Energy medicine involves techniques like reiki, acupuncture, qigong, reflexology, and others in which a practitioner channels healing energy to support the body. Some research suggests that these practices may come with several health benefits.
But does energy healing really work? And if so, how does it work? This article explores these questions.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture involves inserting very thin needles into specific points on the body that connect with energy channels called meridians. Traditional Chinese beliefs say qi, or life force energy, flows through these channels to keep the body healthy and moving in the right direction. But injury, illness, poor diet, and stress can block qi, and acupuncture helps unblock it and move qi to the areas that need it most.
For patients, that means less pain, more energy, and better sleep, among other things. More recent scientific studies have found that acupuncture may affect how the brain processes pain signals, and it also appears to activate the parasympathetic nervous system (the “rest and digest” side of your stress response), dial down inflammation, and boost communication between the gut and the brain.
Other forms of energy healing, such as reiki and qigong, are based on beliefs that a practitioner can channel a healing energy to support the body and mind. The NICCIH recommends checking with your health plan to see if these practices are covered and talking to your doctor before trying them.
One thing that sets acupuncture apart from other forms of energy healing is its focus on a pattern, not a single symptom or test result. Your acupuncturist will look for signs that tell the full story of how your body’s systems are out of balance and how it’s attempting to get back to a natural rhythm. One clue is the tongue, which reflects how well your organs are functioning by its color, size, coating, and moisture. Hints are emerging that acupuncture may even broadcast its benefits over long distances by tapping into a network of interstitial fluid pathways within our connective tissue, called the interstitium.
Reflexology
A form of energy healing, reflexology involves a practitioner applying pressure to specific points on the feet. Proponents believe that different parts of the foot correspond to various organs and body systems. They also believe that congestion or tension in these points may cause similar symptoms in the corresponding part of the body.
During a session, a person remains fully clothed. The practitioner may wash the feet before starting to work on the reflex areas. The session lasts for about an hour. The feet are manipulated using different amounts of pressure, and it is common for the person to feel a tingling sensation.
Practitioners say that when the body’s energy is healthy, it can create within it an environment that supports good health and vitality. They say that this is a way to reduce stress in people’s lives. It is also said to promote relaxation, which helps relieve a variety of ailments.
Research on this type of healing is in its early stages, and results are mixed. Some studies show that acupuncture and qigong, for example, are associated with positive outcomes, including pain relief, improved mood, and greater overall well-being. Other studies, however, have found no clinical significance.
Many experts recommend that you talk to your doctor before trying any new type of therapy. They should also be able to help you find a certified reflexologist in your area. If you decide to seek a reflexologist, be sure to find one with a background in traditional medical training and who is familiar with your current treatment. Be sure to tell your reflexologist about any conventional treatments you are receiving. You do not want to stop or delay any medical treatments that are working for you.
Reiki
Reiki, pronounced “ray-key,” is the most common form of energy healing and the one that’s most widely used in hospital settings. Derived from the Japanese words “rei” meaning higher power and “ki” meaning life force energy, it’s believed to improve the flow of energy around the body, easing pain and anxiety and potentially speeding up the healing process.
Practitioners channel energy through their hands or other mediums—like acupuncture needles—to balance the energy field, which brings about purported health benefits. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) notes that a few small studies suggest some forms of energy healing, including reiki, acupuncture and qigong, may come with a number of health benefits.
Energy healers often encourage their clients to practice simple, ethical ideals—which include kindness and compassion—as a part of the healing experience. This is because Mikao Usui, founder of Reiki, felt that these practices were an essential component of the healing process.
During a session, clients lay fully clothed on a treatment table and the practitioner uses light, no-pressure touch to support the relaxation response. Many practitioners also invite clients to share any intentions or questions they have beforehand. It’s important to find a practitioner you trust, says Lily Allen-Duenas, a reiki master teacher and crystal healer in Des Moines, Iowa.
Energy healing is considered safe, though it should never be viewed as a replacement for medical care or psychotherapy. It’s also best to notify your energy healer of any mental or physical health concerns so they can take precautions and help prevent any negative side effects, Blythe says. She adds that patients should always talk to their primary care providers or integrative doctors before beginning any energy healing therapy.
Healing Touch
Healing Touch is a form of energy medicine developed by nurse Janet Mentgen in the late 1980s. Mentgen believed that all people have the ability to provide healing for themselves and others. Today, healing touch practitioners offer compassionate care in private practice and healthcare settings worldwide. In Healing Touch sessions, a person seeking healing lies on a massage table or sits comfortably in a chair, fully clothed. The practitioner becomes calm and focused through a process known as centering, and then uses hand motions to scan the client’s energy field for sensations and imbalances. The practitioner may talk with the client or ask questions as the session progresses. During the session, the client is often able to connect with the energy and experience an emotional release.
The theory behind Healing Touch is that all living things, including humans, have an energy system in constant interaction with the environment. An individual’s energy field extends from the body and is imperceptible to the naked eye. The practitioner is able to interact with this energy field and, according to one nurse theorist, reorder or remove blockages in the flow of vital energy to the client’s body.
In addition to reordering or removing blocks in the flow of energy, the Healing Touch practitioner can also help the client develop a stronger connection with their personal guidance and intuition during sessions through techniques such as Cellular Memory Release. Healing Touch sessions can also reveal the energetic interrelatedness of past events and how they may have influenced the development of a health condition.
Although studies of energy healing are sparse, some research suggests that therapies like acupuncture, reflexology and Healing Touch can improve quality of life, boost the immune system and reduce side effects associated with cancer treatment. While more rigorous scientific testing is needed to determine efficacy, these treatments are increasingly being used by hospitals and medical clinics alongside conventional treatments.
Quantum Healing
For those who want to take a more active role in their health, energy-based practices like Reiki and quantum healing may offer a holistic new treatment paradigm. At its core, quantum healing is based on the idea that your inner energy is connected to a universal energy pool of unlimited potential. You can channel that energy to clear and heal your body, mind, and emotions.
At its simplest, quantum mechanics revolutionized physics by suggesting that at the smallest level, particles aren’t solid but rather a field of potential energy. These particles interact through vibrations to create our world and shape our experiences. Quantum healing takes this scientific principle and applies it to the practice of self-healing, with visualization and energetic alignment as key tools for change.
This type of healing offers many benefits, including stress reduction, improved focus and clarity, and faster injury recovery times. It also promotes a deeper sense of well-being and connects you to your personal power. It may even expand your consciousness to connect with the infinite potential of the universe and all its beings.
However, it’s important to note that quantum healing techniques do not replace traditional medical treatment. There is no evidence that they help cure cancer, for example. Cancer is a complex disease that requires the attention of an oncologist, so be sure to use proven treatments recommended by your doctor.
That said, quantum healing can offer hope and a sense of control during treatment, especially when paired with other proven mind-body modalities like meditation for stress relief or support groups. Harriet Trejo, a student of Burt’s, recently used these techniques to heal her beloved dog, Wolfie, from unexplained cancer.