8legs: The annals of family medicine

#1 out of 198.51%

Just 5 minutes of prayer could have surprising health benefits, study finds

Five minutes of in-person prayer yielded greater and longer relief from pain and anxiety than music in a randomized trial.
The study involved 180 adults from a family medicine waiting room, randomized to prayer or music.
Researchers say prayer could serve as a low-cost, non-pharmacologic complement to standard care.
Eye contact and gentle laying of hands by prayer volunteers may have contributed to the effects observed.
The study measured outcomes immediately after the session, at two weeks, and at six weeks.
Researchers concluded that brief faith-based interventions could be integrated into primary care if a patient desires.
The study notes limitations and the need for controls that separate interpersonal contact from prayer.
Participants' expectations or religious affiliation did not predict improvement, the study found.
The trial positions proximal intercessory prayer as a potential accompaniment to standard medical care for pain and anxiety.

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