The Basics of Energy Healing

Energy Healing, or Energy Work, is a method of balancing the body, mind and soul on the level of subtle energy.

Everything is ultimately made of energy. No matter how solid something appears, it is composed of energy at it's most basic level. The best way to explain the concept of subtle energy is to compare it with a not-so-subtle energy, such as electricity. Like electricity, subtle energy is a current, and a source of power. There are many types of subtle energy, and they can be positive or negative. Subtle energy creates the "blueprint" of existence. It can be directed and controlled by the mind.

The type of energy used during most energy healing sessions has been called "Universal Energy" or "Life Force Energy." It's been called Chi, Reiki, Light, Pure Love. It is energy that comes straight from the Universal Source. This energy supports all life.

When the Life Force Energy is not in harmony with the body and the rest of it's systems, or when the mind, body, and energy systems are not in sync, there is poor health. Every element of human experience has an energetic component. These components are sometimes called "energy bodies." Every person has in addition to their physical body, a mental body, an emotional/astral body, and an etheric body. When one or more is out of order, the entire system feels the effect.

Experiment: Feeling the Energy

Subtle energy radiates from the hands and fingers, and it is fairly easy to feel the energy coming out of the fingers, stimulating the palm of the other hand.

To experience subtle energy, place your hands out in front of you, palms up. Ask that healing energy or Life Force energy come to your palms. Then, place your hands together in a prayer position. palms together, near the heart. Wait until you begin to feel a warmth, or pulse. Keep your left hand where it is, and then slowly turn the right hand so that the palm faces down. The tips of the fingers on your hand should face the palm of your left hand. Move your fingers up and down about a half inch away from your left palm.

You may feel a tingling, a pulse, or heat on your palm, coming from your fingers as you move them up and down. You may also try simply placing the palms very close together, yet not touching. If you slowly move your hands outward, you should feel energy begin to form between your palms. (For more on sensing energy, see my article on "Simple Exercises in Sensing Energy.")

What is the "Process" of Energy Healing?

The term "Energy Healing" is an umbrella term covering many forms of energy work that affect the subtle body. It often involves removing energy that is no longer useful, and replacing it with pure, healthy energy. It also involves "unblocking" energy that is stuck or stagnant, so that the energetic system of the body flows smoothly.

How the healer works with the energy depends on what "system" or "method" he or she is using. Often, energy work involves a combination of correction administered to the energy body as well as advice, guided meditations, affirmations, visualization, and/or counseling, depending on the qualifications of the healer. Some energy healers will also employ use of additional effects meant to soothe and guide the senses as well as the subtle energy, including aromatherapy, sound or vibrational therapy, and use of colors or candles.

For those interested in learning energy healing, a good way to start is with an attunement. An attunement is an initiation into healing energies, and teaches the student how to access and channel these energies. Attunements usually center around a certain framework, and channel certain "types" of energy (such as Reiki). Not all energy healing systems use attunements. Qi Gong, for example, simply uses the energy within the body and the environment.

Energy work does not necessarily involve a "spiritual" or "religious" component. Though many energy healers consider themselves to be spiritual individuals, it is not necessary to be "spiritual" to give or receive energy work, any more than it is necessary to be spiritual to offer massage or psychotherapy or any other form of therapy, as the principles in operation are independent of one's individual belief system.

And finally, I feel it's important to add that "anyone" can learn to heal with energy. We human beings are wired to do this; it is simply a matter of accessing our innate potential as energy workers. As a matter of fact, I would suggest that everyone on the planet makes use of subtle energy in one way or another every day.

So go ahead - if you feel the desire to do so, explore the path of energy and healing, if only as a gift to yourself! The world will open up wonders to you.