Energy Medicine

Energy Medicine

How can energy medicine nourish you?

The common theme of all energy medicine is that healing is based on transfers of energy in various forms, rather than physical contact between the practitioner and the patient. Some modalities do involve touch as a way of facilitating the exchange of energy, or sometimes tools such as tuning forks are used to convey vibrations[1] by direct contact. On the whole, however, it is the energy itself which is intended to support wellness.

Energy medicine is a broad term that encompasses traditional therapies with a cultural rather than evidence-based background, as well as cutting-edge clinical modalities such as healing using sound vibrations[2] and selected wavelengths of light.

Concepts such as qi (vital energy) and chakras (the body’s energy centres), which are fundamental to many forms of energy medicine, are not currently recognised by mainstream science. However, ongoing research into well-documented phenomena such as biophoton emission[3] might be an indication that traditional energy modalities such as Reiki may involve subtle natural processes that are simply not yet understood.

Benefits of energy medicine

Traditional or intuitive forms of energy medicine are experientially reported to have a high success rate[4], but this typically proves difficult to replicate in a clinical setting. Nevertheless, there is evidence to suggest Reiki may be more effective than placebo[5], and is believed to support the parasympathetic nervous system (responsible for rest, recovery and repair of the body).

Research suggests that a clinical framework of sound therapy and related counselling may be an effective treatment for tinnitus[6]. It is reported that the sound of singing bowls in conjunction with meditation may significantly reduce tension[7] and possibly help alleviate feelings of depression and anxiety. 

There is evidence to suggest that a particular colour of blue light[8] may significantly alleviate the symptoms of depression in people suffering from seasonal affective disorder. SCENAR, a device that transmits electrical signals to nerves in the skin, may support the body’s natural self-repair processes by stimulating the release of neuropeptides[9], molecules that are beneficial for the healing of injuries[10]. 

What to expect from an energy medicine session

Since this field encompasses so many different modalities, spanning from traditional practices to clinical applications, the only really common experience you can expect is that energy will be used to support your wellness. 

In the case of crystal healing, you will be invited to lie down, possibly surrounded by crystals, and healing stones will be placed at strategic points on your body[11]. During a sound healing session, your practitioner might use gongs and singing bowls, as well as their voice[12], to gently envelop you in a ‘cocoon’ of healing sound. 

Magnetic field therapy may involve keeping permanent magnets near your skin[13] in specially designed garments. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), on the other hand, is a treatment for depression that stimulates targeted regions of the brain using a rapidly pulsed magnetic field[14].

As with any exercise or wellness program, please consult your medical professional before commencing energy medicine. If you have an injury or other health issue, or any concerns at all, also speak to your energy medicine practitioner, who will be happy to address these and explore the option of adjusting the session to your individual requirements. 

References 

  1. Acutonics. Bayside Acupuncture & Herbal Medicine; 2016
  2. Vibroacoustic Sound Therapy Improves Pain Management and More. Holistic Nursing Practice; 2004.
  3. Effects of Intention; Energy Healing and Mind-Body States on Biophoton Emission. Semantic Scholar; 2017.
  4. Porkoláb C. Does Energy Healing Work? Watch 'Healer' Charlie Goldsmith And Decide For Yourself. Forbes; 2017
  5. McManus DE. Reiki is better than placebo and has broad potential as a complementary health therapy. Journal of Evidence-Based Complementary & Alternative Medicine; 2017.
  6. Phillips JS, McFerran D. Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT) for tinnitus. Cochrane Library; 2010.
  7. Goldsby TL, Goldsby ME, McWalters M, Mills PJ. Effects of Singing Bowl Sound Meditation on Mood, Tension, and Well-being: An Observational Study. J Evid Based Complementary Altern Med; 2017.
  8. Glickman G, Byrne B, Pineda C, Hauck WW, Brainard GC. Light Therapy for Seasonal Affective Disorder with Blue Narrow-Band Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs). Biological Psychiatry; 2005.
  9. Scenar Technology. Scenar Practitioners Association; 2020.
  10. Chéret J, Lebonvallet N, Buhé V, Carre JL, Misery L, Gall-Ianotto CL. Influence of sensory neuropeptides on human cutaneous wound healing process. Journal of Dermatological Science; 2014.
  11. A healing session. The Crystal Tarot; 2024.
  12. Lewin E. ‘Bathing' in a pool of sound can have a profound effect on your health. The Sydney Morning Herald; 2019.
  13. What Is Magnetic Field Therapy? WebMD; 2023.
  14. Transcranial magnetic stimulation. Mayo Clinic; 2023.
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