Influence of pranic healing and mindfulness on respiratory function, physical endurance, and well-being: A randomized single-blind study among paramedical students
Vinu Vijayakumar, Mahesh Pudukudru Anand, Srikanth N. Jois, Sindaghatta Krishnarao Chaya, Roopa Nanjundaswamy, Ananthakrishna Srinivasachar Mysore
Health Psychology Research September 10, 2026 DOI: 10.36922/hpr026210102 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Randomized controlled trial Qualitative Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 78 |
| Population | Paramedical students, mean age 18.86 years |
| Interventions | Mass pranic healing (MPH) Sham pranic healing (SPH) |
| Duration | Four-week intervention, measured before and after the intervention |
| Measures | 1-minute sit-to-stand test, spirometry, Cognitive and Affective Mindfulness Scale |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Key findings | MPH showed a favorable change in physical performance over time (eta-squared = 0.12) while SPH showed no change. Baseline mindfulness moderated treatment-related changes in forced expiratory volume in one second: at high baseline mindfulness, SPH declined by about 130 mL and MPH improved by about 20 mL, a 150 mL between-group difference. The authors conclude pranic healing and mindfulness have synergistic benefits for respiratory health, physical vitality, and well-being. |
Abstract
Background: In pranic healing, a naturopathic biofield (prana) therapy, wellness is achieved by balancing life energy, also known as prana. Studies confirm its effectiveness in lowering rates of depression and anxiety, along with improving sleep quality and functional health.
Objective: To evaluate the effects of mass pranic healing (MPH) on lung function and physical performance among paramedical students and to examine the influence of mindfulness on these outcome measures.
Method: In a four-week randomized controlled trial, 78 paramedical students (mean age 18.86 years) were randomly assigned to the MPH or sham pranic healing (SPH) groups. The study evaluated physical performance using the 1-minute sit-to-stand test, pulmonary function via spirometry, and mindfulness using the Cognitive and Affective Mindfulness Scale, both before and after the intervention. Statistical analyses included a linear mixed model and repeated measures analysis of variance. The experiences of participants were thematically analyzed.
Results: MPH showed a favorable change in physical performance over time (η2 = 0.12), while SPH showed no change. After adjusting for gender and height, baseline mindfulness significantly moderated treatment-related changes in forced expiratory volume in one second. At high baseline mindfulness (mean + 1 standard deviation), SPH declined by approximately 130 mL while MPH improved by approximately 20 mL, producing a 150 mL between-group difference in change. Qualitative feedback showed that MPH participants reported improved physical and psychological health.
Conclusion: MPH showed favorable changes in physical endurance, MPH, mindfulness levels, and lung function. The study found synergistic benefits of pranic healing and mindfulness in promoting respiratory health, physical vitality, and well-being among paramedical students.
Comparable studies
Other randomized controlled trials on meditation, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alterations in Brain and Immune Function Produced by Mindfulness Meditation Healthy employees in a work environment | 2003 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 41 |
| Prevention of relapse/recurrence in major depression by mindfulness-based cognitive therapy. Recovered recurrently depressed patients | 2000 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 145 |
| Open hearts build lives: Positive emotions, induced through loving-kindness meditation, build consequential personal resources. Working adults | 2008 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 139 |
| Short-term meditation training improves attention and self-regulation Undergraduate Chinese students | 2007 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 40 |
| Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Depression: Replication and Exploration of Differential Relapse Prevention Effects. Recovered recurrently depressed patients | 2004 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 73 |