Energy healing has been used for centuries in many cultures around the world, and it has recently gained popularity in the US. Energy healing proponents assert that it has many health advantages, such as less pain, better symptoms of anxiety and depression, and an enhanced sense of well-being.
But are these claims supported by reliable research, or are they just pseudoscience? If you’re interested in trying energy healing, read on to find out more about it, what the research says, and how to get started.
What is Energy Healing?
According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), energy healing is a complementary method founded on the idea that our bodies contain energy that flows through them and that healing can result from assisting in balancing this flow.
Energy healing therapy, also called energy medicine, is a technique where a practitioner channels healing energy through their hands (or other mediums, like acupuncture needles) to the client’s body to restore energy balance, which in turn brings about purported health benefits, according to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH). Physical contact may or may not be a part of energy healing.
Origin of Energy Healing
Ancient medical systems like Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) are the origins of energy healing. The fundamental idea of TCM, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine, is that the body is filled with a vital energy force called “qi.” A qi imbalance can lead to illness and disease.
According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, Ayurveda, a medical system that dates back over 3,000 years to India, is founded on the idea that illness results from an imbalance or stress in a person’s consciousness. Ayurveda’s concept of vital energy, known as “prana,” is comparable to TCM’s concept of qi.
Supporting the body to attain balance and realigning your energy to find healing is the aim of both TCM and Ayurveda. Numerous techniques are used for this, including acupuncture, massage therapy, and movement therapies like tai chi and yoga.
How Does it Work?
The foundation of energy healing is the idea that a person’s health is impacted by the biofield, or energy field, that surrounds and permeates their body. This energy flow, which energy healers believe can be disturbed by physical, emotional, or mental stress, is cleared, aligned, and balanced. They seek to support the body’s innate capacity for self-healing by balancing its energy systems.
Key Features
- Energy Flow: The main concept is that a life force energy, referred to as prana in Ayurveda or qi in Traditional Chinese Medicine, circulates throughout the body. It is believed that when this flow is disrupted or unbalanced, illness results.
- Harmonizing energy: By removing obstructions from the energy field and promoting the movement of energy via channels like chakras and meridians, energy healing techniques seek to bring the energy field back into balance.
- Mind-body connection: According to these therapies, bringing the mind and body into harmony can enhance general health.
Uses of Energy Healing Therapy
Energy medicine is used by energy healers to treat a wide range of illnesses. It is frequently used to treat mental health issues, particularly anxiety and stress. The impact of energy healing on cancer patients undergoing treatment is being investigated by researchers. Their goal is to determine whether the methods can:
- Strengthen their immune systems.
- Boost their standard of living.
- Minimize treatment side effects.
Types of Energy Healing Therapy
Energy healing techniques come in many forms. Such as:
Reiki
The Japanese word “rei” means “higher power.” “Life force energy” is what “Ki” means. When combined, Reiki refers to a life force energy directed by a higher power. Energy healers channel energy through your body by means of a higher power or spirit.
They either hover over your body or lightly touch it with their hands. They concentrate and let energy enter your body through their hands. Your body and mind come together as a result, resulting in natural healing.
Acupuncture
One form of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is acupuncture. Very thin steel needles are inserted through your skin into your body’s acupressure points by an energy healer.
Your head, neck, face, and back are common places. This technique aims to rebalance your energy flow by stimulating these points. Pain and other symptoms may be alleviated in this way.
Pranic Healing
The Sanskrit word “prana” means “life force.” It is the unseen force that envelops your body. One type of non-touch therapy is pranic healing. An energy healer looks for indications of aural blockages throughout your body. They then disperse new energy over you to clear these obstructions. This revitalizes your body to aid in the treatment of physical ailments.
Qigong
The Chinese term “qi” means “vital energy.” “Gong” translates to “training.” Using breath and body movement, qigong is a type of traditional Chinese medicine. Its objective is to enhance your body’s qi flow.
This can help you sleep better, lower blood pressure, and lessen pain. It can support you in preserving your best possible physical and mental well-being.
Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT)
One kind of counseling or exposure therapy is the Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT). Twelve acupressure points on your body are located and tapped by a therapist.
You repeat positive thoughts to yourself while simultaneously concentrating on a negative emotion. Your energy field can be balanced by this process. Additionally, you can tap yourself and discover your acupressure points.
Touch Therapy (TT)
Therapeutic Touch (TT) is a non-touch healing method, despite its name. An energy healer enters a focused state of awareness. To identify any imbalances in your energy field, they then move their hands over your body. They remove any obstructions from your life force. Your energy field is restored as a result.
Polarity Therapy (PT)
Blockages in your energy field are released through body movement and adjustments to your daily routine in Polarity Therapy (PT). Balance is restored as a result. An energy healer applies light pressure and touch to certain parts of your body to manipulate them. You also cultivate a mindful relationship with your food and do yoga every day.
Quantum Touch (QT)
Quantum Touch (QT) practitioners are energy healers who think your body is intelligent and naturally capable of healing itself. To affect your energy flow and regain your health, QT consists of three steps. The healer begins by lightly touching the painful areas of your body. After that, you work on specific breathing exercises. Lastly, you observe any changes in your body’s sensations.
Reflexology
An energy healer uses reflexology to apply pressure to your hands, feet, and ears’ acupressure points. Your body may experience less stress and pain as a result of this. They are directing energy through 12 different pathways in your body while concentrating on these particular areas.
Your muscles, glands, and internal organs are reached by these pathways via nerve endings. They can rebalance the energy flow in your body by activating these pathways.
Benefits of Energy Healing Therapy
There is scant scientific evidence that energy medicine can treat or cure any physical illnesses. However, the methods are time-efficient and safe. Your quality of life may be enhanced by energy healing therapy. Its advantages are as follows:
- Promotes deep relaxation
- Reduces stress and tension
- Supports emotional balance
- Enhances mental clarity
- Boosts overall well-being
- Helps release negative energy
- Encourages better sleep
- Supports healing and recovery
- Improves energy flow in the body
- Increases self-awareness and mindfulness
Risk Factors
Energy treatments are non-invasive. They typically don’t have any negative effects and pose minimal risk. However, it is recommended that you combine these treatments with conventional medicine. Although if we have to mention, we will say:
- Lack of scientific validation
- Reliance on untrained practitioners
- Delaying necessary medical treatment
- Misinterpretation of symptoms
- Placebo-dependent outcomes
- Emotional discomfort during sessions
- Potential financial burden
- Overdependence on alternative therapies
Discuss the best course of action for you with your healthcare provider.
Final Thoughts
Therapies that involve energy healing can be a gentle, supportive practice for individuals who are looking for some calm, emotional stability, or in addition to health and wellness.
While it is absolutely not a substitute for standard medical treatment, it carries benefits for many in terms of better dealing with stress, improving mental clarity and mindfulness, and better overall feelings of wellness.
If you are considering energy healing practices, go into it with an open mind, find a trained practitioner, and, as with any health decision, consult your doctor or healthcare provider first to ensure safety concerns for your health needs and goals.
FAQs
When should I give my doctor a call?
When using healing energy techniques, you should keep visiting your primary care physician. They can advise you on which techniques to use and which to stay away from. You must visit them for routine medical care. Energy healing is not a substitute for conventional medicine; rather, it should be used in conjunction with it.
What can I anticipate from a session of energy healing?
In most sessions, the client is fully clothed and lies down or sits comfortably. The practitioner may lightly touch or hover over particular body parts. Deep relaxation, warmth, tingling, lightness, emotional release, or seeing colors or images are common sensations reported by clients. An initial consultation and a post-session debriefing are typically included in a session.
Is it possible to combine energy healing with other therapies?
It is safe to combine energy healing with other therapies, such as psychotherapy, conventional medicine, and other alternative therapies. To guarantee a coordinated approach to your well-being, it is crucial to go over all treatments with your healthcare provider.
