Introduction to Energywork

If you are interested in general information about energywork, styles of treatment and reasons for seeing an energyworker, the following information may be helpful.

Why should I see an Energyworker?

The arts of healing and energy work encompass a broad range of techniques from those based on ancient practices to those derived from modern research. A variety of techniques are also influenced by a particular faith or understanding.
While research is stronger for some areas of energywork and healing as it is for others, what we do know is that energy exists and the power and intent of the mind can be used to heal. People may see an energyworker because they are affilitated with a particular faith, they prefer the chosen technique over other treatments, a/or nothing else has worked.
Many people may use energy work in conjunction with other forms of Complementary and Alternative Medicine such as acupuncture, bodywork and herbal medicine.

What styles of Healing and Energywork are practiced?

This category of Complementary and Alternative Medicine practitioners encompasses a broad range of practices. Below we have highlighted some of the more common forms of healing and energy work that are available.

• Qi Gong:
  Qi Gong is a broad term used to describe any number of forms of energy healing based on the theories behind Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Within these techniques the practitioner uses his/her intent and energy to stimulate acupuncture points, move energy through the meridians of the body and ultimately to heal disease. This form of healing is popular in China and is gaining acceptance and use around the world.
• Reiki:
  Reiki is one of the more popular and widely-known forms of energy medicine. There has been research conducted on its effectiveness and you will find it in hospitals and offered by practitioners around the world. It is based on the Chinese concept of Qi (energy) but it differs from Qi Gong in that it is not as focused on specific acupuncture points or meridians. Rather, Reiki is a more spiritually focused practice in that it places a trust in the energy and the body to know how to heal.
• Tong Ren Therapy:
  Tong Ren Therapy is a technique developed by Master Tom Tam, a prominent Boston area acupuncturist and healer. This form of energy healing is similar to Qi Gong with the addition of the use of the collective unconscious, as defined by Dr. Carl Jung, to heal disease. Tong Ren was originally developed to help people with Cancer, however, it has proven to be helpful in a broad range of conditions such as Multiple Sclerosis, ALS, Parkinson's, Rheumatoid Arthritis and more.
• Vibrational Medicine:
  Vibrational medicine is another broad category of energy healing. It is based on the idea that energy vibrates at particular speeds or wavelengths and imbalances exist when this energy is not operating at an efficient level. The practitioner may make use of crystals, sounds, colors, magnets or other devices to correct these energetic imbalances and restore health.
• Prayer:
  Prayer is quite simply the use of Prayer to heal disease. A person may pray for themselves, or have groups or more spiritually developed people pray for them. Recent research has indicated that a group may pray for specific individuals or even groups of people, with or without their knowledge, and influence their health. A good example of a spiritually developed healer who has had remarkable success is Father McDonough, a Boston area Catholic priest who is well known for his tremendous healing abilities.
• Healing:
  Healing is in many regards a catch all for any practitioner in the energy work field. We mention it here, however, because many people practice healing and advertise themselves specifically as healers. The act of healing may use any technique, from any distance, for any condition and is simply a testimony to the power of energy and the gifts which certain individuals may have developed.

What conditions can Energywork treat?

As healing and energywork comprise such a broad range of techniques, in essence, there is no condition that cannot be helped with energy. Generally, energywork is helpful for stress related conditions as well as psychological a/or spiritual imbalances. The techniques, however, are safe and non-invasive and can be used with benefit while obtaining other medical treatments for more serious conditions.

What will my first Energywork treatment be like?

This will depend greatly on the form of energywork your practitioner is using. Generally, energywork is an extremely relaxing and comforting experience. Most treatments will begin with a discussion of your current health issues and your goals for the treatment. You may then lay down on a massage table or futon or simply sit in a chair. For Qi Gong based styles you may feel sensations of energy moving within your body a/or warmth or tingling in the area of disease or in other parts of your body. Prayer and healing sessions may involve more consultation or may be as simple as a "laying on of hands."