statistics_canada_says_depression_ptsd_anxiety_prevalent_among_military.html

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. (2015). PTSD: National Center for PTSD. Retrieved November 2, 2016, from http://www.ptsd.va.gov/public/PTSD-overview/reintegration/overview-mental-health-effects.asp