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

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