Energy healing is a family of practices based on the belief that a subtle life force flows through the body and that balancing it supports wellbeing. This guide covers the main types, the history, the mystical and channeled roots, what research says, and simple practices to try at home.
Key Takeaways
In This Guide
- What Is Energy Healing?
- Types of Energy Healing
- A Brief History of the Idea
- Mystical and Channeled Roots
- What the Research Says
- Simple Energy Practices You Can Do at Home
- How to Choose a Practitioner
- Safety Notes
- Learn More on Next Level Soul
- Books on Energy Healing
- Watch and Listen on Next Level Soul TV
- Where to Go Next
- Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Energy Healing?
Energy healing is a family of practices based on the belief that a subtle life force flows through and around the body, and that balancing it supports health. Practitioners work with light touch, hands held just above the body, breath, sound or intention. The life force goes by many names: prana in India, qi (chi) in China, ki in Japan. Science has not detected this energy, and energy healing is not a substitute for medical care. Many people use it for relaxation and a sense of wellbeing.
Types of Energy Healing
| Practice | Origin | What Happens |
|---|---|---|
| Reiki | Japan; Mikao Usui, 1922 | Practitioner places hands lightly on or above the body |
| Qigong | China; thousands of years | Slow movement, breath and focus to guide qi |
| Pranic healing | Choa Kok Sui, 1980s | Scanning and “cleansing” the energy body |
| Healing Touch | Janet Mentgen, 1980s | Nurse-developed hands-on and hands-off sequences |
| Therapeutic Touch | Dolores Krieger and Dora Kunz, 1970s | Hands moved over the “energy field” |
| Chakra balancing | Yogic and Theosophical roots | Working with the seven energy centers |
| Sound healing | Many traditions | Singing bowls, gongs and chanting |
| Polarity therapy | Randolph Stone, 1950s | Touch and movement to balance flows |
A Brief History of the Idea
| When | Who | Idea |
|---|---|---|
| Ancient China | Huangdi Neijing (Yellow Emperor’s Classic) | Health depends on the free flow of qi |
| Ancient India | Upanishads and yoga texts | Prana animates the body |
| 1770s | Franz Mesmer | “Animal magnetism” as a healing fluid |
| 1840s | Karl von Reichenbach | The “od” force |
| 1922 | Mikao Usui | Founds Reiki on Mount Kurama in Japan |
| 1970s | Dolores Krieger | Therapeutic Touch taught to nurses |
| 1987 | Barbara Brennan | Hands of Light introduces the “human energy field” |
Modern energy healing blends Eastern ideas with Western esotericism. It is helpful to see both strands.
Mystical and Channeled Roots
| Source | Teaching |
|---|---|
| Jesus’s healing ministry | Gospel accounts of healing by touch and word inspire Christian healing traditions |
| Edgar Cayce readings | Hundreds of trance readings gave health advice and spoke of the body’s energies |
| Theosophy and Alice Bailey | Teach that subtle bodies and energy centers shape health |
| Paramahansa Yogananda | Taught that prana can be recharged through meditation and exercises |
| Seth (Jane Roberts) | Teaches that beliefs and consciousness shape health |
| Rudolf Steiner | Developed anthroposophic medicine from his spiritual research |
Hear a related perspective in our NLS Mastery course with Julie Ryan, and read our guide to the chakras.
What the Research Says
The evidence is limited. The U.S. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health says studies of Reiki have been small and of mixed quality, and that research on whether it helps conditions such as pain or anxiety is inconclusive. In 1998, nine-year-old Emily Rosa published a simple test in the Journal of the American Medical Association: 21 Therapeutic Touch practitioners tried to sense her hand through a screen, and they did no better than chance. Researchers also note that relaxation, caring touch and positive expectation can truly help people feel better, even if no energy field is involved.
The takeaway is balanced: these practices can be soothing, they have not been shown to heal disease, and the best use is alongside medical care.
Simple Energy Practices You Can Do at Home
- Rub your palms together for 20 seconds, then hold them a few inches apart and notice any warmth or tingling.
- Breathe slowly for two minutes, lengthening the exhale.
- Place a hand on your heart and one on your belly, and rest for three minutes.
- Shake out your body for one minute to release tension.
- Spend time in nature, barefoot if possible.
- Sit in silence for five minutes. See our meditation guide.
How to Choose a Practitioner
- Ask about training, lineage and experience.
- Be wary of anyone who claims to cure serious illness.
- Never stop medical treatment because of energy work.
- Agree on price and session length in advance.
- Trust your comfort: you can stop at any time.
Safety Notes
Gentle energy practices are generally low risk, but they are not a replacement for diagnosis or treatment. See a doctor for symptoms that are new, severe or persistent. If you are in emotional crisis, contact a mental health professional. In the U.S., call or text 988.
Learn More on Next Level Soul
- NLS Mastery: Julie Ryan, Beyond the Veil with Julie Ryan. A deeper course on connecting beyond the veil. View the course
- What Are Chakras?. The seven energy centers. Read the guide
- Crystals for Healing. Stones and intention. Read the guide
- Aura Colors. The field around the body. Read the guide
Books on Energy Healing
- Hands of Light by Barbara Brennan. A bestselling guide to the human energy field.
- The Reiki Sourcebook by Bronwen and Frans Stiene. A detailed look at Reiki.
- Energy Medicine by Donna Eden. Practical daily routines.
- Anatomy of the Spirit by Caroline Myss. Chakras and health.
- The Healing Power of Reiki by Raven Keyes. A beginner guide.
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Watch and Listen on Next Level Soul TV
These titles from the Next Level Soul TV catalog go deeper into this topic.
- The Alchemy of Healing. Audio course.
- Unlocking The Secrets of Energy Healing & More with Oliver Niño. Episode.
- The Ancient Path to Healing Your Body with Alberto Villoldo. Episode.
- Quantum Energy Healing Technique with Bradley Nelson. Episode.
- Energy Healing to Awaken Intuition with Sydney Campos. Episode.
- The Mystical Power of the Breath with Wim Hof. Episode.
- The Science of Psychic Healing. Audiobook on NLS TV.
- Chakra Cleansing Meditations. Guided meditations on NLS TV.
- Astral Therapy & Deep Soul Healing with Mariko Frederick. Episode.
Where to Go Next
- The seven chakras
- Crystals for healing
- Aura colors
- Kundalini energy
- How to meditate
- Go deeper with Next Level Soul Mastery, our collection of in-depth courses.
Go Deeper: Watch HEAL
Watch HEAL on Next Level Soul TV Not Ready Yet? Read Our HEAL Review
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Energy Healing?
A family of practices based on the belief that a subtle life force flows through the body and that balancing it supports wellbeing. Examples include Reiki, qigong and Healing Touch.
Does Energy Healing Work?
Evidence is limited. Studies show relaxation benefits for some people, but no proof that it heals disease. Use it alongside medical care.
What Is Reiki?
A Japanese practice founded by Mikao Usui in 1922, in which a practitioner places hands lightly on or above the body to promote relaxation and balance.
What Is the Difference Between Reiki and Qigong?
Reiki is usually done by a practitioner to a client. Qigong is a self-practice of movement, breath and focus.
What Did the Emily Rosa Study Show?
In 1998, 21 Therapeutic Touch practitioners could not detect a hidden hand better than chance, which challenged the claim that they could sense an energy field.
Is Energy Healing Safe?
Gentle practices are low risk, but do not delay medical care. See a doctor for new or serious symptoms.
What Is Prana?
The Sanskrit word for life force or vital breath in Indian philosophy. In China it corresponds to qi.
How Do I Start Energy Healing at Home?
Try slow breathing, palm rubbing, mindful rest and meditation. See our meditation guide.
