Perception of Subtle Energy " <i>Prana</i>", and Its Effects During Biofield Practices: A Qualitative Meta-Synthesis


Author: Manasa Belal1, Vinu Vijayakumar1, Nagendra Prasad K1, Srikanth N Jois1

Affiliation: <sup>1</sup> World Pranic Healing Foundation, India- Research Centre, Mysuru, India.
Conference/Journal: Glob Adv Integr Med Health
Date published: 2023 Sep 12
Other:
 Volume ID: 12   ,  Pages: 27536130231200477   ,  Special Notes: doi: 10.1177/27536130231200477.   ,  Word Count: 249  
    Background:

The idea of "life force" or "subtle pranic energy," sometimes referred to as prana, ki, qi, vital force, and scientifically accepted as biofield, is prevalent across many cultures.



Objectives:

This review's objective is to synthesize data from studies that looked at a range of physical, psychological, and biofield sensations while experiencing prana and receiving biofield therapies.



Method:

We looked for qualitative, exploratory, and mixed-method studies on subtle pranic energy perceptions, as well as the physical and emotional experiences connected to biofield therapeutic procedures, through searches in 3 electronic databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus. Based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, ninteen studies were appropriate for this review. The results were synthesized using the 6 steps of the thematic analysis approach.



Results:

The first concept, "energy experiences," comprises 4 themes that describe participants' sensations of prana (awareness of temperature variation; presence of energy; physical sensation of energy; and magnetic sensation). The second concept, "positive experiences," consists of 3 themes that describe the benefits of undergoing biofield therapy on the physical and emotional conditions of the participants (positive affective experiences; positive physical sensations; and positive valued experiences). The third concept, "experience of awareness," describes how participants become aware of their mental activities (awareness of mental activities).



Conclusion:

Our knowledge of perceptions and experiences related to biofield therapy is enhanced by this meta-synthesis. It gave a comprehensive picture of the enormous sensations and advantages that were felt when engaging in biofield practices.



Keywords: biofield; prana; pranic healing; reiki; yoga.



PMID: 37711602 PMCID: PMC10498708 DOI: 10.1177/27536130231200477