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What is energy medicine?
Energy medicine is an umbrella term for healing modalities that focus on flow of the intangible life force energy within and around all living beings. In 1992, the National Institutes of Health coined the term biofield for this massless field that extends several feet beyond our physical body.
Energy medicine operates on the premise that disruption in the energy field causes stagnation that can lead to dis-ease. Restoring optimal flow empowers self-healing. Examples of energy medicine include reiki, qigong, acupuncture, Therapeutic Touch, and Healing Touch (the form I am trained in).
What is Healing Touch?
Healing Touch (HT) is an energy medicine program developed in 1980 by a Navy nurse, Janet Mentgen. HT is taught in nursing schools and endorsed by the American Holistic Nurses Association.
The word touch can be misleading as touch is not required to clear blockages in the client's field. This video produced by the Veteran's Administration shows how HT is used to support veterans.
How is Healing Touch different from Reiki?
Since I'm not trained in Reiki, I have to rely on what has been explained to me. I understand that there are similarities between the specific techniques. Reiki training is handed down from master to student according to various lineages. Developed by a nurse and taught in nursing schools, Healing Touch training is highly structured to ensure that the content is consistent across all certified instructors.
Where's the evidence?
Energy medicine may sound woo-woo to anyone who has not experienced an energy medicine session first-hand. The scarcity of validation stems from a lack of funding. It's expensive to conduct scientific research and financial investment is more forthcoming for research that will result in a marketable product.
That said, the Consciousness and Healing Initiative (CHI) maintains a database of peer-reviewed studies. Here are some examples:
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A 2017 pilot study with over 100 dialysis patients found that Healing Touch (HT) reduced fatigue (46%), pain (68%), stress and anxiety (49%), and depression (84%).
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A 2012 randomized controlled trial involving 123 active duty military, concluded that HT along with guided imagery, was more effective in relieving symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) than standard treatments (cognitive behavior therapy, biofeedback therapy, and relaxation training, as well as in many cases, medication).
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A 2008 clinical trial of 237 patients undergoing cardiac bypass surgery found that HT reduced anxiety and the length of hospital stay.
How can you be sure energy medicine isn't just the placebo effect?
Great question! The placebo effect is definitely a consideration in any medical research study. As I am experienced in Healing Touch with Animals, I have witnessed first-hand the effects of HT techniques on dogs and cats.
In the lab, energy medicine has been shown to effect the growth of cancer cells in mice and in petri dishes, which could not be subject to the placebo effect.
What is Energy Psychology?
Since the 1980's mental health professionals have been integrating energy medicine techniques in their clinical practices. In particular, there are decades of research demonstrating the efficacy of Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) in addressing the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and food cravings.
The Science Behind Tapping by Peta Stapleton Ph.D. is a great resource if you want to learn more.
What is Lifestyle Medicine?
Lifestyle medicine is an evidence-based approach to addressing chronic non-communicable diseases (such as heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, obesity, Alzheimer's, and cancer) through behavior changes. According to the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, lifestyle medicine encompasses six pillars: a whole-food plant-based diet, stress management, exercise, restorative sleep, social connection, and avoidance of toxic substances like nicotine and alcohol.
What services do you offer?
I provide wellness support for people and their pets. The specific services, duration, and cost depends on your needs. The first step is to schedule a Discovery Call. Then, I will develop a proposal that aligns with your desired outcomes. Visit my Wellness Services page to learn more.
Why do you charge for a Discovery Call?
As a Behavior Change Specialist, I appreciate how challenging health improvement changes may be. Before embarking on a wellness initiative, it is critical to assess one's readiness for change. A coach can offer support, guidance, and serve as an accountability partner, but you alone own your results. An upfront investment demonstrates to both of us that you are ready to do the work.
If you decide to move forward with a personalized support program, you will receive a credit for the cost of the Discovery call.
Are you available to speak to my group?
Absolutely! I love introducing audiences to the power of self-healing. Past engagements include St. Mary's hospital, the Federal Reserve, Illuminate Richmond, and at libraries. I will be presenting at the annual conference of the Healing Touch Professional Association in November.