| Biomechanical and bioenergetic therapies rely on manipulation of the
patient's body and/or unseen energy fields believed to influence health and
disease. Evaluating biomechanical and bioenergetic therapies:
| Therapy |
Benefits demonstrated |
Risk |
| Biomechanical |
|
|
| Massage |
Yes, even in children when provided by
trained parents |
None |
| Spinal manipulation |
Anecdotal evidence only |
Cost, X-ray exposure |
| Bioenergetic |
|
|
| Acupuncture |
Conflicting data
More studies needed |
Cost; very rare needle breakage,
pneumothorax, infection |
| Healing touch |
Positive results in one case series
No controlled trials in children |
None |
| Prayer |
No controlled trials |
None |
| Homeopathy |
One study with minimal positive impact
in adults No studies in children |
None |
Back to CAM therapies
|
