Energy healing is a term that refers to a wide range of healing techniques used in complementary or alternative medicine. These healing techniques work with the subtle energy within the human body, and are often based on ancient healing methods. This subtle energy, often referred to as chi, or life force energy, is what's believed to have an influence on a person's physical, emotional and spiritual well-being. If there are blockages, or a weakening of this energy, it's believed to cause physical or emotional ailments which may be improved with energy healing.
There are a wide variety of energy healing methods, many of which are being accepted by medical establishments such as hospitals and doctor's offices. People also use energy healing as a way to connect more fully with God, their Spirit Guides, or their Higher Self.
Reiki
This ancient Japanese healing technique is one of the most well-known forms of energy healing. It involves the laying on of hands in order to balance the subtle energy and encourages physical, emotional and spiritual healing. The Reiki practitioner serves as a conduit for Universal Life Force energy, with the energy flowing out through their hands into the patient. During a Reiki session, the patient will usually lie on a massage table or bed. The Reiki practitioner will lightly touch, or place their hands just above, various areas of the patient's body in order to send Reiki energy where it's most needed and help restore balance. Many people find Reiki sessions to be very calming, and soothing.
Chakra Balancing
This type of energy healing focuses on chakras, which are entrances through which energy flows into and out of the body's aura. If one or more of the chakras are blocked or out of balance, it can have a negative impact on a person's physical, emotional or spiritual well-being. For example, an imbalanced or blocked root chakra can manifest as anxiety, insecurity, low back pain or a weakened immune system. A knowledgeable practitioner can intuitively diagnose any imbalances or blockages in a person's chakra system. A variety of methods can be used to restore balance, depending upon the practitioner and the what is best for the client. Some methods include the use of crystals, breathing exercises, visualization or a combination of methods.
Pranic Healing
This is a no-touch form of energy healing that uses prana, or life force energy, to restore balance and harmony in a person's body and emotions. The principle of Pranic Healing is that the body has the ability to heal itself, and that this healing can be accelerated with the increase of pranic energy. This principle is very similar to Reiki, although the techniques and training of each are different. During a session, the healer draws Pranic Energy from their surroundings and directs it into the aura of the patient. The energy is then absorbed and distributed throughout the patient's body, bringing balance to any problem areas.
Healing Touch
This form of energy healing, also known as Therapeutic Touch, is similar to Reiki, in that it works with life force energy and involves the laying on of hands. But, unlike Reiki, there is no attunement process for the practitioner, or the learning of ancient symbols.
With Healing Touch, the practitioner works by touching the energy field around the patient, and adjusting any imbalances. Many practitioners of Healing Touch are nurses, physicians and psychotherapists.
A Final Note
As mentioned earlier, energy healing is becoming an accepted form of complementary healing within the traditional medical community. For this reason, you can often find an energy healer by asking your doctor or calling your local hospital. You can also look for listings at your local health food store, yoga center or metaphysical store. Some energy healers are also listed in the Yellow Pages of the phone book.
Although energy healing is not meant to replace traditional medical care, it can be helpful when used in conjunction with this care. It can also be an excellent way to promote relaxation, inner peace and a deeper connection with your spirit.
Further Reading
How to Find and Choose a Reiki Practitioner
Pranic Healing- Learn Heal Connect
