The concept of energy healing has been around for thousands of years and has roots in various ancient healing traditions from different cultures around the world. Such as in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM): Practices such as acupuncture, acupressure, and Qigong have been used in China for thousands of years to balance the flow of energy (known as Qi or Chi) in the body and promote health and healing.
You may have also heard about the practice of Ayurveda: Originating in ancient India, Ayurveda is a holistic healing system that incorporates various energy-based practices such as yoga, meditation, and pranayama (breath control) to balance the body's energy (known as prana) and promote well-being. If you've ever tried this way of life you may have noticed some significant improvements in your overall health.
Also Native American Healing Practices: Many indigenous cultures in North and South America, and among native peoples from most lands across the world have traditional healing practices that involve working with energy, such as sweat lodge ceremonies, smudging, and the use of healing herbs and plants.
There are so many types of energy-healing modalities and while the terminology and specific practices may vary, the underlying ideas of energy healing— imbalances or disruptions in the body's energy field can impact health and well-being—is a common thread throughout these ancient healing traditions. In recent years, energy healing has gained increased attention and acceptance in mainstream society as more research is conducted on its efficacy and as people seek alternative approaches to health and wellness. Adding energy healing to your life and any medical issues you may encounter is a great supportive approach to any situation you might face. Much like therapy it can be used in addition to any life situation and have positive outcomes and results from each session.
Several studies indicate that energy healing practices like meditation, Reiki, and other touch therapies can reduce cortisol levels, which helps alleviate stress and promotes overall well-being. Research from UC Davis, for instance, demonstrated that mindfulness meditation positively affects cortisol by lowering it through increased present-moment awareness. This reduction in cortisol is linked to both decreased stress and improved focus, as shown in the Shamatha Project, a long-term study of meditation's physiological effects【UC Davis】.
Reiki and similar energy healing methods have also been shown to create a relaxing effect on the body, supporting emotional balance and potentially aiding in pain reduction, sleep quality, and immune support. Studies published in *Global Advances in Health and Medicine* reveal that energy therapies like acupressure and Reiki contribute to relaxation and lower stress by encouraging balance in the body’s energetic fields, which may influence cortisol levels indirectly through stress reduction【Mary Ann Libert, Inc. Publishers】.
These findings suggest that energy healing, when used alongside traditional care, could provide valuable mental and physical health benefits, particularly through stress and cortisol management, making it a useful complementary practice for overall wellness.
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