Vital energy therapy (VET) is a form of touch used to promote healing. The practice rests on the belief that one’s vital energy (known as Qi or Chi in Chinese) is essential to their health and well-being.
One common aspect of therapeutic sensations is their tendency to move. This corresponds with vital energy concepts like pneuma, prana and qi being associated with these movements.
Reflexology
Reflexology is a form of massage which involves applying pressure to various parts of the body, such as feet or ears, with the aim of alleviating stress and improving overall health by stimulating natural energy pathways in the body. Reflexology treatments have proven extremely popular across UK cancer centres that now offer reflexology sessions as complementary therapy treatments for their patients.
Reflexology is founded on the theory that specific zones and points, known as reflex areas, correspond with specific glands, organs and parts of the body. Reflexologists employ various hand techniques in order to unblock energy pathways within these reflex zones and points.
Reflexology can be used to treat back pain, migraines, joint pain and menstrual cramps – common ailments often treated. According to its proponents, the therapy also improves circulation and immune function as well as helping with sleep problems while relieving stress.
Reflexology can not only relieve tension and improve circulation, but it is also believed to foster healing by unblocking blocked energy. According to its practitioners, blocked energy may be caused by stress as well as poor diet or lack of exercise – factors which reflexology seeks to address through relaxation techniques like massage therapy or herbal remedies. It serves as an alternative medicine therapy that may be combined with massage or herbal remedies as part of its holistic treatment approach.
Reflexologists believe that our bodies are composed of energy and that any disruption to this energy could lead to illness. Massage can stimulate the nervous system and release stress-related hormones which in turn restore a healthy flow of vital energy throughout the entire body.
Foot massage has a history stretching back millennia. One source is found on an Egyptian tomb depicting medical practitioners massaging their feet; Chinese literature from 1300s also mentions it, being considered part of Chinese medicine and often combined with other treatments like acupuncture and herbal remedies.
Acupressure
Acupressure stimulates the circulatory, lymphatic, and hormonal systems of the body, relieving stress and anxiety while improving sleep, decreasing muscle tension, regulating digestive issues and treating headaches, back pain and menstrual cramps. A qualified healthcare professional or individuals trained can perform this noninvasive and safe procedure at home or as a group – offering an alternative treatment option to traditional medicines or more invasive procedures.
Acupressure’s objective is to reunite opposing forces of yin and yang, helping the body restore its natural equilibrium and heal itself. Acupressure relies on meridians – invisible pathways of energy running throughout your body – connecting all parts together with one another and directly impacting your autonomic nervous system, which regulates all involuntary actions like breathing and heartbeat. When pressure is applied during an acupressure session, this pressure directly affects this part of your nervous system that controls involuntary actions such as breathing and heart beating – helping restore its natural equilibrium while healing itself!
People use acupressure to ease chronic pain. A study published in 2019 demonstrated this practice significantly lowered pain levels for cancer patients; its exact mechanism remains unknown, though one theory suggests pressure on specific acupressure points stimulates natural pain-relief chemicals, while another contends acupressure points help restore balance to channels and meridians, ultimately decreasing pain levels.
Some practitioners believe acupressure treats both spirit and emotions, while others use acupressure points to communicate qi between individuals – known as external qi transmission.
Acupressure has grown increasingly popular in the US due to its efficacy in treating certain ailments, particularly chronic pain in older individuals. Studies have demonstrated that acupressure can significantly decrease need for pain medication and its side effects while providing effective nausea/vomiting treatments during chemotherapy treatments.
Acupressure is an ancient Chinese bodywork technique involving pressing on specific acupuncture points with pressure applied by a trained therapist. Some points require firm pressure while others can be sensitive and require less. Some common methods of Acupressure are Tuina, Shen Tao and Anma.
Herbal medicine
Herbal medicine is a form of traditional medicine that employs plants or plant extracts to treat illnesses, with long histories dating back thousands of years in many cultures around the globe. They come in liquid, pill or tablet forms. When considering taking herbal supplements it is wise to consult your healthcare provider first as taking too many can cause side effects or interact with certain drugs that you take.
Traditional treatments are grounded in theories that outline the relationship between an individual’s energy and health, and its application. Treatments may be applied to physical body, mind, and emotions to restore vital energy or “ch’i.” Ch’i refers to an invisible but life-giving force found throughout humans that runs throughout their body.
Herbal medicines differ from modern pharmaceuticals by using not just one component of a plant as medicine; rather, herbalists believe that all its chemicals work together for maximum impact. Furthermore, these natural treatments can act as preventative medicine to keep our bodies in peak condition.
Longevity Treasure, a Chinese herbal formula, was shown to increase longevity, quality of life and memory among elderly Chinese adults in a study. Further investigation must be undertaken in order to ascertain its efficacy; researchers examined also how herbal therapy affects vital energy in older people who had poor health conditions.
Although studies of herbal medicine are limited, preliminary findings show that it can be an effective treatment option for chronic illnesses and conditions. When choosing herbs for medicinal use it is essential that they have been thoroughly researched; otherwise they could pose serious side effects and even interact with medications you already take. Metal contamination of certain herbal supplements has also been an issue; any interference could also alter other medications prescribed.
Vital Energy Integrative Wellness in Western Connecticut specializes in Therapeutic Massage, Personal Training, Nutrition Coaching, Mindful Movement and Qigong to provide clients with comprehensive wellness solutions. Offering both on-site and virtual services throughout their service region – call today to make an appointment!
Meditation
Meditation is an energy healing practice involving deep breathing and soothing body sensations, while also releasing negative emotions or trauma stored within one’s energy field. By doing this, meditators can restore vitality through vital energy flowing freely throughout their bodies and minds. Meditation can also help to increase focus, mood, and prosocial behaviors – providing a holistic approach to healing that may be combined with other forms of therapy. Numerous research studies have investigated the benefits of meditation, with results including decreased systolic and diastolic blood pressure, improved heart health, reduced anxiety and stress hormone levels as well as aggression reduction and depression decrease. Meditation may also increase brain cell connections between neurons, leading to greater empathy, emotional regulation improvements and decreasing risk factors associated with anxiety or depression.
Not all meditation practices are the same and sensations experienced may have different interpretations by patients during a session. One study indicated that less than 10% of patients saw therapeutic sensations as vital energy; they instead perceived them as normal sensations. Furthermore, most meditation practices involve participating in a larger system of practice and belief systems.
Talking with your physician about any complementary or alternative practices you are engaging in will allow them to become better aware of your entire medical history, helping ensure you receive optimal care.
Energy therapies rely on the concept that humans possess an invisible energy field that, when disrupted, can cause illness. In Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda respectively, these energies are known as qi or prana; examples of energy therapies include acupressure, Reiki and healing touch as therapies that use this belief system.
Reiki practitioners work to channel patient energy by gently touching or hovering their hands over their bodies to activate natural healing processes. Patients will likely feel warm or tingly sensations as their energy channels into their energy pathways of their bodies.
