Energy healing upgraded my life!
While I worked as a Mental Health Counselor, I struggled with daily headaches. I did not want to take the strong medications doctors prescribed. So instead, I saw a craniosacral and polarity therapist weekly.
I was relieved to be able to work headache free thanks to the energy healing and my daily meditation practice.
Energy healing had a huge positive impact on my own personal growth, so I began using it with my client’s. I was amazed the energy healing tools made an immediate boost to client’s progress.
If you are interested in learning these skills, check out the link here.
In this article, I review12 different types of energy healing, sprinkling in some science and my own personal experiences, to help the reader understand anyone can benefit from energy healing.
Does Energy Healing Impact Health?
More than 264,000 people are diagnosed with breast cancer each year in the United States. Roughly 80% of those seek out alternative treatments. This in itself speaks to the demand for energy healing support.
Research shows energy healing benefits cancer treatment
- Ten minutes a day of energy healing touch slows cancer cells.
- One hour per day of energy healing touch destroyed cancer cells in lab mice within one month.
- Hospitals in China use qigong as an effective treatment for cancer.
Scientific Research Shows Energy Vibration Heals the Body
- Listening to very low frequency bass music (200 hz or less) decreases pain and boosts the immune system.
- Singing stimulates the vagus nerve and reduces inflammation in the body.
- Playing music and listening to music decreases depression.
What are the 12 Popular Energy Healing Types?
1) Qigong
The ancient Chinese practice of qigong (pronounced “chee-gung”) originated in China over 4,000 years ago. It is a form of energy healing that uses a combination of slow movements, breath work, and meditation. Most qigong work is done standing up but can be adapted to sitting.
Qigong is based on the belief that our bodies are filled with an energy called Qi (pronounced “chee”), which flows through us like a river. When this flow is disrupted, it can lead to physical, emotional, and mental imbalances.
Qigong energy healing exercises are designed to improve the flow of Qi in the body, thereby restoring balance and harmony. People who practice qigong often report feeling relaxed, balanced with increase energy levels and a clear sharp mind.
What are the Benefits of Qigong?
- Qigong has been shown to improve mental and emotional well-being, as well as physical health.
- Regular practice of Qigong can help to reduce stress, anxiety, depression, and cancer cells.
- Qigong can also help to improve energy levels, circulation, and immunity.
- Qigong has even been shown to slow the aging process.
2) Acupuncture
Acupuncture was believed by some to originate during the Stone Age, when people would use sharp objects, such as stones and sticks, to puncture the skin. The goal of acupuncture is to create a balance in the flow of energy, or qi, in the body.
Acupuncture is based on the belief that there is a life force energy flow through the body. This life force energy is known as qi. When this qi is blocked, it can lead to pain and illness.
The acupuncture needles unblock the qi and allow it to flow freely through the body. Acupuncture healer treats imbalances in the flow of Qi energy by inserting thin needles into specific acupressure points along the body.
Some people wonder if it is painful to have needles inserted into the body. Acupuncture is a very safe and effective form of energy healing. Rare but one may experience mild discomfort or pain when the needles are inserted, but this typically disappears after a few moments
What are the Benefits of Acupuncture?
- Acupuncture can help to relieve pain, headache and backpain.
- Improve energy levels and reduce stress.
- Acupuncture decreases symptoms of depression and anxiety.
- Acupuncture has also been shown to improve digestion, immunity, and fertility.
3) Meditation
Meditation is a powerful form of energy healing because it helps to calm the mind and body and bring about a state of inner peace. With meditate, we connect with our innermost self, and open to the guidance and healing energy from the Universe.
There are many different types of meditation, but all involve sitting or lying down in a comfortable position and focusing on your breath. People often speak of meditation to achieve self-transcendence, or a sense of unity with the divine.
In meditation, a person focuses their attention on a single point, such as their breath or a mantra. This focus allows them to quiet their mind and connect with a deeper level of consciousness.
As a person remains deep in meditation, they may begin to experience self-transcendence. In self-transcendence, the boundaries between the self and the world around dissolve.
Resulting in a state of pure awareness, peace, and oneness with the universe. For many people, this is an incredibly powerful experience that can have a profound impact on their lives.
What are the Benefits of Meditation?
- Lower blood pressure & boost immunity
- Reduce stress and anxiety
- Improve sleep quality
- Enhance concentration and focus
- Increase self-awareness
4) Therapeutic Touch
Therapeutic Touch was developed, in the 1970’s, by two nurses Dora Kunz and Dolores Krieger. Therapeutic touch is rooted in the fact that we are all connected by an energy field, and that the body has an innate ability to heal itself.
Therapeutic Touch practitioners facilitate the healing process by guiding their minds and hands and directing the flow of energy within the patient’s body. At the same time, the practitioner sets positive intentions for healing.
The goal of Therapeutic Touch is to balance the patient’s energy field. A person may report feeling warmth, tingling, or other sensations during therapeutic touch.
Therapeutic touch is usually practiced in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare settings, and may be used in hospices and home care settings.
What are the Benefits of Therapeutic Touch?
- Improve sleep and decrease stress and anxiety.
- Reduce pain and headaches.
- Speed up wound healing.
- Improve circulation, boost immune system.
- Enhance concentration and focus.
5) Reiki
Reiki originated in Japan in the 1900’s. Reiki is spiritually guided life force energy, where “rei” is universal higher power and “ki” is vital life force energy. Hawayo Takata received Reiki energy healing in Japan for her asthma and the heartbreaking loss of her husband.
It was such a profound healing experience, she brought Reiki to Hawaii and became the first person to teach it in the United States. A Reiki treatment feels like a wonderful glowing radiance that flows through and around you.
Reiki treats the whole person including body, emotions, mind, and spirit creating relaxation and feelings of peace, security, and wellbeing. Many have reported miraculous results.
Although there is skepticism on the medical benefits of Reiki, with time and research, more and more hospitals, like Harvard and UCLA, include Reiki as supportive aspect to healing and recovery.
What are the benefits of Reiki?
- Improved sleep
- Reduce pain
- Decrease symptoms of depression and anxiety
- Increases relaxation and energy
6) Craniosacral Therapy
Craniosacral therapy was developed by American osteopath John Upledger in the 1970s. The therapist uses light touch to feel the craniosacral rhythm, a gentle flow of cerebrospinal fluid.
The therapist assesses the health of the craniosacral system rhythm and identifies areas of restriction. With a light touch to feel into the rhythm, the therapist directs flow to release restrictions within the craniosacral system.
The aim of craniosacral therapy is to promote balance within the body and encourage self-healing. Many craniosacral therapists are also licensed massage therapists and combine craniosacral with massage.
What are the benefits of Craniosacral Therapy?
- Decrease stress and traumatic body symptoms.
- Improve energy, mood and sleep.
- Improve conditions like migraines, TMJ dysfunction and chronic pain.
7) Bioenergetic Analysis
Bioenergetic Analysis (BA) began with Dr. Wilhelm Reich, a psychoanalysis doctor. He developed BA to treat patients with psychological problems. He believed the bioenergetic field could release repressed emotions.
Alexander Lowen, a German psychiatrist expanded upon Bioenergetic Analysis by adding grounding techniques to treat his patients with stress and anxiety. Lowen believed emotions are stored in the body’s energy systems.
Bioenergetic analysis is a type of therapy that uses the body’s bioenergetic field to help heal the mind and body. The bioenergetic field is the energy that surrounds and pervades all living things. It is believed to be the source of our physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
Bioenergetic analysis works by helping the body to release its stored emotional energy. This can be done through a variety of methods, including massage, breathing exercises, and biofeedback.
What are the benefits of Bioenergetic Analysis?
- Increased physical health and energy.
- Improved emotional well-being.
- Improved sleep quality.
- Reduce stress and anxiety levels.
8) Polarity Therapy
Polarity therapy is a type of energy healing medicine that uses the polarity of positive and negative charges to restore balance in the human body. The therapy was first developed by Randolph Stone, a chiropractor, naturopath, and osteopath.
Stone developed polarity therapy after studying Eastern philosophies and energy healing systems. He believed that the human body was composed of four energy fields, or “poles”: positive, negative, ground, and electromagnetic.
These points are located along the body’s meridians, which are lines of energy that run through the body. When these points are stimulated, they help to unblock stuck energy and allow the flow of energy to move freely again.
What are the benefits of Polarity Therapy?
- Most used to treat musculoskeletal pain
- Improved circulation, digestion, and immune system.
- Less stress and more relaxation.
- Enhances the mind and emotions.
9) Pranic Energy Healing
Pranic energy healing was developed by Grandmaster Choa Kok Sui, who was born in China and raised in the Philippines. He studied a variety of energy healing traditions from around the world before developing his own system of pranic energy healing.
He founded the Institute for Inner Studies in 1987, which offers pranic energy healing courses and training. Pranic energy healing applies the life force energy (prana) to heal the body.
Prana flows through the body in channels called meridians. When there is an imbalance in the flow of prana, it can lead to physical, mental, and emotional health problems.
Pranic energy healing does not require touch to unblock the flow and restore balance. The therapist uses their hands to scan the patient’s body to identify imbalance.
They direct the flow of prana to areas using specific hand movements and breathing techniques. Pranic energy healing therapists may also use crystals or color therapy to further enhance the treatment.
What are the benefits of Pranic Energy Healing?
- Decreases pain, fatigue, and anxiety.
- Reduces stress and promotes relaxation
- Shown to improve overall health.
10) Crystal Healing
Crystal healing is a type of energy healing that uses crystals or gemstones to promote physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. The practice is also known as crystal therapy, crystal massage, and crystal acupuncture.
The history of crystal healing dates back thousands of years to ancient civilizations who used crystals for both practical and spiritual purposes. The Egyptians used crystal amulets for protection, while the Greeks used them as talismans. In the Middle Ages, crystal balls were used for scrying, and in the 18th century, crystal elixirs were all the rage.
While there is no formal crystal healing training, many crystal healers are self-taught or have studied with a master teacher. Some may also have a background in massage therapy, energy work, or reflexology.
People report feeling relaxed and refreshed after a crystal healing session. Some say they experience improved sleep and concentration, reduced stress levels, and increased clarity and insight.
There is anecdotal evidence to support the claims made by crystal healers and their clients. However, more research is needed to determine whether crystal healing is an effective treatment modality.
What are the benefits of Crystal Healing?
- Protection from negative energy
- Improved sleep and concentration
- Raising higher frequency levels & support manifestation
- Reduced stress and improved energy levels
- Improved clarity and insight
11) Chakra Balancing
The chakra system is an ancient Indian tradition that dates back thousands of years. The chakras are 7 main energy centers located throughout the body and connect a person’s inner energy to the universal energy vortex.
Chakras are believed to play a role in physical, mental, and emotional health. When a chakra is too closed or too open, it is thought to impact a person’s mental and physical health.
Those who study chakras believe in the benefits of maintaining a balanced openness of each of these energy centers. People who have experienced chakra healing often report feeling more grounded, centered, and clear-headed.
There is anecdotal evidence to support the claims of chakra healing, but more research is needed to confirm its efficacy.
What are the benefits of Chakra Balancing?
- Improved physical health
- Mental clarity
- Emotional well-being
12) Distance Healing
Distance healing is an energy healing technique that has been used for centuries. The founders of distance healing were projectors, people who had the ability to project their consciousness outside of their bodies.
Once they realized they could interact with other people and objects without being physically present, they began to develop distance healing techniques.
The belief is the practitioner can send healing energy to the patient, no matter the distance. There are many different distance healing methods, each with its own unique history.
People who have received distance healing often report feeling more relaxed and energetic. There is also some evidence to suggest that distance healing can help to relieve pain and promote healing from illness or injury.
Distance healing is a safe and non-invasive treatment, without side effects. Today, there are many ways to receive distance healing. You can find distance healers who offer treatments online or in person.
There are also distance healing courses available, which can teach you how to perform this type of healing yourself.
What are the benefits of distance healing?
- Can be done from anywhere in the world.
- Can be done with out any physical contact.
- Beneficial for people who are uncomfortable with physical contact.
Note: the rest of the article will be spoken from the author’s professional and personal experience.
Energy Healing Side Effects
After experiencing 9 years of direct energy healing weekly and implementing it into my sessions with clients, I learned it benefits everyone no matter the circumstances.
It is rare but some people experience side effects along their energy healing journey. You may have seen somewhere online the following statement: “energy healing is painless and has no negative side effects”.
While this is for the most part true; there are rare moments in energy healing sessions when sensations, aches, or pains, inside your system, get illuminated briefly in the healing process.
It is like when you put neosporin on a cut. Add healing attention with touch or your mind on it, known as presencing, and the pain sensation may temporarily rise and then settle.
In my direct experience, this is tolerable. In my professional opinion, energy healing is a gentler form of therapy even more gentle than talk therapy in counseling.
In counseling, you are directed to express yourself which highlights the emotional content and can trigger a re-experiencing of trauma and hurt. This is slightly more painful than an energy healing session with “the neosporin”.
As a result of shifting your energy for a more expanded healthier one, you can experience other side effects.
For some people (particularly those who have larger shifts to make in healing), there may be moments where energy healing can cause a temporary feeling of nausea, dizziness, or fatigue.
In my direct experience of shifting my system with meditation, I had some instances of dizziness. However, these were necessary shifts to expand my system healthier!
I was able to tolerate the negative symptoms, which went away within minutes.
Can I Repair myself with Energy Healing?
Yes, you absolutely can repair your energy!
If you have not had any energy healing work done, it will be necessary to find an energy healing practitioner to begin this journey, one you feel safe with.
It is your right to receive energy healing and fully allow this, before you can be accountable to repairing your own energy.
Think of it like this. When you learn a foreign language, do you need to hear others speaking the language to acquire it yourself?
For sure, yes! Energy healing is the same. Learning to receive is a necessary step to owning and doing it for yourself.
Can I Superpower my Energy Healing?
You can superpower your own energy repair.
The key to this is experiencing two or more healing modalities simultaneously. For example, if you are currently in counseling, adding in craniosacral will boost your recovery process.
If you attend acupuncture to ease back pain, try adding in a qigong class or attend a polarity therapy session.
If you are remote and can’t get into a practitioner, find a distance healer, and attend a bioenergetic analysis practitioner through zoom. Or, check out this workshop here. It comes with a free workbook and you can cancel anytime.
Energy Healing Class
If you are on a tight budget, find a community drop-in meditation class or yoga center sound bath night, and find an acupuncture wellness center that accepts donation based on a sliding fee.
Once you have direct experience with attending multiple energy healing practices, you superpower your energy because you build up a toolbox of techniques to use on yourself at home.
How Energy Healing Balances in my Body?
You must have a direct experience to balancing your body energy to know what this is like. Balance the energy in your body today with a grounding meditation first. This will support you to be more in your body, connected and calm. Try this: 10 minute guided grounding meditation.
If the grounding meditation felt supportive, I suggest listening to a guided audio chakra balancing (in a laying down position). Play around with finding an audio that you like and see how the experience goes during and after.
If after you do a grounding meditation and do not find balance or calm, it indicates you should seek outside support before continuing. I’d suggesting seeking assistance from a practitioner before adding in other home remedies.
May you find peace everyday,
Author Bio
Sources
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Clayton, V. (2022). What is reiki and how does it work? Forbes Health, https://www.forbes.com/health/body/what-is-reiki/
Reid, John S., (2022). Interview on the future role of sound and music in medicine. Science of Healing Summit. https://theshiftnetwork.com/
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FAQ
What is energy healing?
Energy healing is the practice of connecting to open sources of energetic flow and moving that flow in such a way that blocked energy shifts. The way in which the energy is accessed and moved depends on the type of energy healing practice used.
