What is energy medicine?

Energy medicine is an exciting new field of medicine and psychology. Mounting scientific research suggests that skillfully managing the body’s energy systems can restore balance and harmony. This is accomplished by utilizing techniques from healing traditions such as acupuncture, yoga and kinesiology. These techniques have proven effective in promoting stress reduction, increasing wellness and augmenting peak performance. Energy medicine can be used as either a complement to traditional health care or as a complete system of self care.

What is energy psychology?

Energy psychology is a unique method of activating the body’s energy system. It is based on the ancient Chinese art of acupuncture. Instead of needles, fingers are used to stimulate specific meridian points while thinking about a painful issue or memory. The underlying premise is that blocked or imbalanced energy in the meridian pathway can manifest as a physical, mental, emotional or spiritual symptom. The symptom can be ameliorated by assessing and correcting the energy blockage.

What is the human energy matrix?

The human energy matrix is the vibrational structure of the human physiology. It includes three major systems, the energy field, energy centers and energy pathways. The energy field also known as the biofield or aura, occupies the space around all living things. The energy pathways which are acupressure and acupuncture points called meridians distribute vital energy flow throughout the human anatomy. Lastly, the energy centers, commonly called the chakras are found in specific locations throughout the body and act like energy data bases, informing and changing the frequency of energy to assist psychological as well as physiological functioning. These systems can be strengthened and balanced individually or collectively to activate the body’s natural healing potential.

How does the energy model fit into a model of health and wholeness?

As human beings, we are multidimensional. Yet traditional Western medicine, which has dictated health practices, has remained focused on more concrete dimensions like the physical body as seen through biology and physiology. While this approach has been invaluable, it is incomplete without consideration of the mind (thoughts and emotions), society (interpersonal relationships), spiritual beliefs and energy.

The last two decades have produced significant mind-body research demonstrating how thoughts, emotions, relationships and spiritual practices can impact the human physiology and affect health and healing. This research has produced treatment approaches that include guided imagery, hypnosis, biofeedback, meditation and prayer.

The next wave in health and healing incorporates another ingredient, energy. Invisible by Western medicine methods, yet an integral part of other world traditions, this model involves creating the flow of vitality in and around the human physiology. This vital force energy is also known as chi (Chinese), ki (Japanese) and prana (yoga). Working with this energy often requires the manipulation of the vital force via use of light touch or non-contact of hands like Therapeutic Touch or Reiki, stimulation of energy meridians and, or balancing other components of the human energy matrix.