Health & Healing

Pranic healing (PH) is a type of energy healing classified as “non-touch healing” that manipulates subtle life-energy, or “prana,” in order to benefit physical health (Tsuchiya, Motoyama, 2009). The term “prana” is a Sanskrit word meaning a usually invisible yet vital energy that permeates all living things (Tsuchiya, Motoyama, 2009). Synonymous with “qi” from Traditional Chinese Medicine, the word is derived from “pra” and “an” which mean “forth” and “ to breathe,” respectively (Landsdowne, 1986).

Vortex Healing (VH) can be described as a healing art and an awakening path that transcends the domain of ego through an integrative process (“Vortex Healing,” 2014). In VH, the term vortex refers to an energetic structure that functions as an interface between the physical world and a divine realm that contains pure healing energy.

Thought Field Therapy (TFT) is a form of self-administered psychotherapy that uses a combination of physical stimulation–usually a specifically ordered range of tapping movements– of acupuncture points in conjunction with a focused attunement to specific psychological symptoms and/or psychological trauma (i.e. traumatic memories) (Connolly, Sakai, & Oas, 2010). As a whole, TFT involves an integration of methods drawing on psychology, acupuncture and applied kinesiology (Schoninger, 2004).

The Tapas Acupressure Technique (TAT), developed by acupuncturist Tapas Fleming in the late 20th century, is almost always self-administered and involves applying pressure to various points on one’s body while directing one’s thoughts to past physical, emotional, or ancestral traumas that require healing (Elder et al., 2012; Honda et al., 2012).

Spiritual and psychic healing can be defined as purposeful intervention by one or more people to help another living being/organism/system improve their condition in a direct way (Jonas & Crawford, 2003). Spiritual healing can also be understood as the personal experience of transcending suffering (Egnew, 2005; Yawar, 2001).

Shamanic healing is a group of techniques utilized by practitioners who access the help of spirits to heal members of their group (Krippner, 2000) and is less ‘direct’ than spiritual or psychic healing, despite homogenous aims or outcomes.

Since its development as a therapy in Australia over 40,000 years ago, sound healing has been used in nearly every culture to aid in the treatment of both mental and physical illnesses and injuries, as well as to assist individuals in the dying process (Gaynor, 1999; Halstead & Roscoe, 2002). Though originally performed using only the yidaki, or didgeridoo, sound healing now involves a wide array of instruments (e.g., tuning forks, crystal bowls, drums, ultrasonic devices) as well as human and animal vocalizations.

Reflexology consists of applying pressure to different areas of the feet, hands and ears to relieve pain and stress in the body (Kannathal, et. al. 2004). Although methods overlap with massage, reflexology focuses on stimulating precise nerve endings that correlate with internal organs, glands and muscles (Lakasing, 2010; Kannathal, et. al. 2004).

Reconnective Healing (RH) was established by Dr. Eric Pearl, a chiropractor, in 1993. According to Dr. Pearl, he had an ability to connect with energy and work with it to heal people (Pearl, 2002). His technique involved aligning the energetic field of a patient without any physical contact. RH practitioners claim that the technique physically heals the patient in addition to balancing emotional and mental states (Pearl, 2002).

Quantum Touch (QT) is a method of hands-on healing, initially developed in the late 1970s, purported to stimulate the body’s capacity to heal itself. Practitioners claim that through the use of light touching, breathing techniques, and body awareness meditations they are able to influence the “life-force” (sometimes called qi) of the body, which facilitates self-healing in patients (Walton, 2011).