 This is accomplished by applying the same rigorous standards used in other forms of medical and scientific research.A 2011 article in the New Scientist magazine cited positive physical results from meditation, positive thinking and spiritual faith 

Skeptics of faith healing offer primarily two explanations for anecdotes of cures or improvements, relieving any need to appeal to the supernatural.The first is "post hoc ergo propter hoc", meaning that a genuine improvement or spontaneous remission may have been experienced coincidental with but independent from anything the faith healer or patient did or said.