Modern medical research is uncovering evidence of healing energies present within and around our bodies, known as human energy fields (HEF), that play an integral part in both health and illness.
Energetic treatments aim to address this information system by returning the HEF back into homeostasis – opening up a whole new medical paradigm based on energy as medicine.
What is energy medicine?
Energy medicine (EM), is an integrative healing approach that uses subtle energy systems of the body to promote wellness. Practitioners believe that imbalances or blockages in these fields may cause physical, emotional and mental health issues; to restore balance they use various techniques such as acupuncture, Reiki, Qi Gong and meditation in order to stimulate natural healing processes within themselves and stimulate body’s natural processes of recovery.
Integrative approaches to healthcare increasingly incorporate energy medicine (EM) practices as part of an integrative healthcare regimen, alongside conventional Western medical therapies. These practices may prove particularly helpful in managing stress, relieving pain and speeding recovery.
As research progresses, scientists may uncover evidence to back some of the claims made by EM practitioners. In the meantime, it’s essential to find a qualified practitioner with training and credentials specific to your modality of choice.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is one of the best-known energy healing modalities, stemming from Chinese medicine and designed to restore balance to the body through meridians – energy pathways which, much like nerves in an electrical circuit, allow organs and systems to communicate via relay points.
Energy therapy sessions typically involve the placement of needles into meridians in order to unblock energy flow and balance physical, emotional and mental health. Acupuncture has proven itself safe, noninvasive and effective in many conditions.
Although energy healing can be hard to measure scientifically, studies have demonstrated its benefits. Acupuncture, for example, has been used as an effective therapy to alleviate pain, promote relaxation and lower stress levels while managing chemotherapy and radiation side effects. Energy healing modalities should only ever be used as complementary therapies rather than replacing conventional medical care as this could increase risks. It is highly advised to seek guidance from licensed healthcare providers before trying any such alternative approaches.
Reiki
Reiki (pronounced ray-key) practitioners believe in an energy force which supports your body’s natural healing capabilities, using light touch or gentle pressure to manipulate energy flow through various areas. There hasn’t been any reported adverse side effects from using Reiki treatments.
At a session, you may experience sensations ranging from warm glow to tingling sensations. While fully dressed and resting comfortably on either a massage table or chair, your practitioner may use his/her hands to massage different areas on your body depending on what area needs treatment.
Researchers are investigating reiki’s benefits, particularly its capacity to relieve pain and stress. A 2021 study that compared reiki therapy with guided imagery among cancer patients discovered it increased quality of life while decreasing fatigue levels – more research needs to be conducted; until then you could try combining it with other holistic or integrative approaches like acupuncture that works on energy meridians, yoga for energy balance or herbal remedies that possess energetic properties like herbs or supplements that contain them.
Therapeutic touch
Therapeutic touch (TT), often abbreviated as simply “TT,” is an energy healing modality which practitioners believe helps create balance in both body and mind/emotion/spirit. Practitioners employ light touches with their hands across both front and back bodies using sweeping movements; this technique unblocks areas of congested energy just above clothing level while revitalizing healing forces within each person’s own system.
Therapeutic touch has long been used to alleviate discomfort, reduce anxiety and depression, boost immunity and enhance sleep. Although no studies have demonstrated its efficacy against specific diseases, many who employ therapeutic touch report feeling refreshed after sessions; thus speeding healing processes faster.
One study showed that 20 stressed nursing and medical students who participated in TT sessions experienced increased hemoglobin levels and reduced cortisol levels, both indicators of decreased stress. Other research suggests TT may reduce tumor cells for cancer patients as well. It is wise to consult your healthcare provider prior to trying this or any complementary health practice.
Hypnotherapy
Energy imbalance can have devastating repercussions for a person’s overall wellbeing, prompting energy medicine practitioners to use techniques like acupuncture (which works on energy meridians of the body); Reiki as an energy healing technique; yoga to increase flow and balance; as well as other practices designed to support overall physical, mental, and spiritual health.
Hypnosis, hypnotherapy and hypnotic suggestion refer to a process using guided relaxation and visualisation techniques to assist people in changing unhelpful thoughts, behaviors and beliefs. This may involve exploring past events which may contribute to current symptoms such as smoking or sleeping issues.
Notably, hypnotherapy should not be seen as mind control. Although hypnotherapists can offer suggestions for positive change to clients, the final decision on accepting or declining these suggestions rests solely with them. More complex techniques may include Milton Erickson’s metaphor and indirect suggestions which promote positive transformations; such practices may also integrate cognitive behavioral therapy techniques or medication into therapy plans for positive results. Before having this treatment undertaken it is wise to inform both therapists and doctors of any health conditions to prevent complications during therapy sessions.
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy involves inhaling essential oils scented with fragrance. As soon as you inhale their scent, molecules are sent directly to cells called olfactory receptors located within your nose – these receptors then send messages throughout your body helping with mood and digestion issues.
Studies on aromatherapy’s positive effects are numerous and varied in methodology, making it hard to compare results across studies. Furthermore, different studies use various types of aromatherapy (lemon or lavender scent) and duration for each session.
Before beginning aromatherapy, consult your physician. Some cancer clinics and hospitals provide aromatherapy massage services as part of treatment packages; they may also know of local providers offering complementary therapy at lower costs.
Meditation
Meditating is an excellent way to relax deeply and unwind your mind, while simultaneously relieving stress, which may aggravate or worsen health conditions.
Meditation is an age-old spiritual tradition found across various faiths and spiritual disciplines, but its practice can also be done independently for health benefits. Meditation involves focusing on one object to free one’s mind of thoughts or emotions that don’t serve us well.
Research has demonstrated that people who regularly meditate have brains which are more active, with certain parts having stronger connections between themselves. This may help with attention, memory and sleep issues as well as overall quality of life.
Meditation comes in various forms, with its core principles including sitting comfortably and eliminating distractions from your environment. You might recite a mantra or focus on breathing exercises while repeating them silently to yourself. Other techniques require walking meditation sessions where it’s crucial that a quiet environment be chosen where focus can occur uninterrupted by distractions. If this is all new to you, consult a health professional for guidance before beginning this practice on your own.
Yoga
Yoga is an ancient system of physical and meditative practice with origins dating back over 10,000 years. The Patanjali yoga sutras outline this philosophy, emphasizing its connection between mind and body.
Breathing techniques, meditation, spiritual practice and wisdom as well as lifestyle practices designed to improve health and well-being are among the many practices involved in yoga therapy. Furthermore, asanas (physical postures) may also be included.
Energy medicine encompasses various holistic and integrative therapies, such as acupuncture that works on energy meridians of the body; Reiki as a form of energy healing; meditation; as well as herbs, essential oils, crystals and dietary supplements believed to possess energetic properties – plus yoga to promote energy flow. Energy medicine may also involve shamanic traditions which use rituals, spirits or journeys into spirit world to gather information on an individual’s energetic state and facilitate healing.
Some practitioners believe that humans possess an innate biofield of positive entropy which regulates their physiological and biochemical responses and maintains wholeness within them. This theory is supported by Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and multiple indigenous systems of healing.
