Research in Natural Wellness
A growing collection of evidence, insights, and expert-backed studies behind alternative and preventative care.
Why Research Matters
Natural and alternative health modalities have been practiced for centuries. But for many people, trust begins with evidence — data, studies, and outcomes that can be measured and reviewed. We believe science and natural healing don't need to be in conflict — they can complement each other beautifully.
What We Know So Far
Growing bodies of research now support acupuncture, chiropractic, mind-body practices, nutrition, and more. While not every study is conclusive, meta-analyses and peer-reviewed trials have shown consistent benefits. We’re working to gather these insights and present them clearly, without distortion or hype.
Where the Gaps Are
Many natural therapies remain under-researched — not necessarily due to lack of effectiveness, but because most large-scale studies are funded by pharmaceutical interests. These systems are designed to focus on treatment, not prevention — and wellness doesn’t generate the same kind of profit as ongoing illness. That doesn’t mean the evidence isn’t out there — it means we have to look harder, and stay mindful of what gets studied, who funds it, and why.
Featured Studies
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Acupuncture Research
Acupuncture
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Acupuncture & Chronic Pain: “Acupuncture for Chronic Pain: Update of a Meta-Analysis.”
Journal of Pain, 2018.
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Acupuncture & Neck Pain: “Acupuncture for Chronic Neck Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial.”
Annals of Internal Medicine, 2015.
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Acupuncture for Migraine Prevention: “Acupuncture for Migraine Prophylaxis.”
Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2016.
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Chiropractic Research
Chiropractic
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Maintenance Care & Recurrent Low Back Pain: “Chiropractic Maintenance Care for Recurrent Low Back Pain.”
PLOS ONE, 2018.
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Chiropractic in Military Populations: “Effects of Chiropractic Care on Strength, Balance, and Endurance in Active-Duty U.S. Military Personnel with Low Back Pain.”
Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 2020.
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Dose Response for Chronic Pain: “Dose-Response for Chiropractic Care of Chronic Low Back Pain.”
Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 2004.
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Naturopathic Research
Naturopathy
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Cardiovascular Risk Reduction: “Naturopathic Medicine for the Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease: A Randomized Clinical Trial.”
Canadian Medical Association Journal, 2013.
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Naturopathic Care for Anxiety: “Naturopathic Care for Anxiety: A Randomized Controlled Trial.”
PLOS ONE, 2009.
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Whole-System Naturopathic Medicine: “The State of the Evidence for Whole-System, Multi-Modality Naturopathic Medicine: A Systematic Scoping Review.”
Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 2019.
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Functional Medicine Research
Functional Medicine
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Patient Quality of Life: “Association of the Functional Medicine Model of Care With Patient-Reported Health-Related Quality-of-Life Outcomes.”
JAMA Network Open, 2019.
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Chronic Conditions in Shared vs. Individual Settings: “Patient Outcomes and Costs Associated With Functional Medicine-Based Care in a Shared Versus Individual Setting for Patients With Chronic Conditions.”
BMJ Open, 2021.
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Inflammatory Arthritis & Functional Medicine: “The Impact of Functional Medicine on Patient-Reported Outcomes in Inflammatory Arthritis: A Retrospective Study.”
PLOS ONE, 2020.
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Energy Healing Research
Energy Healing
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Reiki & General Health Outcomes: “A Large-Scale Effectiveness Trial of Reiki for Physical and Psychological Health.”
Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 2019.
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Reiki & Pain Management: “The Effect of Reiki on Pain: A Meta-Analysis.”
Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 2017.
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Acupuncture & Chronic Pain: “Acupuncture for Chronic Pain: Update of a Meta-Analysis.”
Our Role at Prevalt
We don’t conduct research (yet), but we do help elevate it. Our mission is to find trustworthy studies, summarize them in plain language, and create a home for evidence that empowers both patients and practitioners. We believe the future of wellness includes rigorous research, open minds, and better conversations.
Want to Contribute?
If you're a practitioner, student, or researcher who knows of studies that deserve more visibility, email us. We’re curating a living library of insight — and we’d love your voice in it.