Over the past few decades, the use of alternative therapies in the West has increased exponentially due to their gentle and effective nature. Americans spend $34 billion a year, more than a tenth of their out-of-pocket health care dollars, on alternative medicine.
In Canada, many health insurance plans cover paramedical services, but even in the absence of insurance coverage, these complementary and alternative therapies enjoy favour among health-conscious Canadians.
One particular therapy that has seen increased demand in the past few years is energy healing, a gentle therapy with ancient roots. In an American study published in 2005, this non-invasive treatment was offered in more than 50 hospitals and clinics throughout the U.S. In Canada, the Toronto East General Hospital was the first hospital to have a policy and training program for Therapeutic Touch, a modern version of several ancient energy healing practices. Today, more and more hospitals are training their staff on energy therapies to promote self-healing among patients.
So, what exactly is Energy healing?
Energy healing modalities stem from ancient Eastern and Native traditions and include Reiki, Pranic healing, therapeutic touch, shamanic healing and healing touch, among others.
The therapies work on a person’s energy field, where the practitioner directs life force energy (called chi, ki or prana in Eastern traditions) placing their hands gently on or just above the recipient’s energy centers, often called chakras. These therapies are based on the concept that all living things are made of complex energy fields, and a smooth energy flow results in optimal health and functioning. Blockages in the energy centres create dis-ease, so balancing the flow of energy is needed to promote self-healing and wellness.
What does an energy healing treatment feel like?
A treatment usually feels like a velvety light radiating through and around you that brings about a state of deep relaxation. Sensations can range from soothing, cool tinglings to gentle, warm waves – though each client’s experience is unique and can vary at each session.
What are some benefits of energy healing?
At its most basic, energy healing therapies promote deep relaxation. Many recipients however have reported miraculous healings of acute and chronic mental, emotional and physical ailments. These include but are not limited to: depression, anxiety, PTSD, OCD, grief, PMS, fibromyalgia, cystitis, migraines, allergies, joint and muscle pain, diabetes, constipation, addiction recovery, insomnia, colds and flus, asthma, heart conditions, and even cancer.
Other reported benefits include:
How many treatments are needed to see results?
This depends completely on the reason for receiving energy healing, the type of modality you choose and your response to the treatment. One session can have deeply relaxing and beneficial effects while frequent sessions help with chronic or more serious conditions.
How much do energy healing sessions cost?
Most sessions reflect the going rates for other local paramedical services. So an hour long Reiki session for example will typically cost between $70 – $100 in Toronto.
How do I find an energy healer?
Doing a Google search on energy, Reiki or Pranic healers in your area will give you a list of local practitioners. Before you book a session, be sure to ask your practitioner where they were trained, what their credentials are, how long they have been practicing and if they practice out of their home or office. It’s also important to feel a connection with the healer you choose, as they will be working with you on a very deep level, so you want to ensure that you “like their vibe”, so to speak.
Important Note:
While energy healing can be a powerful complimentary treatment, it’s very important to remember that is does not replace medical treatment. Be sure to consult your doctor on any energy or other complimentary therapies you are working with.
After all, holistic health is about finding the balance between traditional and modern therapies to help you enjoy wellness in mind, body and spirit.
Originally posted in the Lioness Women’s Club on June 7, 2012
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