Conversation

Do you believe energy healing, or "the idea that healers can channel healing energy into a patient and effect positive results" is real on a level that's not placebo?

Yes, absolutely
5%
Yes, possibly
13.5%
No, unlikely
25.3%
No, not at all
56.2%

2,218 votesFinal results

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I think it's important to separate effect from mechanism. So, I think it's likely that some self-described energy healers can put their hands on someone and effect positive results that couldn't be gained by a "placebo person" doing the same thing, with the same story.

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and

That doesn't mean I think the mechanism is transfer of energy. That seems unlikely.

Aella

@Aella_Girl

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@JeffLadish

i thought about mentioning 'or other mechanisms that are non-mystical' but didn't. Do you have an example of the type of mechanism you mean?

7:27 PM · Jun 21, 2019

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One of the explanations I've heard involves extremely sensitive touch + extended proprioception, to sense changes in muscle tenseness in the individual and apply slight differences in touch to change that. I don't confidently believe that is what is going on, but cant rule it out