Types of Energy Healing

There are many of energy healing modalities all over the world. Some of these come from traditions passed down through the generations whilst others are new-age creations. Whilst modern-day research is still slow to review many of these practices, there are number of modalities that have some scientific backing, including reiki, health touch/therapeutic touch, qigong, reflexology and acupuncture.

Below is an overview of some of the energy healing modalities I have personally undertaken. Please note, this information is from personal experience and research (references below) and should not be taken as medical advice. If any of these interest you, I encourage you to undertake your own research before trying them out.

Acupuncture

In a biomedical context, acupuncture has a lot more research and evidence to support it for use in pain and other conditions. Acupuncture is a practice from traditional Chinese medicine that uses very thin needles inserted into the skin and gently manipulated by the practitioner’s hands or by electric stimulation. Advocates of acupuncture in an energy healing context believe that if applied and moved to certain points on the body, these needles can restore energy flow and improve overall health. In contrast, Western practitioners view the acupuncture points as places to stimulate nerves, muscles and connective tissue.

The risks with acupuncture are low if done by a competent, certified acupuncture practitioner using sterile needles. Common side effects include soreness and minor bleeding or bruising where the needles were inserted. Bear in mind though that acupuncture may not be for everyone. Unexpected side effects could include increase in pain, mental health issues, insomnia or convulsions. It is also important to tell your practitioner before you have a treatment if you have a bleeding disorder, pacemaker or are pregnant.

In Australia anyone that wishes to practice acupuncture in Australia must be registered by the AHPRA (Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency).

Crystal Healing

It is believed by advocates of this type of healing that by holding or positioning crystals on various areas of the body, their stable and unchanging energy pattern can interact with the body’s energy field, creating balance and alignment.

Individual crystals are known to have their own special energies that can align with different areas of life. For further information, click here

Crystals

I have recently been introduced to a fascinating use of crystals to assist with energy healing therapies in the form of the ‘John of God Crystal Healing Bed’.

Joao de Deus, also known as John of God, developed a tool to assist with healing vibrations for clients. Whilst relaxing face up on a massage table, seven crystals are suspended above the client’s body, approximately 30cm above, and aligned with the chakra (energy centres) of the client. The client then lays with their eyes closed, and meditates. The Crystal bed lights alternate to produce an aligning, balancing and cleansing effect on the energy body of the client lying under it.

Different people will have different experiences with this modality. The pulsing of the lights may create sensations in the body, including tingles, waves of energy or gentle pulsations. You may find it relaxing, or experience discomfort as the energy is cleared and released.

St John Bed picture from https://www.crystalbedhealing.com.au/-how-does-it-work

Massage

Massage is the practice of rubbing and kneading the body using the hands. During a massage the therapist will apply gentle or strong pressure to the muscles and joints of the body to ease pain and tension.

There are many types of massage that you can have. The best option for you will be dependent on personal preference and the type of relief you are seeking. These include but are not limited to:

Swedish; gentle full-body massage
Hot Stone; use of hot stones in lieu of their hands.
Aromatherapy; use of essential oils to promote the emotional healing component to the massage.
Deep Tissue; more pressure than a Swedish, using slow strokes and deep finger pressure.
Sports; can be done as full body or on specific parts that need attention due to repetitive use in sport. It can be deep pressure alternated with soothing strokes, depending on the need of the client.
Trigger point; best for people who have injuries, chronic pain, or a specific issue or condition. uses alternating levels of pressure in the area of the trigger point to alleviate tension.
Shiatsu; best if you want to feel relaxed and relieve stress, pain and tension.
Thai; best for people who want a more active form of massage and want to reduce and relieve pain and stress.
Prenatal; is a safe way for women to get a massage during pregnancy
Chair; best for people who want a quick massage of neck, shoulders and back.
Lymphatic drainage; is a gentle type of massage that encourage the lymph fluids to circulate through the body.
Cranial sacral therapy; massage that helps release compression in the bones of the head, low back and spine.

Massage is perhaps one of the oldest healing traditions. Ancient Greeks, Egyptians, Chinse and Indians have all been known to use massage to treat a variety of ailments.

Reiki

Reiki is a form of energy healing from Japan, during which a practitioner will use their hands and possible gentle touch to channel energy to the client’s body in the hope to improve the flow and balance of energy within the client. This energy may promote relaxation and healing.

The word Reiki is made up of two Japanese words – Rei which means ‘God’s Wisdom or the Higher Power’ and Ki which is ‘life force energy’. So Reik is actually ‘spiritually guided life force energy’.

Reiki is a simple, natural and safe method of spiritual healing and self-improvement that everyone can use. Whilst Reiki is spiritual in nature, it is not a religion, there is no dogma, and there is nothing that you need to believe in in order to learn and/or use Reiki.

Reiki is not a treatment for illness or disease. It is a complementary therapy that works alongside other medical and therapeutic techniques. Be wary of any reiki practitioner who advises you to abandon conventional medical treatments.

Whilst reiki is non-invasive, and thought to be safe. It does not have any known harmful side effects, but for those with past trauma it might be uncomfortable.

Shamanic Reiki is a powerful healing modality that combines the healing practices of Reiki with elements of Shamanism.

Shamanism is an ancient spiritual practice found in a number of cultures around the world. Shamans interact with the spirit world and tap into the energy, power and wisdom of nature alongside spiritual to facilitate divination, guidance and healing.

Shamanic Reiki practitioners incorporate shamanic techniques such as working with spirit guies and power animals into the Reiki sessions and may also utilize

Shamanic Reiki

tools such as crystals, feathers, drumming, rattles and smudging herbs to enhance the healing process

This combination of Shamanism and Reiki multiples the effects of the modalities on their own, and creates a holistic approach to healing. This approach addresses emotional, mental, physical and spiritual imbalances. Practitioners work with clients to clear blockages, release emotional trauma and restore balance within the body,

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Reflexology

This is a type of energy healing in which pressure is applied to different parts of the feet, hands and ears, to promote healing throughout the entire body. It is deeply rooted in traditional Chinese medicine and is believed help with balancing the body’s energy.

Reflexology uses gentle firm pressure on the feet, hands and ears, and is a good option for people who are not comfortable being touched on the entire body. It is a complementary form of therapy, and reflexologists claim that any health problems in the body can usually be detected in the corresponding area of the foot.

Reflexologists however, do not diagnose, prescribe or treat any specific conditions.

The below maps are from:
https://www.everydayhealth.com/integrative-health/potential-health-benefits-of-reflexology/

Interested, and want to book a session. My friend Mary-Kate has you

Sound Healing

This is powerful therapy that combine different healing sounds, music and instruments to improve the our overall well-being as the different layers of our energy field (mind, body, soul, spirit) are gently awakened and refreshed.

Sound Healing instruments include but are not limited;

Tibetan singing bowls
Crystal singing bowls
Bamboo flutes
Bells
Gongs
Rattles and shakers
Chimes
Tuning Forks
Rain sticks

Sound has been used for many thousands of years. It has always been used to heal and balance our lives. It has been linked with most civilisations through time and across the world. Due to this sound has been interwoven into our psyche as a means to understanding, healing and transforming our whole selves.

It is believed that it is the vibrational forces of sound that are emitted from the sound healing instruments. The oscillation of our molecules is triggered by the sound’s vibration and this compresses and relaxes the cells within us. They penetrate deep into the tissue of our physical bodies. This has been said to improve blood circulation, metabolism, regulate muscle tension and stimulate the tissues and stimulate the repair mechanisms.

There are some contraindications with sound healing. These include:

Pregnant women should be cautious, especially within the first 12 weeks, and avoid having sound instruments being placed on their body.
People with serious mental health concerns should consult their doctor prior to any sound healing session.
If you have sound-induced epilepsy consult with your doctor to ensure that you receive the best anti-epileptic medication so you are in no danger of any seizures.
If you have an implanted heart pacemaker, stent or shunt, keep the instruments at a MINIMUM distance of 20cm from you and never use directly on or near any metal implants.
If you have any prior nerve damage it is recommended that you avoid sound healing altogether.
Do not place any instruments near open wounds or scars that are not yet healed.