Despite how it’s at times referred to by the medical community, the concept of the power of energy work in health and healing has been around for centuries. From traditional Chinese medicine to the ancient Hindu practice of Ayurveda, to work and study in Quantum Energy/Physics, the idea that energy flows through the body and is vital to our health and well-being has been a part of many cultures for thousands of years. Today, practices like Reiki, acupuncture, Qi Gong, aromatherapy, Pranic healing, and others have gained popularity as ‘alternative‘ forms of healing, and research is beginning to show their effectiveness in treating a range of physical and mental health issues.
Energy healing, also known as energy medicine or vibrational medicine, is based on the idea that everything in the universe is made up of energy. This energy flows through the body, and when it is balanced and flowing freely, we experience good health and vitality. When this flow of energy is disrupted or blocked, it can lead to physical or emotional problems.
One of the most popular forms of energy healing is Reiki. Developed in Japan in the early 20th century, Reiki involves the transfer of energy from the practitioner to the recipient, with the goal of balancing and unblocking the body’s energy channels. Studies have shown that Reiki can help reduce pain, anxiety, and depression, and can also improve sleep quality and overall well-being.
Acupuncture is another form of energy healing that has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years. In acupuncture, fine needles are inserted into specific points on the body, with the goal of unblocking energy channels and restoring balance to the body’s energy flow. Research has shown that acupuncture can be effective in treating a range of conditions, from chronic pain to digestive disorders.
Pranic healing is a form of energy healing developed by Master Choa Kok Sui in the 1980s. It involves the manipulation of energy fields to balance and harmonize the body’s energy flow. Research has shown that pranic healing can help reduce stress and anxiety, and can also improve physical symptoms like pain and fatigue.
These are just a few examples of the many forms of energy healing that exist. While the scientific evidence for energy healing is still limited, there is a growing body of research that suggests that it can be an effective form of treatment for a range of physical and mental health issues. And when we refer to it as ‘alternative medicine’ or ‘alternative healing’ we do so understanding that it goes directly to our current society’s belief that modern medicine (that being these past 200’ish years) is the main focus in health – all else being ‘alternative’. Misguided, but the current belief.
If you are considering energy healing as part of your health and wellness plan, it is important to find a qualified practitioner who can help guide you through the process. Those of you who’ve known me for any length of time know that when it comes to referring someone for energy work, I refer my amazing friend and colleague; Candace Raynes of Shifting Light Studio. Candace offers naturopathic healing, Reiki, and Yoga energy services to clients out of Studios in both Fredericton and Oromocto, New Brunswick. By working with a practitioner like Candace, you can experience the benefits of energy healing in a safe and supportive environment.
For my two cents, energy healing has a rich history that I see gaining more and more attention in the modern healthcare space. Its effectiveness in treating a range of physical and mental health issues is being supported by more (current) research and anecdotal (spanning thousands of years) evidence. This all to say that if you’re curious about energy healing and want to explore it as part of your health and wellness plan, do your research and work with a qualified practitioner.
Sources:
- Joung, Y. J., Lee, S. J., Cho, M. R., & Lim, J. (2020). The effects of Reiki therapy on pain, anxiety, and blood pressure in patients undergoing spinal surgery: A prospective randomized controlled trial. Complementary therapies in clinical practice, 41, 101215.
- Smith, C. A., Armour, M., Lee, M. S., Wang, L. Q., & Hay, P. J. (2018). Acupuncture for depression. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (3).
- Jain, S., Mills, P. J., & Biofield Science Working Group. (2015). Biofield therapies: helpful or full of hype? A best evidence synthesis. International Journal of Behavioral Medicine, 22(5), 371-385.
- Oschman, J. L. (2000). Energy medicine in therapeutics and human performance. Alternative therapies in health and medicine, 6(6), 43-51.
- Rubik, B. (2002). The biofield hypothesis: its biophysical basis and role in medicine. Journal of alternative and complementary medicine, 8(6), 703-717.
- van der Vaart, R., van Empelen, P., Engelbert, R. H., van Dulmen, S., & Maas, M. (2014). The health benefits of writing about life goals. Journal of clinical psychology, 70(4), 397-417.
- Wardell, D. W., Engebretson, J., & Ludtke, R. (2019). The effects of Reiki on pain and anxiety in women with abdominal hysterectomies: a double‐blind randomized controlled trial in a CAM academic medical center. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 25(5), 542-550.
