Pranic therapy (Pranic Healing)-

Is a claimed energy healing system founded and promoted by Choa Kok Sui (1952–2007), a Filipino entrepreneur and philanthropist of Chinese descent. The healing modality claims that prana (energy) can heal ailments in the body by contributing to the person's energy field and uses major and minor chakras to do so.  Pranic healing uses techniques of breathing and visualization for quieting the mind, and for capturing and intentionally directing prana ("vital energy") wherever necessary.

Some nurses claim “When Pranic healing is applied the molecular structure of liquid and dense states of matter can be altered” (Aust J Holist Nurs 2004 Oct;11(2):35-40).   Of course, as with most of the alternative medicine therapies, there are different level courses that are required to become instructors, healers or masters.  Pranic courses include Pranic Crystal Healing, Pranic Psychic Self Defense, Pranic Healing and Advanced Pranic Healing, Pranic Feng Shui, Pranic Kriyashakti (harnessing the power of your thoughts and auric field to create a life of prosperity and financial success), Pranic Humming, Pranic Christianity, Pranic Buddhism, and other bizarre courses. 

There is no alpha evidence in the scientific literature.

There is one beta level evidence study of a positive adjuvant effect on depression (all patients were taking antidepressants)  with pranic healing over 5 weeks with 100% of patients improved with pranic healing and 69% of placebo patients (mock pranic healing).  There is significant bias in this study and the very high placebo response suggests any interaction with patients for 20minutes once a week results in positive response (Australas Psychiatry 2018 Feb;26(1):82-87). 

Gamma evidence (non controlled) demonstrated improvement in breast cancer patients in quality of life, pain, sleep, fatigue, social functioning, death ideation, and severity of mental disorders using pranic meditation twice a day for 8 weeks (Integr Cancer Ther 2014 Jul;13(4):341-50).  There is a uncontrolled study showing increased functionality of phagocytes by pranic meditation (J Altern Complement Med 2012 Aug;18(8):761-8)

Painbytes recommendation is a neutral given the small amount of evidence of effectiveness, but with a potential for significant benefit in psychological health at a low cost to patients and may be done at home.