Complementary Alternative Cardiovascular Medicine

Chapter 13 / Energy Medicines and Therapies 209
heart and MI. A reduction in infarct size and a reduced ventricular dilation
were observed with low-intensity laser treatment (43). In both studies,
laser-induced effects were mediated by an increase in the number of
blood vessels.
Extrinsic Energy Therapies of Human Origin
All the extrinsic energy therapies described so far used man-made
EM, acoustic, and optical energies. As mentioned in the introduction, a
second category of extrinsic energy therapies can be considered using
energy generated and projected from the human body.
Some long-established schools and organizations provide instruction
in such “healing arts.” These include the Rosalyn Bruyere School, the
Reiki Alliance, the Barbara Brennan School, and Therapeutic Touch,
which is taught to nurses and used in some hospitals. In addition to
healing, external Qigong can be considered an extrinsic energy therapy,
because these practitioners are taught to project their Qi to heal others.
The National Qigong Association offers trainings and lists of practitioners
throughout the country. Although some studies have suggested that
these healing techniques produced physiological responses, to date there
is no significant evidence of direct effects on the cardiovascular system.
PART II: INTRINSIC ENERGY THERAPIES
Although much research is still necessary concerning intrinsic
energy therapies, there exists some consensus among practitioners and
researchers regarding their application in heart disease. The general
consensus is that intrinsic energy therapies, such as meditation, cognitive
restructuring, and relaxation training/stress management, are most
effective as preventive measures for heart disease and hypertension.
The extensive clinical experience of Udupa suggests that Hatha Yoga
postures, such as Shavasana, in selected situations can be an effective
treatment modality (44).
The most effective ways for a patient to learn intrinsic energy techniques
is to work with a certified practitioner or go to a mind-body
medicine clinic. Several such clinics, such as the ones at the University
of Massachusetts and Beth Israel Hospital, are affiliated with university
hospitals. Schools of yoga, such as Iyengar Yoga, are producing welltrained
and qualified instructors of Hatha Yoga. Therapists and instructors
of imagery, stress management, and cognitive behavioral therapy
can be found in the fields of health psychology and behavioral medicine.
Biofeedback and hypnosis are allied fields. Meditation techniques are
offered by organizations, such as Transcendental Meditation, Self-Realization
Fellowship, SYDA Foundation and the Vedanta Society. The