Energy Medicine
Energy Medicine is an umbrella term for various energy healing modalities. For centuries, energy healing therapies have been practiced by various cultures and traditions across the world.
The underlying principle of energy healing is to restore the flow of Life Force Energy (also known as Prana, Qui or Ka). It can be translated as the vital life creating and sustaining force that permeates all living beings and the Universe. The flow of this force within our being gives rise to our physical, mental and emotional health. It is also deeply connected to our spiritual health.
It is paramount to remember we are more than just our physical body.
“Our bodies are ever-changing, dynamic fields of energy and vibration, not static physical structures”
Allopathic medicine doesn’t recognise life force energy because it is a system based on our gross anatomy, which works at a molecular level, in line with Newtonian Physics. Many ancient, indigenous and other newer holistic healing modalities work much deeper, at a sub-atomic level addressing the root of underlying imbalances, in line with quantum physics. This is supported by the emerging field of quantum biology which studies processes in living organisms that cannot be accurately explained by the classical laws of physics.
“Quantum biology opens a window into a new paradigm. One that doesn’t ignore the smallest pieces of our biology. One that connects everything in our ecosystem within a beautiful cycle of energy. One that calls for us to return and tend to our relationship with the world around us.”
Energy Medicine recognises that all aspects of our being are interconnected, therefore, treating the whole person is vital for deep healing to occur.
Our chakras are energetic reservoirs connected by a vast network of nadis (energy channels).
You can think of your energy system as streams of water flowing along. When this flow becomes restricted, stagnated or blocked, it can affect our cells, tissues and organs. This is because sub-atomic particles are primarily comprised of energy, which make up atoms, which join to form molecules, which form our cells, tissues and organs.
Most of the blockages in our energy system are emotional in nature, accumulating over the course of our life. Environmental toxins including (but not limited to) alcohol, smoking and excess sugar, play a role in the restriction of energy flow. This is why the fundamental purpose behind nutrition and lifestyle interventions is to enhance or support the re-establishment of healthy life force energy. Clinical psychologist Doris E. Cohen Ph.D., explains that the child within us can take over our nervous system as adults, re-creating the unhealed fears we were unable to work through as children. The unconscious intention of this is to heal our emotional wounding from the past. In addition, neuroscience shows us that ‘the body keeps the score’. Traumatic stress can have a profound impact on both the brain and the body.
Reiki & Seichem, the modalities that I practice, induce a state of relaxation by activating the parasympathetic nervous system. With Reiki, this has been measured as a lowered heart rate, lowered blood pressure and increased heart rate variability. Entering a parasympathetic state reduces stress, therefore reduces cortisol production, and as a result can improve immune function and reduce inflammation. Inflammation underpins the plethora of chronic diseases present in our world today, including but not limited to cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and depression. This reflects the profound stress levels of our modern world, from both psychological and environmental stressors.
“Future Medicine will be the Medicine of Frequencies”
Notes & References 1. Northup C. Women’s Bodies, Women’s Wisdom: Creating Physical and Emotional Health and Healing. 5th ed. New York: Bantam Books; 20202. Joseph S. Ṛtu Vidyā: Ancient Science behind Menstrual Practices. Chennai: Notion Press; 2020 3. Dispenza J. Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself: How to Lose Your Mind and Create a New One. London: Hay House; 20124. Clinton C. 2024. What is Quantum Biology? [Instagram]. November 2022. 5. Van der Kolk B. The Body Keeps the Score: brain, mind and body in the healing of trauma. UK: Penguin Books; 20156. Baldwin AL, Schwartz GE. Personal interaction with a Reiki practitioner decreases noise-induced microvascular damage in an animal model. Journal of alternative and complementary medicine. 2006, 12(1):15-22. 7. Salles LF, Vannucci L, Salles A, Silva MJP. The effect of Reiki on blood hypertension. Acta Paulista de Enfermagem. 2014, 27(5):479-84. 8. Díaz-Rodríguez L et al. Immediate effects of reiki on heart rate variability, cortisol levels, and body temperature in health care professionals with burnout. Biological research for nursing. 2011, 13(4):376-82. 9. Furman D et al. Chronic inflammation in the eitology of disease across the lifespan. Nature Medicine. 2019, 25(12):1822-1832. 10. McManus D. Reiki is better than placebo and has broad potential as a complementary therapy. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2017, 22(4): 1051–105711. Trivedi D et al. The Improvement of Cognitive-Motor Function Scores Using the NIH-Toolbox in Adults Subjects After Biofield Energy Therapy: A Randomized Controlled Double-blind Trial. Alternative therapies in healthcare and medicine. 2024, 30(9):28-35. 12. Çalışkan MA, Cerit B. Effect of therapeutic touch on sleep quality and anxiety in individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A randomized controlled trial. Complementary therapies in clinical practice. 2021, 45:101481.13. Bayülgen MY. The Effect of Reiki on Fatigue Symptoms of Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review. Holistic nursing practice. July 2024, online ahead of print. 14. Yeşil FH, Lafcı Bakar D. Effect of reiki application on menopausal symptoms. Explore (New York). 2024, 20(5):102993. I would also like to acknowledge all my teachers and healers over the years, without whom this understanding, wisdom and knowledge would not be possible.