5 Methods for Energy Healing
The one thing that is undoubtedly universal amongst all of us is energy. It is the pervasive force that allows for life to exist and flourish, yet our Westernized minds are often reluctant to embrace it as something that should be considered in medicine. Meanwhile, it is the focus of many ancient Eastern health practices and remedies for the things that commonly ail us, and it can be used as a supplement to the prescribed medicine that we know to be tried and true. So what is energy healing, and how can you implement it into your life to benefit your health and wellbeing? These five different methods should give you a good idea.
How Does Energy Healing Work?
Depending on the method, energy healing focuses on the life force that flows through all of us; that force that dictates our mood, health, energy, and ability to connect with other beings. In Chinese and Japanese culture that force is referred to as ki or qi (pronounced: chi). In India, it is known as prana the energy that spins and flows through the chakras, an intangible force that cannot be comprehended in the materialist sense.
Although the perspective of western science and medicine often labels energy healing as pseudoscientific, the perception is starting to change as scientists and academics begin to understand the principles behind the techniques and benefits that have been known to eastern cultures for centuries. The learnings and breakthroughs in quantum physics have brought the understanding of the pervasiveness of energy to the forefront of western thought. Not only do our bodies consist of and run on energy in every aspect of their function, but there is an omnipresent field of energy throughout the universe that is now being studied via quantum field theory. This universal energy known to eastern cultures and the newly discovered quantum field are talking about the same thing, disagreeing simply over semantics.
Influencing this flow of energy by implementing physical and mental awareness and intention, can bring about profound and replicable results. Through meditation, physical touch, and exercise our energy bodies can be altered to provide higher states of health, consciousness and, you guessed it, energy. These energy healing techniques can help you find an approach that is right for you and lead you on a path to healing and sustained health, either as a primary or supplemental modality.
Qigong
One of the fundamental practices of energy healing and exercise based on the Chinese concept of qi, qigong is concerned with balancing the flow of energy throughout the body. Much like Tai Chi or yoga, qigong cultivates the life force through a series of body postures, breathing, and meditation. It is also used as a foundational practice for martial arts, as it develops balance, agility, and muscle strength.
Qigong practitioners aim to develop higher levels of awareness, reduced anxiety, and a clearer vision of one’s purpose in life. It is often used as an effective practice in sports medicine, particularly with the elderly, due to its slow and controlled movements that aim to develop stability and ease tension. It has even been endorsed by the Harvard School of Medicine for its therapeutic benefits.
Qigong works by opening up blocked meridians, or the routes through which qi flows, in order to allow for unimpeded movement of energy throughout the body. The philosophy of qigong posits that blocked energy is the cause of illness and disease. By opening up these passages, we can prevent ailments or reopen the flow of energy to begin the healing process when we are sick.
Chinese Meridians and Acupuncture
The meridians are a map of routes within our body, through which qi energy flows. These meridians correspond with the connections and routes of muscles, endocrine glands and the nervous system. There are over 600 points on the body that acupuncture targets with thin needles that are directly connected to major organs and bodily systems. These connections are made through the meridians and collaterals, the vessels associated with meridians.
Knowledge of these meridians and collaterals is thought of very highly in Chinese culture and is considered equally as important as a doctor’s knowledge of our anatomy. Acupuncture is thought to promote the release of certain adrenal hormones like ACTH and cortisol that can help with certain bodily pains and organ function. It is even thought to have the potential to cure or help with overcoming addictions.
Of all of the different types of Traditional Chinese Medicine, acupuncture has gained the most notoriety, specifically as a complimentary modality to modern medicine. It has been widely embraced by doctors and patients throughout the western world, and could be one of the keys to a broader acceptance of eastern alternative medicine. Though needles are involved, the process is virtually painless and often relaxing.
Acupuncture has been found to treat a number of mental ailments like depression, anxiety, and negative moods. It has also had a positive impact on deeper physical issues like digestive problems and chronic pain.
Reflexology
Reflexology finds its roots in the Chinese focus on balancing the flow of qi, but primarily targets the hands, ears, and feet. Different locations on our feet and hands are thought to have direct connections through the meridians to different organs and systems in our body that can be detoxed and positively influenced. Through a targeted and sometimes intense massage, reflexology frees up blocked energy through stimulation, muscle relaxation, and the encouragement of lymph flow.
Reflexology is said to cleanse the body of toxins, boost the immune system, balance energy, and increase circulation. After a reflexology foot massage, one might feel like they are walking on air or feel lighter in their stride. Though these immediately noticeable effects can be fleeting, the unseen, internal effects can provide a longer lasting benefit.
Chakra Healing
The Chakras are the ancient Indian conception of our body’s primary energy centers and are very similar in nature to the ancient Chinese conception. The word chakra translates literally to wheel and is thought to be one of seven spinning centers of energy found in our bodies. Our chakras, based on their location, are connected to key endocrine glands and areas of nervous system function throughout the body, much like the Chinese meridians.
The seven Chakras are located in alignment from the top of our head, to the base of our spine and, when functioning in synchronicity, allow for a steady flow of energy throughout the body. Much like the Chinese yin-yang balance of qi, the energy in our chakras must be properly balanced. It doesn’t make sense to have an overabundance of energy in one chakra and a deficiency in another. Chakras also have the ability to open and close, allowing for the outward and inward flow of energy. Our chakras tend to close when we experience negativity, sadness and anger. In order to open up chakras we use breathing techniques, meditation and intention to eliminate negativity and open up to the flow of positive energy.
The seven chakras are as follows:
- Muladhara or Root Chakra: Base of Spine (tailbone)
- Swadhisthana or Sacral Chakra: Two inches below the navel
- Manipuraka or Solar Plexus Chakra: Three inches above navel
- Anahata or Heart Chakra: Located at Heart
- Vishuddhi or Throat Chakra: Located at Throat
- Sahasrara or Third Eye: Center of Forehead/Middle of Eyebrows
- Brahmarandra or Crown Chakra: Top of Head
Reiki
This Japanese technique was developed in the early 20th century by Mikao Usui based on the five principles of Japan’s emperor, Meiji. They are:
- Don’t get angry
- Don’t worry
- Be grateful
- Work diligently
- Be kind to others
Reiki is also based on the idea of the flowing life force known in Japanese as ki. The practice was developed to help people realize the importance of making an intentional effort to heal and be conscious of their health. This concept of self-improvement and self-discipline, that is a characteristic of Japanese culture, encourages Reiki practitioners to incorporate energy healing into their lives, but to also take an active role in healing oneself.
Reiki is a spiritual practice with its root word, Rei, roughly translating to “God’s wisdom” or “a higher power’s wisdom,” though it is not religious. Rather, it is based on this recurrent concept of the unseen life force that flows between us that can be channeled and used for beneficial means. Reiki uses palm-healing or hands-on-healing to transfer, balance, and realign energy from the healer to the recipient. Some universities throughout the US have even begun to incorporate reiki classes into certain curricula.
There are many commonalities that can be seen between these different methods of energy healing and it makes sense that they are all so similar. Though these time-tested traditions varied semantically, they all understood the flow of energy throughout our bodies and its importance in our health and wellbeing. Which one of these methods have you had success with and which will you implement in your life?
About the Author
How to Protect Yourself from Psychic Attacks?
Psychic attacks may manifest in the dream world or through energetic impacts on the body in the waking world. They are mental intrusions, efforts from free-floating energies or specific people, to enter your psyche and make some kind of detrimental impact or extract information.
Try not to fear since 1) the greatest defense tool is the power of love and light; 2) negative energies thrive in the presence of negative thoughts or emotions. And 3) we will provide psychic protection using the principles of love and positivity. Some psychic attacks require embodied warrior energy, the assistance of professional healers and shamans, or both. Before getting into psychic self-defense, we need to explore and understand what psychic attacks are and how to identify them.
What is a Psychic Attack?
A psychic attack refers to a phenomenon in which negative or harmful energies, intentions, or influences are directed toward an individual’s energetic or psychic space. These attacks are often believed to be carried out by individuals who possess psychic or metaphysical abilities, intending to cause harm, discomfort, or disruption to the target’s well-being.
Signs of a Psychic Attack
The impact of a psychic attack on someone can be significant and varied, affecting them on multiple levels:
- Emotional distress: Psychic attacks can trigger intense and unexplained emotional turmoil, such as sudden mood swings, anxiety, fear, or depression. The victim may experience heightened emotional sensitivity and find it challenging to manage their feelings.
- Energy drain: Psychic attacks can lead to a sense of exhaustion and fatigue that isn’t easily explainable by physical reasons. This drain on energy can leave the victim feeling depleted and lacking vitality.
- Physical symptoms: Some people believe that psychic attacks can manifest as physical symptoms, such as headaches, body aches, and other discomforts that have no apparent medical cause.
- Disrupted thoughts: The victim might experience persistent negative thoughts, mental fog, or confusion. Their ability to focus, make decisions, or think clearly can be compromised.
- Sleep disturbances: Psychic attacks can also disrupt sleep patterns, leading to insomnia, nightmares, or a general sense of restlessness during sleep.
- Relationship strain: The negative energies from psychic attacks can impact personal relationships, causing misunderstandings, conflicts, and an overall sense of disconnect from loved ones.
- Spiritual imbalance: For those who are spiritually inclined, psychic attacks can disrupt their connection to their inner selves, higher consciousness, or spiritual practices. This can lead to feelings of spiritual emptiness or detachment.
- Blockages and obstacles: Psychic attacks may create barriers in the victim’s life, hindering their progress in various areas such as career, relationships, and personal growth.
It’s important to note that while belief in psychic attacks varies widely, the psychological and emotional impact experienced by individuals who feel they are under such attacks is real.
Types of Psychic Attacks
The concept of psychic attacks encompasses a variety of negative energetic or psychic influences that can impact an individual. While views about them vary across cultures and belief systems, here are some common types often discussed:
- Thought form projection: This type involves someone intentionally directing negative thoughts, emotions, or intentions toward a target. These projected energies can create a sense of discomfort or distress for the recipient.
- Energy vampirism: Energy vampires are believed to draw and drain the life force or vital energy of others. These individuals may have a chronic need for attention, validation, or energy, leaving the victim feeling depleted and drained.
- Curses and hexes: Curses are believed to be intentional acts where negative energies or intentions are invoked to cause harm to the recipient. Hexes are similar, with the intent of causing misfortune, bad luck, or suffering.
- Psychic cording: Psychic cords are energetic connections between individuals, often formed through emotional interactions. Negative cords can drain a person’s energy and make them feel controlled or manipulated by another person.
- Evil eye: The evil eye is a belief that someone can cast a negative gaze upon another person, inadvertently causing harm or misfortune. The recipient might experience bad luck, illness, or emotional distress as a result.
- Black magic or dark rituals: These involve the use of occult practices to harness and direct negative energies toward a specific individual. The intention is often to harm or control the victim.
- Telepathic attacks: These attacks involve sending harmful or negative thoughts directly into a person’s mind through telepathic means, causing psychological distress.
- Spirit attachment: Some believe that negative entities or spirits can attach themselves to an individual, leading to emotional, mental, and physical disturbances.
- Environmental energy influences: Certain places or environments are believed to carry negative energies that can affect individuals who spend time there. This can lead to feelings of discomfort, unease, and negativity.
- Dream manipulation: Psychic attacks can also occur in dreams, where negative entities or energies disrupt sleep, cause nightmares, or create feelings of fear and anxiety upon waking.
Regardless of one’s beliefs, addressing these forms of psychic attack typically requires practicing self-care, emotional resilience, and these simple yet effective practices.
5 Practices to Protect Yourself From Psychic Attacks
1. Clearing Ceremony
Use plant medicine, like sage and crystal allies, to clear negative energy and spirits from your environment and energetic field. There are many variations of these ceremonies: try buying white sage and sweet grass. Burn the white sage and brush the smoke around your whole body, then continue to fan the smoke around your house and, particularly around your bed, if you have night terrors.
While you sage yourself and your environment, concentrate on banishing negative or dark energy by holding light and love in your third eye. Next, repeat the process with sweet grass. As you bless yourself and your space with sweet grass, invite in positive energy, guiding spirits, and love and speak the following affirmation:
I release negative energies so that I may serve my higher purpose.
2. Cord Cutting and Earth Cording
Try the powerful practice of cord-cutting at night and Earth cording during the day. Before you go to bed, imagine a cord between yourself and any person or thing that comes to mind originating from your belly. Using a pair of imaginary scissors, cut the cord between yourself and any external energy that you envision.
You can envision this as a series of cords or perform the exercise cord-by-cord. In the morning, just after you awake, envision a cord connecting you from your belly to the center of the Earth. The cord is strong, flexible, omnipresent, and nurturing. Before bed, as you cut the cords, say this intention aloud:
I release energetic attachments so that I may serve my higher purpose.
Saltwater can also be used for a more powerful ceremony. Begin by gathering all the energetic cords from your chakras into one handful. Using the other hand, slice the air between your body and the handful and then dump them into the saltwater. Repeat again with the cords coming out of your back chakras.
