Energy Medicine
What Is It?
Everyone has an electromagnetic field on a large and small (cellular) scale. This has been described over millennia by many independent cultures as Mana, Prana, Chi, Qi, and other culturally relevant terms. The energy field can be directed and enhanced with the use of intention and breathwork to promote healing of self or others.
There are many varieties of energy-healing modalities, some which have become more popularized than others. Some examples include: Reiki, Johrei, Quantum Touch, Healing Touch, Therapeutic Touch, Qi Gong, and prayer that is specific for health (such as praying for the healing of another person).
There is a healing quality to the energy transmitted by the therapist which can be even felt over long distances. A recent study in Turkey found that Reiki administered over a long distance resulted in a significant reduction of pain, stress and fatigue in oncology patients as compared to a control group that did not receive the healing treatment.
Potential Benefits
The National Institute of Medicine recognizes treatments using these modalities as being beneficial and refers to this as the bio energy field. There are several studies showing benefit from energy modalities including wound healing, and reduced pain and anxiety in post-surgical patients.
Energy healing techniques have been found to be beneficial for a number of symptoms including anxiety, depression, pain reduction, wound healing, nausea, fatigue, irritable bowel, headaches, and more. Energy Medicine cannot treat cancer, but it can be effective in managing related symptoms and improving overall wellness.
How To Find Trained Practitioners?
Energy healing is typically practiced by trained professionals, and there are various levels of training and certification that are required. Some people feel drawn to practice this work on themselves, or to become more skilled as an energy healer. There are books available to learn energy techniques, but taking classes or obtaining treatment from a skilled practitioner is a more direct and therapeutic way to start. Many modalities teach self-care methods when learning their energy medicine discipline. You may receive this therapy in an inpatient or outpatient setting, or in the home. Many hospitals now have Holistic Nurses or Integrative Medicine departments with these types of practitioners. Long distance sending of energy is also possible by contacting experienced practitioners.
Healing Touch is taught and practiced in a wide variety of settings, including hospitals, long term care, end of life care, schools, private practices, homes, disasters, accident scenes, including community outreach worldwide. It is open to health care professionals and anyone with a sincere interest in healing.
There are currently two major organizations that teach Healing Touch technique — for more information:
Healing Touch Program - healingtouchprogram.com
Healing Beyond Borders: Healing Touch International website Healing Beyond Borders website
Reiki is a healing practice that originated in Japan. Reiki practitioners place their hands lightly on or just above the person receiving treatment, with the goal of facilitating the person's own healing response. Reiki is most often used as a method of energy transference by means of touch or contact with the physical, mental, emotional, spiritual or energetic body, as well as long-distance healing. Reiki is used by people looking to promote overall health and well-being, as well as by those who are seeking relief from disease-related symptoms and the side effects of conventional medical treatments.
More information on Reiki can be found at reiki.org.
