It’s A Long And Winding Road

When we speak of energy healing, we are referring to the “life force” (also called vital force, Prana, Qi or Chi). Life force goes beyond an individual’s body or even that of all the Earth’s people. It extends through the universe and all that is (that we, as humans, may not be aware of). In essence, each one of is part of the “whole.” Many of the therapies we have spoken of in the Naturally Pain Free series easily overlap into different areas. For example, meditation is certainly a mind-body medicine, but it is also an energy healing therapy, as does yoga, tai chi and others. They work to connect with the life force. Each of the alternative therapies transcend into other areas of healing. They also work in tandem for a holistic health approach to health and healing.

Energy Therapies

Acupuncture is an ancient healing practice using long, thin needles to unblock the movement of the life force in the body. The body is made up of energetic pathways called meridians. Physical and/or emotional disease can unbalance or block the energy fields. Specific body locations (acu-points) along the 14 major meridians, when stimulated, can correct chi disruption.

Acupressure works on much the same principle of acupressure except the acu-points are stimulated by physical manipulation rather than needles. It can be performed on the self or on another person anyplace, anytime without the need of special tools or a certified acupuncturist.

Reiki also deals with the life force. The reiki practitioner places their hands at certain locations of the patient’s body in order to transfer healing reiki energy. The touch may be light or not touching at all. When a person learning reiki becomes attuned by her reiki teacher she is given special symbols to be used in her visualization during reiki treatments.

Chigong (Qigong or Chi Kung) means “energy cultivation” and is similar to tai chi, as mentioned in segment 1 of this series, in that it is a slow movement exercise. There are literally thousands of Chigong exercises, all with the same principles of using breath, mind, eyes, movement and spirit all focused on intention.

In part 5 of Naturally Pain Free we will discuss the use of physical manipulation for pain relief.