Energy healing | Spiritual practice or genuine science?
When you hear the phrase ‘energy healing’, I’d hazard a guess that you’re either ‘team woo’ or hiding in a corner. There’s a lot of chat that goes on around the idea of energy healing, and not all of it is beneficial. Because really, it’s simple. Energy healing is a holistic practice that helps us to heal. And what could be wrong with that?
Is energy healing a spiritual practice or a genuine science? The simple answer is that energy healing is BOTH a spiritual practice and a genuine science. Its proven benefits are rooted in science and bursting with spiritual reflection.
It isn’t a new concept or something that was birthed from the Instagram #wellness crew - it’s been around for thousands of years. In fact Reiki, the Japanese tradition of energy healing, dates way back to the early 20th century. As an Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) practitioner, I wanted to explore the delicate balance of EFT and how it fits perfectly between spirituality and science.
What is Emotional Freedom Technique?
EFT is an alternative treatment for both emotional and physical pain. You’ll also hear it referred to as tapping or psychological acupressure.
EFT works similarly to acupuncture; except instead of needles, we use our own fingers. Gary Craig, EFT’s Founder, developed tapping as a way to create balance in the energy system and treat pain. He believed that a ‘disruption in energy is the cause of all negative emotions and pain’.
And it isn’t just Gary who feels that way. There’s an abundance of research that shows that physical and emotional pain go hand in hand, and how the right emotions can actually create a pathway away from pain. EFT comes into play by harnessing those emotions and their energy straight into your own personal healing journey.
Sounds pretty sweet, right?
The science behind EFT.
The great news is that it doesn’t just sound great - it is great. And science agrees.
Do you remember back in your GCSE physics class when the teacher told you that everything around you was made up of molecules? The desk you were leaning on, the book you were writing in, the pen you were holding… All buzzing with a truck load of molecules.
That goes for humans, too. We’re vibrating with molecules and energy all the damn time. We have the opportunity to (literally) tap into that energy.
Eastern medicine has appreciated the role of EFT for a good 5,000 years. Now, research studies are finally catching up. Among many other leading institutions, Harvard Medical School ran a study showing that tapping could drastically reduce or eliminate stress in the amygdala (a collection of cells near the base of the brain responsible for activating your fight or flight stress response). In addition, global leading energy psychologist Dr. Dawson Church carried out a study that looked at the cortisol levels of participants after one hour of EFT. The results suggested a reduction of 24% - 50% in cortisol levels (compared to the control group who experienced an insignificant reduction). Energy Psychology Journal also confirmed that the benefits from EFT are the result of tapping and not a placebo effect. They reported:
“Tapping on acupoints, combined with the vocalization of self-affirming statements, appears to be an active ingredient in EFT rather than an inert placebo. The results were consistent with other published reports demonstrating EFTs efficacy for addressing psychological conditions in students.”
These are just a handful of over 100 peer-reviewed clinical studies, all of which support the efficacy of EFT tapping for psychological stress, physical pain and overall performance. The proof is in the pudding - this is a technique that genuinely works.
Why is EFT a spiritual practice?
However, the thing I love the most about EFT is that it is so much more than a scientific technique. It’s a powerful, transformative spiritual practice.
You don’t need to be a spiritual person to reap these rewards; far from it. The sheer act of looking inwards and paying attention to your needs, emotions and inherent programming is a spiritual act in itself, no matter your personal beliefs.
Why? Because it forces you to slow down and pay attention. To listen. Really, really listen.
It’s a form of mindfulness and meditation, and it brings you into the moment while recognising and responding to the experiences and narratives that have brought you to where you are today. You don’t need to be a certain type of person to engage in this spiritual practice; it’s for anyone and everyone.
Whether you’re finely attuned to energy healing or not, you can (and will) finish an EFT session with a greater sense of peace and balance.
What other energy healing techniques are backed by science?
EFT is one of many energy healing techniques with one foot firmly planted in science and the other in spirituality.
Other forms of scientifically backed energy healing include:
Acupuncture
Reiki
Qigong
Quantum healing
Much like EFT, these all look at illness, stress and emotional struggles through the lens of disturbance to energy flow in the body. They turn these ailments on their head by fixing the energy and - as a result - healing the individual.
However, it’s important to remember that these forms of healing should be seen as a complementary modality that shouldn't exclude any Western medicine you may be taking. It’s a bit like Yin and Yang - they hold one another up and make the perfect partnership.
Interested in experiencing this blend of strategy and spirituality for yourself? Download my free tapping meditation to give yourself the gift of calm when you need it.
Book a free discovery call to find out how, together, we can help you tap into your warrior energy.
Photo by HalGatewood.com on Unsplash