This project is a placebo controlled, randomized, double blind, crossover pilot trial of a bioenergetic transfer technique, Reiki, performed by practitioners, for the benefit of diabetic patients with peripheral vascular disease and neuropathy. The hypothesis is that control of painful neuropathy through Reiki will enable subjects to become more mobile thus improving glycemic control and reducing cardiovascular risk. The goal of this randomized, placebo controlled trial, is to determine if hawthorn is an effective treatment for chronic heart failure when added to usual heart failure medication. Specifically, the study will investigate if hawthorn improves the ability to exercise and the quality of life of individuals with mild to moderate chronic heart failure.
Medicinal hawthorn is derived from the blossoms and leaves of the hawthorn tree.
Hawthorn is available as a nutritional supplement in the form of extracts, tablets, powder, and tea. Hawthorn contains oligomeric procyanidines and bioflavinoids, which are responsible for its actions on the heart. These phytochemicals are reported to increase heart muscle strength, reduce abnormal heart rhythms and act as an antioxidant. This project has two major goals. The first is to perform a randomized, double blind, placebo controlled, prospective clinical trial of the effects of a traditional Chinese form of energetic healing, Qigong, on wound closure, pain, medication usage, and hospital stay in the pot operative period following cardiac surgery.