Garret Yount is an American researcher who explores the links between molecular biology and aspects of consciousness, including energy healing.
Contents
Career
Garret Yount is a scientist at the Institute of Noetic Sciences where his research focuses on mapping the mind-gene interface. He obtained a bachelor of science degree from Pennsylvania State University’s Department of Molecular & Cell Biology and a PhD from the Department of Neurobiology & Behavior at SUNY Stony Brook. This was followed by two postdoctoral scholarships at UCSF (Langley Porter Psychiatric Institute and Brain Tumour Research Center), along with a Robert Steel Foundation Fellowship, where he developed methods and technologies for bridging molecular neurobiology with consciousness and extended human capacities.
Yount is among the first scientists to receive NIH research funding for qigong and biofield modality studies (1987) where he conducted carefully controlled laboratory experiments with spiritual healers and biofield practitioners from multiple countries. He has recently authored a book: Why Vibes Matter: Understand Your Energy and Learn How to Use it Wisely.
Biofield Treatment
Dosage and Distance
Biofield treatment dose and distance effects on cancer cell viability were evaluated by Yount, Arnaud Delorme and colleagues using a blinded, randomized design. Six experiments assessed varying dosages (5, 10, 25 minutes cumulative treatment time), and six assessed distances (0.25, 25, ~2000 meters). Greatest cancer cell inhibition was observed when the practitioner was closest with highest dose. An apparent dose-response effect was observed in the first experiment set, with cell viability increasing proportionate as treatment duration increased. However, replication attempts in the second experiment set failed to reproduce these cellular responses. Results were deemed inconclusive due to lack of replicability. In vivo models were suggested as more appropriate than in vitro models for investigating biofield treatments.1Yount et al (2013).
Radiation Exposure
Effects of Johrei healing on radiation response in cultured human brain cells were evaluated by Yount, Delorme and colleagues. Human glial cells were exposed to increasing X-ray doses (0, 2, 4, 8 Gy) and observed by computerized time-lapse microscopy. Experienced Johrei practitioners directed healing intention toward cells for 30 minutes from 20 cm distance. Cell death and division were tallied every 30 minutes before, during and after treatment for 22.5 hours total. Eight independent experiments were conducted (4 control, 4 with Johrei). Analysis of variance revealed only radiation dose was statistically significant (p<0.0001). No significant differences between Johrei-treated and control cultures for cell division (p=0.560) or cell deaths (p=0.456) were found. No indication that radiation response of cultured cells is affected by Johrei treatment was observed.2Yount et al (2007a).
Oxidative Stress
Effects of biofield treatments on cultured human brain cells exposed to oxidative stress were evaluated by Yount, Delorme and colleagues. Twenty-four experiments with biofield treatments and 24 control experiments were conducted using six highly experienced practitioners (Qigong, Johrei, and others with over 17 years experience). Cells were exposed to increasing hydrogen peroxide concentrations (600-900 μM) and observed by time-lapse microscopy for five hours. Treatments were delivered 15 minutes before and after hydrogen peroxide exposure. A total of 3,755 control cells and 4,087 treated cells were analyzed. No significant difference in cell death rates between treatment and control groups was found. Only hydrogen peroxide dose was statistically significant. One practitioner showed borderline reduction at a single dose only.3Yount et al (2007b).
Genetics and Psi
Yount and his IONS colleagues conducted a case-control study comparing the genomes of 13 individuals claiming psychic abilities (or having family members with such abilities) to 10 controls without such claims, discovering significant genetic differences where psychics possessed the original form of a chromosome 7 region while controls had a mutated version. This finding raises intriguing questions about potential genetic underpinnings of psychic experiences, suggesting a possible biological component to what has traditionally been considered purely subjective phenomena.4Wahbeh et al (2021).
Upsight
In a recently published paper, Yount and his IONS colleagues investigated differences in brain electrical activity between two laboratory conditions in an individual who reports a subjective experience of a phenomenon he calls ‘upsight’. The individual describes this as the capacity to perceive at will holographic images as though they appear on an inset screen that overlays his ordinary visual field, with eyes open or closed. EEG data were collected as the participant shifted between the upsight state and a control condition of recollecting previously viewed images. Statistically significant decline in whole-scalp brain activity in the alpha and beta frequency bands were observed during the upsight condition compared to the control condition (visual mental imagery).5Cannard et al (2025).
Energy Medicine
A study published in 2020 by Yount and colleagues at the Institute of Noetic Sciences – in collaboration with a team from nearby Sonoma Pain Management Clinic – investigated the effects of energy healing for carpal tunnel pain.6Yount et al (2020). participants were recruited to experience a 30 min treatment from one of 17 energy medicine practitioners. Of 374 adults experiencing carpal tunnel pain, 190 were given treatment by one of 17 energy medicine practitioners, at close distance, some with and some without light, stationary touch. Self-reported pain was reduced after healing sessions to a highly significant degree (p <0.000005) and was not influenced by levels of expectancy. Further analyses found that well-being and sleep quality were significantly improved.7Yount et al (2020). It was concluded that preliminary evidence for pain relief from a single healing session was observed, warranting further controlled research.
This study conceptually followed earlier work in which random number generators (RNGs) were used as passive healing energy detectors; however, on this occasion, quantum noise generators (QNGs) were employed.8Radin et al (2004). QNGs derive their random output from quantum tunnelling. This is in contrast to random number generators (RNGs), which process quantum noise into binary strings that are then matched against each other to cancel out any bias that might arise from environmental influences or malfunctioning parts. Here, QNGs acted as proxy detectors of mental intention and were continuously operated during the healing sessions. A peak deviation was found to occur at 24 minutes into the half-hour (p = 0.00003), while control measurements eight hours after healing sessions gave chance deviations only. The results appeared to indicate that healing intent induces order, or negentropy, in random physical systems.9Radin et al (2004).
Previously reported experiments indicate that healing effects on water can be detected with spectroscopy. This claim was explored in a second manipulation of the energy healing study that was divided into two parts: a direct and indirect test.10Radin et al (2020). In the direct test, samples of water were handled and treated by the healers; in the indirect test, aliquots attached to lanyards were worn by healers during the healing sessions. Both directly (p < 0.03) and indirectly (p = 0.0004) treated samples produced significant changes in the infrared spectrum at wavenumber 3200 cm-1, corresponding to changes in the O-H bond.11Radin et al (2020). These results replicate previously positive studies showing an anomalous effect of mental intention on physical aspects of water.
Non-Physical Beings and Reiki
Non-physical beings – such as spirits, spirit guides and angelic beings – are believed to play a role in healing in cultures worldwide, and these are sometimes reported in energy healing practices such as Reiki. Their presence and characteristics were evaluated by Yount and colleagues. Six seers – individuals who allegedly can perceive information beyond the traditional senses – observed 40 Reiki sessions and provided quantitative and qualitative data. More data was collected from session participants and practitioners. All sessions produced reports of non-physical beings, with angelic beings, spirit guides, and possession/spirit attachments most commonly noted. The healing process was mainly aided by reported entities, though some were also linked to pathology. Agreement between raters regarding non-physical being types was generally low except for Extraterrestrial Intelligence and Unhelpful Beings, which were significantly above chance expectation for all pairs and across all raters. The potential importance of ostensible non-physical entities in Reiki was highlighted by findings, warranting further investigation.12Wahbeh et al (2025).
Lucid Dreaming and PTSD
A randomized controlled study of an immersive online lucid dreaming workshop for PTSD treatment was conducted by Yount, Arnaud Delorme and colleagues. Ninety-nine adults experiencing chronic PTSD symptoms were randomly assigned to either a workshop group (n=49) or wait-list control group (n=50). The workshop spanned 22 hours over six consecutive days, teaching lucid dreaming induction techniques and trauma integration methods. Roughly half of participants in both groups experienced at least one lucid dream during the workshop period, with 63% of workshop participants versus 38% of controls achieving a healing lucid dream. Significant reductions in PTSD symptoms and nightmare distress were exhibited by the workshop group compared to controls, with sustained improvements at one-month follow-up. Improved well-being and diminished negative emotions were also observed.13Yount et al (2025).
Meditation, Extended Human Capacities, and Synchronicity
Associations between meditation, extended human capacities (noetic experiences), and synchronistic experiences were examined by Yount and colleagues. Meditators scored significantly higher than non-meditators on noetic experiences, noetic beliefs, and pre-workshop synchronicity. Greater meditation frequency was associated with higher noetic experiences, noetic beliefs, and pre-workshop synchronicity. Individuals who participated in meditation-based workshops reported higher synchronistic experiences during workshops than those in non-meditation-based workshops. Noetic experiences mediated the association between meditation frequency and pre-workshop synchronicity. Performance on extended human capacity tasks was not significantly associated with meditation experience, meditation frequency, or pre-workshop synchronicity. Self-reported noetic experience was more strongly associated with meditation and synchronicity than performance on tasks measuring extended human capacities.14Butzer et al (2023).
Research Challenges
In an article published in 2015, Yount, William Bengston and Emeritus Professor Gloria Gronowicz (University of Connecticut), discussed preclinical models for investigating the impact of human biofields on biological systems, shedding light on various biofield therapies such as external qigong, Johrei, Reiki, and Therapeutic Touch. They noted the need, established in recent reviews of biofield research quality, for independent replication, improved blinding, and better use of power estimations (the minimum sample size required for an experiment, given a desired significance level, effect size, and statistical power). They observed that experiments with multiple targets and dose responses were gaining attention; for example, studies demonstrated that therapeutic touch (TT) can increase cell proliferation but varying treatment frequencies are required for different cell types. In vivo models appeared promising, as inexperienced individuals taught biofield therapies achieved consistent results in curing mice with mammary cancer cells in Bengston’s own research.
The authors also noted that the immune system is emerging as a valuable target in biofield studies, affecting inflammatory responses, natural killer cell activity, and cancer metastasis. Challenges persist in characterizing the biofield’s nature, defining optimal treatment frequencies and assessing practitioner effectiveness, they said. However, they added that preclinical models offer a pathway for understanding biofield therapy mechanisms, guiding clinical protocols, and integrating biofield treatments with conventional therapies.
Why Vibes Matter
Drawing on over 20 years of research, Yount’s book: Why Vibes Matter: Understand Your Energy and Learn How to Use it Wisely explores energy vibrations and their influence on well-being. Yount examines the science behind energy shifts and mood changes experienced upon entering rooms or encountering spiritual individuals. The origins of vibes and their effects are demystified, empowering readers to develop deeper connections with their own energy. Practical tools and techniques to attune to personal energy vibes and cultivate conscious influence over them are provided. Yount provides a navigation of energetic realms facilitating personal growth, improved relationships, and enhanced well-being.15Yount (2023).
Michael Duggan
Literature
Bengston, W., Gronowicz, G., & Yount, G. (2015). Challenges for preclinical investigations of human biofield modalities. Global Advances in Health and Medicine 4 (supplement).
Butzer, B., Kriegsman, M., Yount, G., Wahbeh, H. (2023). An Exploration of the Associations Between Meditation, Extended Human Capacities and Synchronistic Experiences. 10.31234/osf.io/amgvz. [Web page]
Cannard, C., Vieten, C., Yount, G., Vega, M., Kayale, F., Delorme, A. (2025). Investigating the Brain Processes Underlying an Unusual Visual Experience: A Case Study. Journal of Anomalous Experience and Cognition 5/2, 136-67.
Radin, D.I., Taft, R., & Yount, G. (2004). Possible effects of healing intention on cell cultures and truly random events. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine 10, 103-12.
Radin, D.I., Yount, G., Delorme, A., Carpenter, L., & Wahbeh, H.. (2020). Spectroscopic analysis of water treated by and in proximity to Energy Medicine practitioners: An exploratory study. Explore 17/1, 27-31.
Wahbeh, H., Radin, D., Yount, G., Woodley of Menie, M. A., Sarraf, M. A., & Karpuj, M. V. (2021b). Genetics of psychic ability—A pilot case-control exome sequencing study. Explore 18/3, 264-71
Wahbeh, H., Glick, B., Gallo, J., Yount, G. (2025). Reports of Non-Physical Beings Assisting in Reiki Sessions. Anthropology of Consciousness 36/2, 1-13.
Yount, G., Hall, Z., Luu, T., Moore, D. (2007a). Radiation Response of Cultured Human Cells Is Unaffected by Johrei. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine 4/2, 191-94.
Yount, G., Mager, J., Moore, D., Bendl, D., Wong, B., Rachlin, K. (2007b). Evaluating Biofield Treatments in a Cell Culture Model of Oxidative Stress. Explore 3/4, 386-90
Yount, G., Delorme, A., et al. (2013). Evaluation of Biofield Treatment Dose and Distance in a Model of Cancer Cell Death. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine 19/2, 124-27.
Yount, G., Delorme, A., Radin, D., Carpenter, L.,, Rachlin, K., Anastasia, J.,Pierson, M., Steele, S., Mandell, H., Chagnon, A., & Wahbeh, H. (2020). Energy medicine treatments for hand and wrist pain: A pilot study. Explore 17/1, 11-21.
Yount, G. (2023). Why Vibes Matter: Understand Your Energy and Learn How to Use it Wisely. Welbeck, United Kingdom.
Yount, G., Stumbrys, T., Taddeo, S., Cannard, C., Delorme, A., Kriegsman, M., Wahbeh, H. (2025). Lucid dreaming workshop for PTSD treatment: A randomized controlled study. European Journal of Trauma & Dissociation 9, 100510.