Energy Fields Nursing: An Exploration of New and Re-Discovered Boundaries for Practice.

by

Francis C Biley RN PhD Lecturer in Nursing, University of Wales College of Nursing and

Catherine Jones RGN BN(Hons) Post-graduate Student, University of Wales College of Nursing

Addresses for correspondence: FCB: UWCM Heath Park Cardiff Wales, UK CF4 4XN Tel: Fax: Email: 00 44 1222 743734 as above BILEY@cf.ac.uk CJ: 20, Easterly Close Brackla Bridgend Wales, UK CF31 2NA

May 1998

Introduction Despite being developed over 30 years ago and there being perhaps more research to support it that any other conceptual framework for nursing, the Science of Unitary Human Beings (Rogers 1970, 1986) is rarely explicitly used in nursing practice outside of North America (Fraser 1996), although paradoxically, if the Science of Unitary Human Beings is an adequate and accurate theoretical framework, it could be argued that it is being used every day, albeit implicitly, by nurses throughout the world. As you might expect then, the framework is gaining in popularity throughout the world and in such places as the United Kingdom, Germany and Brazil. However, the abstract nature of its concepts and its references to phenomena such as human and environmental energy fields, the paranormal, near death experiences and telepathy may detract many nurses from pursuing an understanding of the conceptual framework and stop them from using it explicitly in their everyday practice.

This aim of this chapter is to introduce some of the basic components of Martha Rogers Science of Unitary Human Beings (Rogers 1970, 1986), explore the foundations of the conceptual framework from an Eastern philosophical perspective, what constitutes ideas about health gained from taking an Eastern perspective and to also add relevant insights on the nature of reality gained from post-Newtonian physics and in particular quantum theory. From this, insights into the nature of energy and its manifestations, including intuitions (which form an important part of the framework) will emerge. Empirical evidence for such manifestations of energy and in support, or otherwise, of the conceptual framework itself will be highlighted, along with a discussion of the congruence of testing

the model and its assumptions using traditional Western scientific empirical methods. Finally, aspects of the practice of energy fields nursing will be explored.

Origins and definition of energy For thousands of years people have wondered about nature and their place within it. Richardson (1995) stated that there has been an historical assumption that all matter is surrounded by a universal life energy. The cosmic source of this life energy is often known as the One, meaning God, Allah or Jehovah etc. The One emanates life energy or Divine intelligence which is thought to be pure wisdom and love (Kryder 1994). This life energy is given different names in different cultures.

In India, energy is regarded as an intangible substance that pervades the whole universe and is the breath from which all things are formed and is known as prana. The Japanese label for such universal energy is reiki or ki and is similar to the Chinese vital energy, known as chi, which emanates from the cosmos. Chi is likened to dragons veins, running as invisible lines from the sky to earth. This chi energy travels between two poles or extremes known as the yin and yang. The cosmic source of chi is Tao, meaning the way and Taoism asserts that although mans experience of the world is characterized by continual movement or change, there is within this change a pattern which is non-random and has a kind of structural unity and constancy. Irrespective of the country of origin of such conceptualisations, commonality of understanding and belief can be found in the ideas about the illusionary and Divine nature of energy, and in holism and the belief in the interconnectedness of all things. There is also an awareness of subtle, often opposing

energies within the universe and that human beings are subjected to these energies or forces. Human beings are also thought to be able to control or influence these energies in order to create harmony or disharmony, balance or imbalance.

In Egypt, man was viewed as the microcosm of the macrocosm and was expected to reflect the order and harmony of the macrocosm. This was achieved through the balancing of subtle energies known as cosmic uranian forces and subterranean telluric forces. Similarly, the Chinese thought, and still do think, that the yin and yang are the activating forces of all phenomena. The human being is said to be the mediator of yin and yang and needs to maintain a balance between its forces, physically, mentally or emotionally. It seems then that human beings had to be attuned to and in harmony with both spiritual and physical realities to be healthy or whole.

In the Western world there has been scientific exploration into the nature of the universe over the last two centuries. Sir Isaac Newton defined force as a common component of the universe, but in the form of gravity; solid material bodies were thought to move in empty space and have forces act on them. These forces were mechanical and objective in nature. Together with Descartes mind-body dualism, man and his environment were seen as mechanistic and reductionist, in that they could be broken down into parts and found to interact in a predictable way (Dossey 1982).

In this century, the development of Einsteinian and post-Einsteinian quantum physics provided a paradigm shift away from this earlier view. Einstein had demonstrated that all

things were made of energy, but quantum theory describes the basic stuff of energy in minute detail. One important aspect of quantum theory is the conceptualisation of wave/particle duality. This subscribes to the idea that matter at a sub-atomic level can be described as solid matter (particles) or as undulations (waves) or as both at the same time. This is known as the principle of complementarity. The principle of uncertainty, developed by Heisenberg, postulated that matter is neither made up fully of particles or waves but a mixture of both, therefore attempts at describing the exactness of nature is impossible as all attempts to observe it alter it (Graham 1990).

Another important principle for consideration is that of quantum non-locality, as described by Zohar (1991). This states that all matter appears to be linked. For example, there appears to be a strong link, manifest in the behaviour patterns between any two given photons (quanta of light). So strong is this spatial link that there does not appear to be any space in between these photons, regardless of distance. It also appears that such influences transcend time, so, for example, a billiard ball in Malaysia in 1976 can be linked and therefore influence a billiard ball in Iceland in 1996.

Similar to the Eastern view of an ultimate structural unity and constancy within the universe, Bohms (1980) theory of a holographic universe highlights the concept of order, in that everything forms a basic oneness. Separate parts are actually connected in an immediate and intimate way. Bohm suggests that our perception of movement is actually order conveyed in a complex movement of electromagnetic fields in the form of light waves which is termed holomovement, or life energy.

Professor Harold Burr proposed that all living organisms possess electrical fields which determine their form, growth and organisation. Abnormal life fields can be a manifestation of disease. Kirlian photography illuminates this idea by showing what happens when a living organism or indeed any object is placed in a high frequency electrical field. A Kirlian photograph will show a fluctuating aura of differently coloured flashes and flares that appear to surrounding the living organism or object. With organic objects, each displays field patterning that is unique. These patterns have been seen to change before and during disease and react to emotional, physical, environmental and cosmic changes (Chesterman et al 1974).

Views from Eastern philosophy, quantum and relativist theories describes humans as dynamic wave patterns, vibrating molecules and atoms interacting with one another interrelated with the environment in a multi-dimensional, or as Martha Rogers would have said, pandimensional, field. Separateness of the individual from all other individuals and the environment is an illusion. The new physics dictates that it is human consciousness that creates this illusion and is therefore a participant in the nature of reality rather than as an observer of it. Reality and observer are still seen as distinct but interrelated (Capra 1991). Eastern philosophy believes that there is movement and change by the divine intelligence at this ultimate reality and no separation of subject and object. Both believe in an underlying (ultimate) reality, characterised by movement and change.

Drawing on these views, Rogers (1970, 1986) abstract conceptual framework or system of the Science of Unitary Human Beings uses the assumptions of wholeness, openness, pattern and organisation, sentience and thought to describe four postulates of humans and their life process. These postulates are: Energy fields - where the human being is described as a unified phenomenon subject to natural laws and characterized by a complex energy field (Rogers 1970). There are two energy fields, the human field and the environmental field. Both are integral and infinite with the human field extending beyond the manifestation of our discernible mass. Openness - which states that there are no real boundaries between man and the environment, only conceptual ones (Rogers 1970). Pattern and organisation cannot be bound or seen as static, but the living system is an open system in constant mutual process with the environment (Rogers 1990). Pattern - which can be described as characteristics or manifestations of the human field perceived as a single wave and individual to each person, it is also the observable feature of the field. Pandimensionality - encompasses all fields and is a non-linear domain of spacial and temporal linearity where human fields and environmental fields exist within multidimension, later known as pandimensions and can account for such occurrences as deja vu, telepathy and various other psychic experiences including paranormal manifestations.

Although consciousness has been referred to by Rogers as a universal experience, she considered the term to be confusing and preferred instead to use the term awareness (Sarter 1988). Carboni (1995) describes unitary knowing as an awareness reflecting

knowledge of the unified whole of the implicate order. Wholeness is oneness, in which all that is merges in one totality. It is thought that since higher frequency energy field patterns are of increasing diversity and complexity this may be what causes change towards health (Carboni 1995).

From these postulates Rogers three Principles of Homeodynamics can be formed; these being labeled the Principles of Resonancy, Helicy and Integrality. These principles postulate a way of perceiving unitary man (Rogers 1970) and give fundamental guides to the practice of nursing (Rogers 1990).

Through resonancy there is a continuous change from lower to higher frequency wave patterns in human and environmental fields. These changes are helical in nature in that they develop rhythmically and are continuously new, unpredictable and moving towards greater complexity and negentropy (differentiation). These changes occur within the principle of integrality, characterised by a continuously open mutual field and environmental process, bound within the space-time continuum (Rogers 1986).

It can be seen therefore that, at least in the West and with the exception of basic Rogerian thought, health as wholeness and harmony with nature has been exchanged for a Western view of control and dominance of nature and the body.

History of Western Science. The views of nature held by any people determine all their institutions

(Emerson 1857; in McLuhan 1996; page 223) This quote reflects the nature of todays Western medical institutions and nursing. Initially, the first medical school was established in Greece by Hippocrates in the 5th century BC. As in Eastern philosophy, the health of man was considered to be synonymous with a balance with nature. This holistic view was captured in the Hippocratic doctrine that there is one common flow, one common breathing, all things are in sympathy (Graham 1990; page 23). the focus of care was to aim at using natural forces to create the most favourable conditions to enable the healing process to take place.

Graham (1990) suggested that such an approach was inspired by the belief that health and illness was a natural, biological phenomena, affected by the environment and lifestyle, rather than the work of spirits and gods, who were then assigned a personal status separate from man. With further analysis of nature, in particular its natural shapes and patterns, Pythagorus attempted to understand the natural world through mathematics and formulas. Objects were thought of as more real than those of sense perception, raising the status of intellect and reducing that of the senses, intuition and feelings. From such a former standpoint, things could be measured from an arbitrary, external standard, imposed by rules, laws, equations and theorems.

In Western culture scientists sought to dominate and control nature by finding out how it worked and reducing it to parts. Similarly, medicine turned away from creating harmony with nature and sought to dominate and control the body through probing, dissecting,

analysing and replacing defective parts. An emphasis on measurement, standardisation, rationality and reason emerged (Barrow 1998).

Grof (1985) maintains that whilst this image of the universe has been pragmatically useful in improving our standard of living and the creation of technology, it has generally been mistaken for an accurate and comprehensive description of reality. Subjective accounts of other phenomena outside of materialistic science have subsequently been dismissed as superstition, folk-lore or quasi-psychotic states.

Manifestations of Energy All things are made from the particles and waves within light and manifest as modalities of colour, sound, movement and form (Kryder 1994). In Egyptian medicine, light was a symbol of God and radiated from the sun. Each ray of the colour spectrum manifested a different facet of the divine and influenced different qualities of life. The Greeks too recognised the therapeutic effect of colour and employed variously coloured sanctuaries in treatment and also, for example, dranking water that had been exposed to the sun (Graham 1990). Music, movement and rhythm were also used by the Egyptians and Greeks in healing as they were thought to shift the focus of time and consciousness into the ultimate reality (Dossey 1982). Certain shapes and forms are said to store and circulate subtle energy. Crystals and precious stones receive, focus and store light through their colour and shape. The shape of the triangle, pyramid and column is thought to focus light between heaven and earth and to have a preserving effect, whilst circular or domed structures are thought to be protective as they retain and circulate subtle energy (Kryder

10

1994). Structures and symbols of nature such as statues and musical instruments were used to imitate or remind people of nature and the ultimate reality

Intuitions Other, slightly more illusive manifestations of energy are those of intuitions. This has been described by King and Appleton (1997) as gut feelings, sixth sense, insight, common sense, inner feelings, hunches, premonitions and foreboding. In the Eastern tradition the Chinese Taoists believed in trusting ones intuitive intelligence, as change comes spontaneously from knowledge within, not from some external force. To this end, anything that silences the mind against the physical world and rational, linear thought is encouraged, such as, meditation, the focusing on art, images music, mantra, rhythm and certain body movements and exercises (Capra 1991).

In this way the vital energy is circulated through the body. The Chinese call these pathways meridians and the Hindus refer to chakras as vibrating wheels along the spine that provide energy to the body. A blockage or disruption in flow is thought to cause ill health in the area obstructed in the sense that part of the physical body is cut off and therfore divided from the true self and therefore not whole. Treatment uses needles (acupuncture), pressure (acupressure), massage, exercises such as tai chi, qi gong and Yoga as well as colour, sound and crystal therapy in the appropriate areas, which provide, promote and direct the flow of vital energy.

11

In extreme cases, when the consciousness is freed from dependence on the physical body, outer body and near death experiences are manifested. In the case of outer body experiences it is usually spontaneous and occurs most often during sleep, meditation, anaesthesia, illness and in instances of extreme pain (Talbot 1991). Near death experiences appear to be a universal phenomena, described through history in the Tibetan Book of the Dead, the Egyptian Book of the Dead and throughout medieval literature. Constant themes from subjective accounts, described by Talbot (1991), are of seeing a bright light, being at peace in beautiful surroundings, characterised by clouds of colours, musical tones, energy patterns and a lack of awareness of linear time and space. Ring (1980) believes that dying, involves a shift of consciousness from the ordinary world of appearances into a holographic or frequency domain, akin to the ultimate reality.

Awareness and the environment Intuitions can also be felt as good or bad feelings by those who are sensitive to intuitions or by dowsers who manifest this energy through rods, pendulums or forked sticks. Positive energy can be felt in sacred places such as Stone Henge, the Grand Canyon, Lourdes, Machu Picchu, ancient religious sites or anywhere where the natural beauty can be felt as being at one with the environment, a sense of history, feeling lighter, with colours being more vivid and by having a sense of being closer to the surroundings (Redfield 1997). Stones or sites built on specific ley lines and near water can potentiate energy as can the use of colour, sound, ritual and symbols on certain sites. Similarly, other powerful or negative perceptions or feelings can be intuited. People who visit places such as Culloden Moor, the site of Scottish battles, may be able to feel the history

12

of the place (Prebble 1961). History documents linear progression of space and time but in a multi-dimensional reality events and objects are mutually connected regardless of space and time, and an event from another space or time may manifest in present experiences (Cowling 1990).

Exposure to negative energy may give feelings of nausea, lethargy and heaviness as vital energy is drained. Geopathic stress is the more modern term for energies emanating from the earth that may cause ill health. This field is still relatively unexplored but is believed to be as a result of disturbances in the earths magnetic field and have some relationship to ley lines, sacred stones, electrical charges, or underground transport systems (Freshwater 1997), and from quarries and large building foundations (Davey 1998). It is thought that exposure to geopathic stress can undermine the bodys immune system and deplete the body of vital energy, leading to disharmony and illness (Davey 1998).

Spacepuncture or feng shui is one way of circulating or changing negative energy to positive energy. It is an ancient oriental art of arranging living, working and environmental space to bring spiritual and physical benefits, where: Chi inflates the earth, moves wind and water (feng and shui) and breathes life into plants and animals. It pulses through the planet motivating each thing that moves and irrigating every landscape (Graham 1990; page 61). Energy seems to flow most readily through curvilinear forms, rather than linear or angular forms (Kryder 1994). By altering the layout of the home, garden or surroundings it is thought to encourage blocked or depleted energy to move freely (Hicks 1998).

13

Transcending the physical towards health McGlone (1990) asserted that healing is a process of getting in touch with that which is impeding a realisation of wholeness and is a gradual awakening to a deeper sense of self, body, mind and spirit. Rancour (1991) went further by stating that everyone is a potential self healer and facilitator of another persons healing. Larson (1992) says that this transcends healing of the physical.

The body is an energy construct and is only one level of density in the human energy field. Mind over matter is a common phrase and receives credibility when believing energy may be a blueprint, where the structure of the body gets its cues. It is thought that imaging an illness, even unconsciously, and repeatedly reinforcing its presence in the field can manifest that illness (Talbot 1991). An example of this would be the constant saying of Im sick and tired of doing this, which may manifest as actual physical sickness and lethargy. Therefore it is important to access what you really think about yourself and any negative unconscious cues you are giving the energy field and replace these with affirmations. Boguslawski (1990) asserts the importance of relaxation to receiving inner messages, the expression of these messages manifested in poetry, dreams, art, dance, singing and any other spontaneous creativity. Guided imagery can direct energy in a healing way and aid relaxation.

Touch has been thought of as a method of healing in most non-Western countries for thousands of years (Sayre-Adams and Wright 1995). LeShan acknowledges (in Graham

14

1990) that the universal features common to all healing is the healers shift of consciousness to become united with the one being healed, through harmony created by centreing, abandonment or relaxation. Within nursing, Therapeutic Touch, as developed by Kriegar (1979), is a way of assessing disharmony of the energy field, clearing and repatterning the persons energy field without physically touching the person. Using Therapeutic Touch within a Rogerian perspective, the nurse knowingly participates in the mutual/environmental field process by shifting consciousness into a state that might be thought of as a healing meditation or centering which the patient can use for repatterning

Empirical research Empirical knowledge is achieved through seeing or observing. Within Eastern traditions this is performed through meditations and insights which come from personal knowledge and perhaps external forces. However, from a typically Western scientific perspective, the way to achieve empirical knowing is through the performance of experiments, teamwork and the use of technology; all this must be achieved using a process that can be replicated at anytime and by anybody (Capra 1991). Despite extensive subjective accounts, phenomena such as out-of-body and near-death experiences are often dismissed as hallucinations, dreams or attributable to physiological responses. Rather than energy as movement and change, traditional science looks for energy as a something that can be measured, and if it cannot be measured then its existence is denied. Pressure to conform to such ideals are strong and have resulted in, for example, an instrument being developed in Tokyo to diagnose chi energy (Graham 1990), but there is criticism that no instrument can be that sensitive.

15

Acupuncture, although well respected as a mode of treatment in the West, has generally been studied from a physiological point of view. Acupuncture has been associated with increased production of endorphins (Graham 1990) and serotonin (Hodgkinson 1989) which produce an analgesic effect and an alteration in the perception of pain. Similarly, it is known to reduce nausea (Hicks 1998) pain, blood loss and the post-operative recovery rate in women having Ceasarian sections (Hodgkinson 1989).

The energy felt by dowsers and the causes of geopathic stress is also thought to be measurable as some sort of electromagnetic energy. Even so, the intuitive awareness of dowsers was used in an Austrian study (Davey 1998) to locate areas of negative and neutral energies in several hospitals. Tests on the patients sitting for 15 minutes in the negative energy area showed a significant reduction in the neurotransmitter serotonin which could lead to sleep disturbance or depression.

Altered states of consciousness are also difficult to define and measure. Burch (1994) notes that most of the prevailing North American psychological and medical theories have excluded the concept of consciousness either because they felt it didnt exist, it existed but didnt have anything to do with health, or was too difficult to measure. Therefore human experience investigations have generally narrowed consciousness phenomenon down to psychological responses. The initial denial by the medical profession of the concept of psycho-neuro-immunology is a typical example of this.

16

Physiological and psychological studies have been carried out into the effects of music and colour. Observing the use of coloured light on parts of the body, Dinshashah (in Kryder 1994) found that red, orange, yellow and lemon colours were stimulating or building and that, green, turquoise and blue colours were balancing or repairing, whilst indigo, purple or violet were emotionally calming and depressed the activity of physical organs. Magenta was found to be spiritual and emotional as well as physically balancing, whilst scarlet was the most emotionally and physically stimulating. Music too has been found to have positive physical and psychological results although there have been conflicting results on what type of music to use in any given or particular situation. It seems that the patients choice of music is the important factor (Schorr 1993).

As well as being explored from physiological or psychological points of view, colour and music have been studied from a unitary or Science of Unitary Human Beings perspective and, using congruent terminology, assesses the impact of environmental resonance on human field patterning through the principle of resonancy or integrality. In relation to colour, red light is at the lowest end of the frequency scale moving through to blue which is the highest frequency. It is postulated that blue light is conducive with the more conscious or higher awareness aspects and change. Using pain and sleep as human field manifestations of consciousness, MacDonald (1986) and Girardin (1992) tested the effect of blue and red lightwaves. MacDonald (1986) found that pain was reduced in the hands of women with arthritis and Girardin (1992) found that sleep-wake patterns in neonates in hospital were increased by blue lightwaves. For music, using restfulness (Smith 1986) and pain (Schorr 1993) as manifestations of consciousness, Smith (1986) found that varied

17

patterns of environmental sound were more restful than quiet ambiance and Schorr (1993) found music produced an increased pain threshold.

Guided imagery has been said by Achterberg (in Graham 1990) to have been validated in the use of stress-related disorders and chronic pain by inducing states of relaxation and, for example, is regularly used in a well known alternative and complementary health centre in the UK (the Bristol Cancer Help Centre). A unitary understanding of guided imagery has also been explored. Given that images are finer manifestations of energy field patterning and hence change, they are thought to transcend time and space. Butcher and Parker (1988) tested the principle of resonancy to determine the subjective experience of time and human field motion (relative perception of space) whilst undergoing pleasant guided imagery. Results were positive for the experience of imagery transcending time as subjects reported more of the non-linear timeless metaphors on the time metaphor test. Graham (1990) comments that Western medicine often devalues images, dreams and intuitions and there is some criticism that imagery wastes energy on fantasies which could be better used coming to terms with reality.

There are criticisms too of Therapeutic Touch research that appear, perhaps, to emerge from the inability of Western patterns of research to congruently and appropriately address the very particular concepts in question (such as energy repatterning and improved self perception of health or wellness). Although it has been found to facilitate comfort (Quinn 1984), reduce anxiety (Heidt 1981), reduce headache pain (Keller and Bzdek 1986) and increase surgical wound healing (Wirth 1990), Richardson (1995) critically analysed 12

18

experimental studies and found that only seven presented any type of positive results. Clarke and Clarke (1984) also found weak empirical support for the practice. In both analyses controlling for the placebo effect was thought to be the problem. Richardson commented that the placebo effect may actually be repatterning of the energy field, but other factors have to be taken into consideration for the results. Two considerations congruent with Rogerian science might account for the results. One is that of intent, which Sayre-Adams and Wright (1995) describe as very important, but cannot guarantee an outcome in a universe of acausality. Similarly, repatterning occurs through what Barrett (1988) calls knowing participation in change which asserts that for change to occur the patient must take part with the will to want change. Sayre-Adams and Wright (1995) state that some people do not want to be different, in perhaps an improved health or wellness-state way, and have an unwillingness to change even if they agree to go through with the therapy. This is true for almost all the modalities for repatterning, which may account for the weak empirical evidence and indifferent replication of results.

Most of the research within the Rogerian perspective has taken an experimental approach and as with Therapeutic Touch, support for energy field work is inconclusive. Clarke (1986) has pointed out that problems do occur when trying to empirically validate energy fields work and these include defining adequate and valid empirical indicators which may require the development of new tools. However, a range of tools have been developed, for example, the Human Field Motion Tool (in Barrett 1990), which has, typically, been criticised by Butcher and Parker (1988) who questioned its validity when they found that many subjects do not appear to understand the meaning of words or phrases that were

19

used in the tool. Additionally, in a universe of open systems, where everything effects everything else, it may be difficult to know what exactly has attributed to repatterning.

The Limits of Science Even to the present day, the Hippocratic oath stipulates that there is the responsibility that the medical caring professions should do no harm. In this way, all actions, treatments and interventions have to be proved to work. Despite almost unquestionable faith in medical research however, Holden (1988) has identified that medical research is fallible, by, for example, pointing out that the perceived causes of coronary heart disease have been disproved several times and that in general, many drugs can either make health worse or reduce quality of life. Sheldrake (1994) notes that fundamental laws and constants used as the basis of scientific research have changed over the years. The metre has been redefined 3 times since its origin and the theory of the universe running down is changing to that of a universe expanding and evolving, as too, may its laws. All this leads to the assumption that there is no absolute certainty, only what Chew (in Capra 1991) calls approximate knowledge. A belief too in the non-locality of consciousness and of psychic phenomena would seriously endanger the illusion of objectivity, raising the possibility that many studies reveal the expectations of the experimenters.

The illusive nature of energy as movement and change would seem to take it outside the realms of traditional scientific exploration which is characterized by rationality and reason rather than intuition and personal knowledge. The former specialises in deeper and deeper realms of matter whilst the latter specialises in the intuitive. Capra (1991) suggests that

20

neither is comprehended by the other and neither can be reduced to the other, but people need both, suggesting a dynamic interplay and realisation that there is more than one way to view nature and knowledge.

Energy Fields Nursing If it is possible to accept many of these propositions that have been presented, for example, that medical research is fallible, and that there is more to living in the world than can be measured or observed, and that there might just exist that illusive thing called energy, then a whole new world of nursing practice begins to emerge. Such is the view of Rogerian science, stimulated by the Science of Unitary Human Beings. New possibilities for realising the potential of new, energy fields, nursing become apparent.

Recently, Oldnall (1996) commented that spiritual care is lacking in nursing, citing a small study by Narayanasamy (1993) who found that the nurses questioned had little understanding of spiritual care, relying mainly on hospital chaplains to care for the spiritual needs of the patient.

Spirituality does not have to mean a belief in religion, it can have a humanist perspective as well. Although Rogers does not specifically discuss spirituality, Smith (1994) identifies themes within the conceptual framework that are congruent with the humanist perspective. These include, the perception that human beings are continually evolving and seeking meaning, and are engaged in continual, mutual process with other living things, including a transcendent dimension or Being (page 144).

21

Attending to a persons spirituality may include accepting the responsibility and the ability to engage in a therapeutic relationship that might include giving and receiving touch, listening and being listened to, appreciating music, literature, engaging in humorous activity, recognising and responding to happiness, crying, laughing, dancing, using colours and acknowledging relationships with other people. Anything that simulates meaning in people, moves toward fulfilling their potential. Within energy fields nursing, this is achieved through repatterning and assessment of the mutual human and environmental field.

The Environmental field The nurse can have an effect on well-being through patterning of the environmental field with the patient using colour, light, sound, imagery, visualization and relaxation (Barrett 1990). In two papers that outline aspects of providing a healing environment, Biley (1993a, 1996) comments that hospitals have often been functional in design and almost sterile in nature. Repatterning the environment could involve altering the hospital building itself, using the intuitions of dowsers to select the right site that is characterised by neutral or positive energy. Additionally, the building could be low level so that negative energy is not created by the need for large foundations, and a domed roof may help retain and circulate energy. Furniture, interior decor and decorations should be arranged according to feng shui design principles so that positive energy is able to circulate while negative energy is diffused.

22

Crystals can be used in the environment. Quartz, for example, is said to absorb negative energy currents, eliminating them from the room as well as the body (Visions). This would be particularly desirable in an environment such as an intensive care unit where there is electrical equipment. Chromotherapy could increase freshness of the usually stale jug of water at the bedside. Each crystal has specific energy, not only from its shape, but colour, and one suitable to each patient can be placed in a transparent water jug, exposed to light. Rock crystal is said to maximize both physical and mental capacities, as it balances and harmonizes through encouraging the free circulation of the life force (Visions).

Similarly, colour can be used to heal through art, wall paint and even bedlinen. Biley (1993a) reports from research by Jacobs et al (1974) that the red hues are the most arousing whilst the blue are least arousing. An interesting study within a hospital environment would be to test the effects of red bedlinen, or lighting at night to aid sleep. Music too could be used for relaxation, although this may be dependent on personal preference so there should be optional access to this through the provision of a dedicated music room or by supplying headphones.

Pictures and artwork are important not only cosmetically, but in helping relax the mind to think of other things. In this way it is important to use certain kinds of pictures. Natural landscapes, seascapes and still life have been found more beneficial than portraits, animals and abstract pictures (Biley 1996). Pleasant views from windows are also important. Research has suggested that this may reduce hospital stay and therefore in some states of

23

America it is compulsory to have either natural views or computer -controlled false window views (Biley 1996).

The nurse can use multiple modalities for repatterning of the human energy field, including guided imagery, body and breathing exercises. Opportunities should be given for selfexpression, such as artwork, poetry, dancing relaxation and any other such creative activity are pattern manifestations within Rogers conceptual system and are a way of recognising underlying thoughts and feelings. The nurse and patient, together, can appraise pattern manifestations and work to form new patterns of health. An example of this is given by Biley (1993b), who became aware during a ward round that a woman had recently had a bilateral mastectomy looked cheerful and purposive whilst doing a tapestry. However, an intuition or feeling about the scene made him return to her bedside. Through talking with and listening to the woman, Biley found that she had serious concerns about her appearance and he felt that by doing the tapestry she might have been covering up or denying these concerns in order to maintain her human environment field integrity. Through this pattern manifestion appraisal, the woman talked through some of her own strategies for dealing with these concerns and moved in the stage of deliberative mutual repatterning, changing her health pattern, and taking part in knowing participation in change (Barrett 1988). By doing the tapestry the woman may have been able to silence her mind to rational thought and so avoid making health decisions. Through deliberative mutual patterning, fears could be confronted and new strategies for health behavior were achieved by the patient in conjunction with the nurse.

24

Quinn (1992) also says that we should think of the nurse as part of the clients environment. In this way the nurse turns toward her or his understanding of the nurseself as an energetic, vibrational field, integral with the clients environment (page 27). Therefore how can the nurse be a healing environment? With the belief in the interconnectedness of everything and the non-locality of consciousness, Quinn (1992) stated that we can knowingly use our own consciousness toward repatterning of ourselves and others. Therapeutic Touch may be one way of repatterning the patients consciousness, applying a strong harmonizing rhythm to the human energy field of the patient. Similarly our thoughts may have an effect on the patient. An experiment by Byrd (1988) found that one group of patients being prayed for in a coronary care unit had significantly less severe physical complications and needed less drugs than the group not being prayed for. As this was a double blind study, the only influencing factor was thought to be the prayer, or the non-local consciousness of those praying for the patients. In this way it is important that nurses assume a non-judgmental attitude toward patients especially in their thoughts as a negative attitude toward a patient may be intuited and hence the unpopular patient concept may become a self-fulfilling prophecy. Conversely, it is conceivable that the patients consciousness may effect the nurses. A typical example of this would be a nurse on night duty, who for no rational or practical reason feels the need to check on a patient who has come into his or her mind. On reaching the patients bedside, the nurse may find that the patient has just arrested, bled post-operatively, or be in need of analgesia, comfort or someone to talk to, but has not been able to ask. There are many incidences such as these and they occur all the time. Ignoring such intuitions may have serious physical or spiritual consequences.

25

In essence, energy field nursing provides a framework for the nurse and patient to work together at creating wholeness and harmony. In order to repattern the human energy field towards maximum health potential, through non-invasive methods.

Conclusion Quantum and relative theory provides an alternative (ultimate) view of nature and health. This is not new however, as it was established nearly 2000 years ago by Hippocrates and originated in traditional Eastern knowledge. Western medicine still emphasises the physical aspects of disease and is mainly concerned with controlling the body. As such, treatments and interventions are derived from empirical research which takes a rational and objective stance. Phenomena which cannot be explained via this method are often devalued or ignored.

Rogerian science provides nursing with a framework within which to view people and their environments as part of the ultimate reality. Health is viewed as wholeness and harmony with nature and transcends the physical body. Postulates provide a framework for understanding phenomena such as near death experiences and distance healing, as well as the use of colour and music is health and well-being. Attempts have been made to empirically validate this framework and the practice modalities with often conflicting or weak results. As such, use of energy fields work has been slow to gain acceptance in practice, where the prevailing medical model exists.

26

Limits of this scientific, experimental approach have been grounded in shifting fundamental laws and constants, Heisenbergs principle of uncertainty and the illusion of objectivity. Together with continuing accounts of proof of causes of diseases being disproved several times, there has been a call for approximate knowledge and a realisation of alternative, subjective views of nature and health. In this way energy fields work would not have to validate itself in a method that is incongruent with its knowledge base and may be used in conjunction with orthodox medicine, to provide patients with more choice in their search for health and well-being.

27

REFERENCES Barrett EAM (1988). Using Rogers Science of Unitary Human Beings in Nursing Practice. Nursing Science Quarterly 1 50-51

Barrett EAM (1990). Visions of Rogers Science-based Nursing. National League for Nursing New York

Barrow J D (1998). Impossibility. The Limits of Science and the Science of Limits. Oxford University Press Oxford.

Biley F C (1993a). Creating a healing patient-environment. Nursing Standard 8(5) 31-35

Biley F C (1993b). Energy fields nursing: a brief encounter of a unitary kind. International Journal of Nursing Studies 30(6) 519-525.

Biley F C (1996). Hospitals: healing environments? Complementary Therapies in Nursing & Midwifery 2(4) 110-115

Boguslawski M (1990). Unitary Human Field Practice Modalities. In Visions of Rogers Science-Based Nursing (Barrett EAM ed). National League for Nursing New York

Bohm D (1980). Wholeness and the Implicate Order. Routledge and Kegan Paul London.

28

Burch S (1994). Consciousness: How does it relate to health? Journal of Holistic Nursing 12(1) 101-116.

Butcher H K, Parker N I (1988). Guided Imagery within Rogers Science of Unitary Human beings: An Experimental Study. In Visions of Rogers Science-Based Nursing (Barrett EAM ed 1990). National League for Nursing New York

Byrd R C (1988). Positive Therapeutic Effects of Intercessory Prayer in a Coronary Care Unit Population. Southern Medical Journal 81(7) 826-829.

Capra F (1991). The Tao of Physics (3rd edition). Shambhala Boston.

Carboni J T (1995). Enfolding Health-as-Wholeness-and-Harmony: A Theory of Rogerian Nursing Practice. Nursing Science Quarterly 8(2) 71-78.

Chesterman J, Marten M, May J, Murphy-Ferris M, Seton N M, Torrey L, Trux J, Watt J (1974). An Index of Possibilities:Energy and Power. Clanose Publishers London.

Clarke P E, Clark M J (1984). Therapeutic Touch: Is there a Scientific Basis for the Practice? Nursing Research 33(1) 37-41.

29

Clarke P N (1986). Theoretical and measurement issues in the study of field phenomena. Advances in Nursing Science 9(1) 29-39.

Cowling W R (1990). A template for unitary pattern-based nursing practice. In Visions of Rogers Science-based Nursing (Barrett EAM Ed). National League for Nursing New York

Davey S (1998). Home Sick Home. In Style Magazine; Sunday Times, March 8th.

Dossey L (1982). Space, Time and Medicine. Shambala London

Fraser M (1996). Conceptual Nursing in Practice. A research-based approach. Chapman and Hall London

Freshwater D (1997). Geopathic Stress. Complementary Therapies in Nursing & Midwifery 3 160-162

Girardin B W (1992). Lightwave frequency and sleep-wake frequency in well, full-term neonates. Holistic Nursing Practice 6(4) 57-66

Graham H (1990). Time, Energy and the Psychology of Healing. Jessica Kingsley Publishers Ltd London

30

Grof S (1985). Beyond The Brain; Birth, Death and Transcendence in Psychotherapy. State University of New York Albany

Heidt P R (1981). Effects of Therapeutic Touch on anxiety level of hospitalised patients. Nursing Research 30(1) 32-37

Hicks C (1998). Healing. A-Z guide of complementary medicine Part 6. Sunday Times Supplement March 15th 174-175.

Hodgkinson N (1989) Doctors see the point in pins. Sunday Times January 8th.

Holden R (1988). Modern cardiology: the biophysical approach to heart disease. Caduceus 4 6-9.

Keller E, Bzdek U M (1986). Effects of Therapeutic Touch on tension headache pain. Nursing Research 2(35) 101-105.

King L, Appleton J V (1997). Intuition: a critical review of the research and rhetoric. Journal of Advanced Nursing 26(1) 194-202.

Kreigar D (1979). The Therapeutic Touch: how to use your hands to help and heal. Prentice Hall New York

31

Kryder R P (1994). Sacred Ground to Sacred Space; Visionary Ecology, Perennial Wisdom, Environmental Ritual and Art. Bear & Company Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Larson J (1992). The healing web: a transformative model for nursing. Nursing and Health Care 13(5) 246-252

Malinski V M (1986). Explorations on Martha Rogers Science of Unitary Human Beings. Appleton-Century-Crofts Connecticut

McDonald S F (1986). The Relationship between Visible Lightwaves and the Experience of Pain. In Malinski V M (ed) Explorations on Martha Rogers Science of Unitary Human Beings. Appleton-Century-Crofts Connecticut

McGlone M E (1990). Healing the spirit. Holistic Nursing Practice 4(4) 77-84.

McLuhan T C (1996). The Message of Sacred Places; Cathedrals of The Spirit. Thorsons London.

Narayanasamy A (1993). Nurses awareness and educational preparation in meeting their patients spiritual needs. Nurse Education Today 13 196-201.

Oldnall A (1996). A critical analysis of nursing: meeting the spiritual needs of patients. Journal of Advanced Nursing 23 138-144

32

Prebble J (1961). Culloden. Penguin Books Ltd London

Quinn J F (1984). Therapeutic Touch as energy exchange: testing the theory. Advances in Nursing Science 6(2) 42-49

Quinn J F (1992). Holding sacred space: The nurse as healing environment. Holistic Nursing Practice 6(4) 26-36.

Rancour P (1991). Guided Imagery: healing when curing is out of the question. Perspectives in Psychiatric Care 27(4) 30-33.

Redfield J (1997). The Celestine Vision. Living the New Spiritual Awareness. Warner Books Inc. New York

Richardson M (1995). A review of the literature and research. In Sayre-Adams J, & Wright S (eds) ) The Theory and Practice of Therapeutic Touch. Churchill Livingstone Edinburgh

Ring K (1980). Life at Death. Quill New York

Rogers M E (1970). An Introduction to the Theoretical Basis of Nursing. F A Davis Philadelphia.

33

Rogers M E (1986). Science of Unitary Human Beings. In Malinski V M (ed) Explorations on Martha Rogers science of unitary human beings. National League for Nursing New York.

Rogers M E (1990). Nursing: science of unitary, irreducible, human beings: update 1990. In Barrett EAM (ed) Visions of Rogers Science-based Nursing. National League for Nursing New York

Sarter B (1988). The Stream of Becoming: a study of Martha Rogers Theory. National League for Nursing New York.

Sayre-Adams J, Wright S (1995). The Theory and Practice of Therapeutic Touch. Churchill Livingstone Edinburgh.

Sheldrake R (1994). Seven Experiments That Could Change the World; A Do-It-Yourself Guide to Revolutionary Science. Fourth Estate London.

Schorr J A (1993). Music and Pattern Change in Chronic pain. Advances in Nursing Science 15(4) 27-36.

Smith M J (1986). Human-environment process: a test of Rogers principle of integrality. Advances in Nursing Science 9(1) 21-28

34

Smith D W (1994). Viewing Polio Survivors through Violet-Tinted Glasses. In Madrid M, Barrett EAM (eds) Rogers Scientific Art of Nursing Practice. National League for Nursing Press New York

Talbot M (1991). The Holographic Universe. Harper Collins New York.

Vision. The Art of Healing: crystal healing. Vol 1(2) 64-68

Writh D (1990). The effects of non-contact Therapeutic Touch on the healing rate of full thickness dermal wounds. Subtle Energies 1(1) 1-20.

Zohar D (1991). The Quantum Self. Flamingo London.

35