Theologically-orientated action research on labyrinth, spirituality and pain medicine

This study investigates the safety, the setting, the experience and the effect(s) of the use of labyrinth in Hong Kong Chinese chronic pain patients.

Labyrinths were used in the Christian Church for more than 1,000 years. The modern use was revived in the past 30 years. This is the first empirical research of labyrinth use in chronic pain patients using a theologically-orientated action research method. Two groups of seven participants were recruited to join a six-weekly two-hour labyrinth walking programme from a convenient sample at the Pain Management Centre in Hong Kong. Participants were guided to walk the labyrinth silently and shared in group afterwards. Data were collected through weekly self-reports, researcher’s field notes, and pre- and post-programme individual interviews and questionnaires. Quantitative, qualitative and concurrent mixed methods were employed for data analysis.

Data showed both Christians and non-Christians can have physical, psychological, social and/or spiritual experiences that correspond to bodily sensation and movement, intrapersonal conversation, interpersonal conversation and transpersonal conversation respectively. When spiritual experience is encountered, affect regulation and social function should be monitored. The magnitude and duration of the effect(s) depends on individual experience. Labyrinth effect(s) included positive changes in psychological status, self-identity, and understanding the meaning and purpose of pain.

Labyrinth-walking is a safe and suitable tool to incorporate into the biopsychospiritual approach to chronic pain management under the complementary medicine category. The availability of a psycho-spiritual support team is recommended in chronic pain content. A communication tool, mutual conversational correlation tool, was developed to enhance connectedness among pain medicine and practical theology. In conclusion, labyrinth-walking is a walking conversation. It is a holistic care tool that facilitates intrapersonal, interpersonal and transpersonal conversation. Labyrinth use also enhanced interdisciplinary communication among Christians and others. This medieval walking tool is a valuable spiritual resource for both Christian and non-Christian Chinese chronic pain patients in a modern hospital.