This article is about subtle energy healing. What it is, and how it works. The first thing to understand is that all living things have energy. That energy is the essence of life. It is known by many names - chi, Qi, prana, orenda, life force, electro-magnetic or bio-electric energy, life essence, and many other names. Perhaps you have heard of the chakras or of the energy meridians that are so much a part of Eastern Medical knowledge.

This Universal life force energy has been recognized and used for healing by almost all cultures across the globe throughout history. Some people can see this energy. Scientists now have ways of measuring it. All of us, every person reading this article, experience this energy every day. Subtle energy healers work with this life force to help individuals restore healing and balance to their whole being.

At first, the idea of healing with energy may seem strange to a Western mind. Many of us have been taught that all that exists is what we can perceive with our five physical senses. Fortunately, science has proven how very wrong that old limiting belief is. We now know and can prove that there is much, much more to life beyond what our physical senses can perceive.

Did you ever walk into a room where there had been an argument? Even though you were not a witness to the harsh words, you could probably still feel the tension in the air. Now, stop for a moment, and picture this: Think about walking into an empty room after there has been a party or celebration. Chances are, you could still feel the happiness in that room. I use these simple examples to illustrate two points:

First, though often unseen and subtle, energy can have a powerful and lingering effect on our bodies, our emotions and our stress levels;

and secondly, you are probably much more able to perceive the subtle effects of energy than you may have realized.

A subtle energy healer is someone who has studied and trained to work with the unseen energy that animates all life. There are many different types of subtle energy work. You may have heard of Healing Touch, Therapeutic Touch, Light Touch, High Touch, Qi Gong, Reiki or the laying on of hands. These are a few of the many different methods of working with that same life force energy to help a person self-heal.

There are many metaphors that can help our minds to understand the power and flow of energy. Electricity, radio waves, and microwaves are all simple examples of energy systems which surround us every day and are very powerful, but which we often ignore because they are "invisible," Whether you can see it or not, the human energy system is no less powerful. We all know examples of people who "should have" died, but lived against all odds because their life force was strong. Conversely, I'm certain everyone reading this could give an example of someone who died for no real apparent reason other than they gave up their will to live, their life force.

This is a metaphor I use to help my clients understand how subtle energy healing works: Lets say that your car won't start on a cold winter morning. So you call AAA, and they come out with the giant battery. In energy work, the Universal Life force is the giant battery on the AAA truck, and the practitioner acts as the jumper cables. The client is like the car with the dead battery. It is up to the client to decide if they will "hook up" to the Source, and how much energy they will receive. The practitioner merely acts as a conduit.

Because this is a naturally occurring energy, it cannot harm anyone. There is no danger of overdose or bad reaction. The client merely receives what they are comfortable absorbing. The experience is extremely relaxing and nurturing on all levels, physically, mentally and emotionally. The practitioner may begin the work in the energy field outside of the body. When the body is touched, the touch is light and gentle and soothing. Work is done in the energy field, not the muscles. There is no need to disrobe. The client may either sit or lay comfortably on a healing table or bed and just relax as the subtle energy healer works to gently smooth out any disruptions in the field.

Disturbances in the body appear as disruptions in the energy field. The subtle energy healer works to clear blockages, heal rips and tears, and restore normal healthy flow and balance to the individual's energy field. This healthy flow of energy can then be used by the recipient to aid in restoring health and balance to the body and peace to the mind. The goal in energy healing is to restore harmony and vitality to an individual's personal energy system to help that person self-heal.

Subtle energy work is used in all areas of health care. Many hospitals and medical centers now employ Healing Touch or Therapeutic Touch techniques in their medical and surgical care units. Energetic healing has also proven effective in pediatric, psychiatric, geriatric and hospice care. Reiki has been used extensively in medical care in Japan, and is becoming increasingly popular in this country in relieving both pain and anxiety in dental procedures.

Studies have shown subtle energy work has achieved positive results in:

Acceleration of wound healing;

Relief of pain, anxiety and stress,

Easing of chronic conditions,

Increasing relaxation and calm,

Increasing vitality and well-being,

Improving immune system function

Preparation for medical and dental procedures including childbirth,

and in speeding recovery after illness, injury or surgery.

However, an individual does not need to be injured or ill to experience the benefits of subtle energy healing. A Healing Touch or Reiki session can simply be a wonderful way to relax and nurture yourself. The benefits of subtle energy work can be appreciated by any one of any age or health condition.

Eileen Lighthawk, RC, CHT, RMT ‘97