Getting Started with Energy Healing

If there is any form of Energy Healing that has come closest to reaching mainstream acceptance, it’s Reiki. Much of its success comes from its simplicity. Reiki is based upon the belief that our bodies are flowing with a powerful energy force called ki. If the flow of this energy is disrupted, it can have negative effects on our health. In reiki, the healer simply channels more positive energy into the body, until these energy blockages are loosened up and carried “downstream”.

• Reiki is very easy to learn. At the most basic level, one can learn it over a weekend. Thus, is can also be one of the least expensive forms of energy healing.
• The healer does not need to make physical contact with the patient, so it can be an excellent choice for people who are shy or do not want to be touched.
• It is a flow of positive energy moving one direction, so there is little chance of an exchange of negative energy.
• Most people regard it to be a very relaxing and soothing experience. Though there is little evidence that it can heal serious medical conditions, it has been recognized by groups such as Cancer Research UK to reduce anxiety and help people cope with some of the negative symptoms of chronic disease.

• There is little scientific evidence to show that reiki can heal disease.
• It may give some people a false sense of hope that may discourage them from seeking the help of a medical practitioner in case of serious illness.

Qigong is a holistic lifestyle practice that utilizes exercise, meditation, diet, and energy healing to cultivate qi energy. As it focuses on overall health, it is a multi-faceted discipline with the energy healing aspect only a making up a small part. Like the other forms of energy healing, it aims to encourage the free flow of life energy throughout the body. Healers can help their patients with a variety of methods including massage, acupuncture, acupressure, in addition to no-touch energy healing.

• Because it focuses on all aspects of health, qigong, when practised fully, can have proven scientific benefits such as stress reduction, pain relief, and improvement in quality of life.
• Due to the variety of different ways qigong energy healers work with their patients, trained healers may be better able to select the most effective method for you.

• Qigong is a whole belief system with a strong basis in philosophy, therefore it is not always an “entry-level” type of energy healing,
• To be truly effective, healers need to maintain regular management of their energy levels and training. It is not always easy to know who which energy healers are dedicated enough to their practice to keep their skills sharp.

Pranic healing is a powerful no-touch Energy Healing method that is popular worldwide. A typical session involved three main steps: 1) a body scan, 2) clearing of blockages and negative energy, 3) replacement of the negative energy with healthy prana. It can be very effective for some, especially when combined with Arhatic Yoga.

• Pranic healing uses a “cookbook approach” to energy healing, meaning there are different approaches to different ailments, instead of one single method.
• It is a holistic practice that focuses on all aspects of health.
• Some scientists have been applying pranic healing techniques to agriculture with some success.

• Because Pranic healing involves a transfer of energy, it is possible for one to absorb negative energy.
• Working with an officially certified healer can be more expensive than other forms not connected to a large organization like Pranic Healing.

Quantum Healing is a holistic form of alternative medicine that is strongly rooted in meditation and Energy Healing. It is based upon an offshoot of quantum physics that believes that our physical bodies are illusions, and perception can have a profound effect on our reality. The belief system is wide ranging and touches on countless topics, but for those seeking simply Energy Healing, it utilizes a method called Quantum Touch which is similar to Reiki.

• Because of its focus on general wellness, even non-believers can find benefit from the practices associated with quantum healing.
• The approach is very individualized, which can greatly help its effectiveness.
• Quantum healing is hugely popular, so there is no shortage of information about its practices, positive testimonials, and access to healers.

• The scientific basis of this energy healing method has been often criticized by doctors and physicists alike.
• Some of the herbal remedies and other treatments may cause harm to some patients.

Theta Healing is a copyrighted form of Energy Healing which uses the power of our positive thoughts to treat our ailments. It is based upon two belief systems. The first is that reality is not fixed until we observe it, so if we can alter our perceptions of the world, we can create our own reality. The other is that the brain can be trained to produce power theta waves of a certain frequency, which can then connect a person to their crown chakra.

• Practitioners say that anybody can use these abilities, even to heal themselves.
• It is claimed to be instantaneous.
• Since there are many aspects to theta healing, it is often viewed as being more akin to psychotherapy than pure energy healing.

• Vianna Stibal and her organization has faced legal troubles over the years, questioning the credibility of her claims and company.
• Depending on the healer, theta healing can be expensive.

Crystal Healing is the use of the vibrational energy of certain crystallized minerals to help treat various ailments. It is thought that some crystals have a stronger effect on our different chakras, so one must choose the right type of rock, depending on what problems one is suffering from. It is believed that crystals may have the ability to store ones thoughts, so they will be influenced by the emotional energy one puts into them.

• Crystal healing can be both active, through the use of trained crystal healers, or passive, by merely keeping the crystals around your neck or under your pillow as you sleep.
• Even if you find the crystals to be ineffective for energy healing, many of the rocks used are beautiful.

• Some stones used for crystal healing can be very expensive, and without deeper knowledge in geology, it can often be hard to ensure that you are in fact buying what is advertised.
• It is important to choose the correct crystals for each person and situation. Also, crystals need to be cleansed and charged, so even passive crystal healing involves a bit of work, attention, and study.

Hopefully, this guide has been enough to demystify a bit of the fascinating world of Energy Healing. It is not meant to be the end-all-be-all on the subject. If you have further interest, every topic here is more deeply explored on this website.

Just remember that even within each type of Energy Healing, there are good and bad healers. You may need to have consultations with a couple before you find one that works for you. Also, many energy therapists use a mixture of the styles listed above (and others not covered here). Energy Healing is not for everyone, but for those who trust its powers, it can have a profound possible effect on your life.