What is energy healing, actually?

The term itself is a bit misleading. In this sense, energy doesn’t refer to physical energy like electricity or heat but instead to subtle energy, which is experienced subjectively. Life force, vitality, strong emotions, deep insights are all examples of subtle energy at work in a way that most us experience regularly. Energy healing works to help overcome issues related to how this energy flows (or doesn’t flow) in the body-mind, with the broad goals of improving health, restoring balance, and releasing reactive patterns, psychological blocks, and other types of holding that create problems both in the body and in the psyche.

An energy healer accomplishes this using intention, attention, and, well, magic. Simply put, the intention to sense and direct subtle energy in another person for the purpose of healing and growth leads has a noticeable — and sometimes remarkable — positive effect. While it takes considerable time, practice, and development to do this effectively, the basic principle is direct and simple

Isn’t that kinda crazy?

It can certainly feel that way sometimes, especially to someone with a scientific background. There’s a skeptical part of me that still shows up from time to time and wonders if this isn’t all some kind of delusion. But I’ve come to really value that part, because it’s forced me to hold this work to more rigorous standards. I really needed to be convinced. And it took time, but my experiences have been just that: convincing. Again and again, I’ve seen remarkable effects in both myself and those I’ve worked with, both as a healer and as a receiver. These results have replicated across people of all ages, nationalities, both in person and at a distance.

Wait, energy healing works over long distance?

Shockingly, yes, and without much reduction of efficacy (though there are more things I am able do in person, and generally the work goes faster). This aspect of the energy work still amazes me, having worked with people on the opposite side of the planet to great effect. Whether directed subtle energy is able to “travel” at speeds similar to light or radio waves, or some much weirder kind of entanglement is happening, I can’t say. But it works, in some cases even better than in person (mostly when this happens it’s because the receiver is more comfortable in their home environment). I use video calls to conduct remote sessions, but this is more to support sensing and connecting to the other person rather than to actually facilitate the energy work.

What types of energy work do you practice?

My primary modality is VortexHealing®, in which I’ve completed the highest level of training. It’s provides a comprehensive method for working with the subtle energy system, facilitating deeper releases both in the psyche and in physical body than any other modality I’ve worked with. And as both a healing and awakening practice, it’s an ideal complement to other spiritual paths and therapeutic modalities.

How does energy healing compare to other types of inner work?

You could think of energy work as something halfway between traditional talk therapy and traditional meditation practice. In therapy, one works with the macro-level patterns of reactivity and behavior to bring about insight and healing; whereas in meditation, one develops one’s attention in order to work on the micro level of perception, sensate experience and awareness to bring about insight and healing. Energy healing occupies the therapeutic space between these two, working from the inside out. You don’t have to have a meditation practice or be in therapy to get benefits from energy healing, but it can form a powerful synergy with those modalities if you do.

Is there a scientific basis for energy healing?

Not really. Energy work is woo-woo. It’s straight up magic. And it’s best to be clear about that, rather than offer various pseudoscientific models about what is actually happening on a physical level. And while I would love to participate in research that helped understand what’s going on with energy work and measure its effects and outcomes, studies are few and far between. So until we have better data, two helpful questions to consider instead are: Does it really work? And: Do I need to believe in it for it to work?

So does it really work?

Yes. The evidence is anecdotal and entirely subjective, but there are many, many remarkable reports of healing and transformation. You can think of energy work as a type of meditation, or as a type of therapy, and it really works in a similar sense that those modalities really work. The results can be measured, but the specific mechanisms of action are difficult to quantify. And just like meditation or therapy, the felt effects can be subtle, but the results in one’s life, especially over time, should be convincing. But ultimately, this is a question everyone must answer for themselves.

Do I need to believe in it in order for it to work?

No, energy healing works irrespective of one’s beliefs about it. All that is required on the part of the receiver is simply presence and an open mind. All of your skepticism, doubt, and rigorous standards of evidence are welcome to come along for the ride; mine certainly did. In the end, the effectiveness of the work speaks for itself.

Can you diagnose and treat or cure illnesses?

No, and energy healing is not a replacement for conventional medical treatment and therapy. While physical conditions like illness and disease are often the subject of energy work, it is done so strictly in a supportive capacity, complementary to conventional medical treatment.

® “VortexHealing” is a registered service mark of Ric Weinman. All rights reserved. Used here with permission. For more information on VortexHealing visit www.vortexhealing.org.