Energy Healing

What is energy healing?

Energy healing, or energy medicine, is a type of complementary therapy. It isn’t scientifically proven to be effective. But it’s likely safe. You may use it along with traditional medicine, but not in place of traditional medicine.

Energy healing claims to involve channeling subtle energy into your body. Energy healers believe an invisible field of energy surrounds and flows through the human body. They believe healing energy can balance this flow and help restore health.

Energy therapies focus on the connection between your mind and body. Energy healers believe that by aligning them, you can create balance in your body. In turn, you can improve your overall health and well-being.

Although energy healing hasn’t been scientifically supported, energy healers and some people who use it report many benefits. But researchers haven’t carefully studied most of the techniques. The ones they have studied show limited effectiveness. So, if you’re interested in pursuing this type of medicine, it’s important to work with your primary care provider. They can help you find options that may work well with your regular medical care.

What conditions do energy healers use it for?

Energy healers use energy medicine to treat a wide variety of health conditions. They commonly use it to treat mental health conditions, specifically reducing stress and anxiety.

Researchers are studying the effects of energy healing on people receiving cancer treatment. They want to see if the techniques can:

• Boost their immune systems.
• Improve their quality of life.
• Reduce the side effects of treatment.

What are examples of energy healing?

There are many types of energy healing techniques.

Reiki

“Rei” is a Japanese word that means “higher power.” “Ki” means “life force energy.” Put together, Reiki means a life-force energy guided by a higher power. Energy healers use a higher power or spirit to channel energy through your body. They place their hands either lightly on or hovering over your body. They focus their attention and allow energy to flow through their hands into your body. This joins together your body and mind, leading to natural healing.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a type of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). An energy healer inserts very thin steel needles through your skin into acupressure points on your body. Common areas include your head, neck, face and back. The goal of this method is to stimulate these points to rebalance your energy flow. This can relieve pain and other symptoms.

Pranic healing

“Prana” is a Sanskrit word that means “life force.” It’s the invisible energy that surrounds your body. Pranic healing is a form of non-touch treatment. An energy healer scans your body for signs of blockages in your aura. Then, they remove these blockages by scattering fresh energy over you. This recharges your body to help treat physical disease.

Qigong

“Qi” is a Chinese word that translates to “vital energy.” “Gong” means “training.” Qigong is a form of traditional Chinese medicine that uses body movement and breath. Its goal is to improve the flow of qi through your body. This can lower your blood pressure, reduce pain and help improve your sleep. It can help you maintain optimal physical and mental health.

Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT)

Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) is a type of exposure therapy or counseling. A therapist finds 12 acupressure points on your body and taps on them. At the same time, you focus on a negative emotion while repeating positive thoughts to yourself. This process can balance your energy field. You can also learn where your acupressure points are and tap yourself.

Therapeutic Touch (TT)

Despite its name, Therapeutic Touch (TT) is a non-touch healing treatment. An energy healer centers themselves into a focused state of consciousness. Then, they pass their hands over your body to find imbalances in your energy field. They clear your life force of any blockages. This rebalances your energy field.

Polarity Therapy (PT)

Polarity Therapy (PT) uses body movement and changes to your daily habits to release blockages in your energy field. This restores balance. An energy healer manipulates your body by gently touching and applying pressure to specific areas. You also practice daily yoga and develop a mindful relationship with the food you eat.

Quantum Touch (QT)

Energy healers who practice Quantum Touch (QT) believe your body is smart and has a natural ability to heal itself. QT involves three steps to influence your energy flow and restore health. First, the healer lightly touches your body where you have pain. Then, you practice certain breathing techniques. Finally, you pay attention to any changing sensations in your body.

Reflexology

With reflexology, an energy healer applies pressure to acupressure points on your hands, feet and ears. This can help relieve pain and reduce stress in your body. With a focus on these specific parts, they’re pushing energy through 12 pathways in your body. These pathways run through nerve endings to your muscles, glands and internal organs. By stimulating these pathways, they’re able to rebalance your body’s energy flow.

Does energy healing actually work?

Researchers have studied some forms of energy therapy more than others. Clinical trials have shown that acupuncture and Reiki may offer some health benefits. But scientists haven’t studied most energy healing techniques enough to offer accurate success rates. More high-quality scientific evidence is needed.

What are the potential benefits of this treatment?

There’s very little evidence-based science that shows energy medicine cures or treats any physical diseases or conditions. But the techniques are safe and don’t take up much of your time. Energy healing therapy may:

• Improve your quality of life.
• Give you a better night’s sleep.
• Provide a deep sense of peace and relaxation.
• Reduce symptoms of certain mental health conditions.

What are the potential risks of this treatment?

Energy therapies aren’t invasive. They have very little risk and don’t usually cause side effects. But you should use these therapies in addition to traditional medicine. Talk to your healthcare provider about the best treatment options for you.

When should I call my healthcare provider?

You should continue to see your regular primary care provider when using healing energy techniques. They can let you know which methods they recommend and which to avoid. It’s important to see them for your regular medical care. You should only use energy healing in addition to traditional medicine, not in place of it.

What are the five elements in energy healing?

Exposure to nature can boost your health in many ways. It can reduce stress and lower your blood pressure. It may help prevent certain conditions, like stroke and heart disease. Connecting with the elements of nature can bring healing and balance. The five natural elements are:

• Earth: Earth is linked to strength and stability. Connecting with the earth can help you feel grounded and calm. This can improve your sleep and reduce pain.
• Water: Water is a life-sustaining energy force. It’s cool and soothing. Being near water can reduce stress and foster a positive sense of well-being.
• Fire: Fire symbolizes light, heat and energy. These are the key resources of the sun. The sun helps balance your circadian rhythm. It also provides the important nutrient, vitamin D.
• Air: Air is associated with movement and lightness. It provides the oxygen we need to breathe. Air supports a healthy immune system.
• Space: Space helps reduce stress by being wide open. It’s where all the elements come together. By focusing on your senses, you can live in the present and not worry about the past or future.