The Effects of Energy Healing in Fibromyalgia

What this study involves

The registry says this study is recruiting. Individual locations may have different availability.

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Age range

18 years - 75 years

Sex eligible

Female

Healthy volunteers

Accepted

Participants

25 Estimated

These are starting points, not an eligibility decision. The research team must review the full requirements.

About the research

This study aims to study the clinical effects of Energy Healing using fMRI and determine its application to Fibromyalgia patients. We also want to find out how active Energy Healing compares to sham Energy Healing in terms of brain connectivity and pain interference scores.

Who may be able to participate?

The list below is the sponsor’s full registry wording. It can include conditions, prior treatment, test results and other requirements. A match in search does not mean you qualify.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Female
• Over 18 and under 75 years of age.
• Fibromyalgia patients must meet the 2016 Fibromyalgia Diagnostic Criteria for the classification of FM.
• Mean recalled pain over the last seven days (7-day recall) between 4-10 cm on Visual - - - - Analog Scale (VAS) for pain with no pain free days in the last 2 months and active pain in resting state lying on back.
• No contraindications for MRI, such as metal in the body or electrical devices in the body.
• Willing to limit the introduction of any new medications or treatment modalities for control of FM symptoms during the study.
• Able to travel to the study site to receive MRI, EH, and sham EH sessions up to twice weekly.
• Understanding and willing to complete all study procedures.
• Capable of giving written informed consent.
• Proficient ability to speak, read, and write in english.

Exclusion Criteria:

• EH within the last 6-months.
• Have received past treatment from Charlie Goldsmith or know of him or his work.
• Contraindications to MRI and fcMRI methods. These may include but are not limited to: surgical clips, surgical staples, metal implants, and certain metallic dental material, claustrophobia, etc. \[Note: a more formal description of contraindications for MRI is present -in our DSM Plan\].
• Presence of known past procedures, devices in the body, claustrophobia, or other contraindications for MRI
• Presence of a concurrent autoimmune or inflammatory disease such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, inflammatory bowel disease, etc. that causes pain.
• Peripheral neuropathy that interferes with activities of daily living.
• Routine daily use of narcotic analgesics or history of substance abuse.
• Stimulant medications, such as those used to treat ADD/ADHD (e.g., amphetamine/ dextroamphetamine \[Adderall®\], methylphenidate, dextroamphetamine), or the fatigue associated with sleep apnea or shift work (e.g., modafinil), are excluded.
• Concurrent participation in other therapeutic trials.
• Pregnant or nursing.
• Severe psychiatric illnesses (current schizophrenia, major depression with suicidal ideation).
• Active substance abuse disorder in the past 24 months as determined by subject self-report.
• Use of PRN over the counter (OTC) pain medications (NSAIDs, etc.) on day of MRI scan.
• Use of PRN narcotic pain medication 48 hours prior to MRI scan.
• Current active litigation for FM pain.
• Any impairment, activity or situation that in the judgment of the Principal Investigator or other team member that would prevent satisfactory completion of the study protocol. This includes unreliable, or inconsistent pain scores as deemed by the principal investigator.

Treatment, groups and participation

The registry may describe treatments and study duration without a complete visit calendar. Ask the study team for the exact schedule, procedures, risks, costs and alternatives. Keep your usual care plan unless your treating clinician tells you otherwise.

Assignment

Not applicable

Masking

No masking

What researchers are measuring

Outcome measures describe what is being studied. They are not proof that a treatment works.

Primary measures

Secondary measures

Research locations (1)

The overall study status and a local site’s status can differ. Confirm that location’s availability before traveling.

1 locations

Study team and timeline

Lead sponsor

University of California, Irvine

Study start

Dec 3, 2024 Actual

Primary completion

2026-12 Estimated

Study completion

2027-05 Estimated

First posted

Aug 14, 2024 Actual

Last updated

Nov 10, 2026 Actual

Official study contacts