Biofield Therapy
What is biofield therapy?
The term “biofield” was used by a panel of scientists at the National Institute of Health in 1992, to describe “a massless field, not necessarily electromagnetic, that surrounds and interpenetrates the human body”. This energy field has been known by various names, including chi/qi, prana, mana, aura, and others.
Both ancient healers and modern biofield practitioners propose that imbalances or disruptions of the biofield can cause physical, mental, or emotional pain or illness. Biofield practitioners work directly with the biofield to remove blockages, and repair, balance and restore energy flow to support the body’s natural healing ability and foster greater wellness. Reiki and healing touch are the most common forms of biofield therapy used today.
What happens during a biofield therapy treatment?
Treatment is respectfully and professionally conducted and is gentle, non-invasive, and safe. The client lays fully clothed on a healing table whilst the practitioner works on their biofield using various hand placements and movements to direct the flow of energy to where it is most needed. The client can relax, listen to the peaceful background music, and enjoy the calming, nurturing experience.
Past clients who have received treatment, have commented that they experienced heat, tingles, or movement of energy around their body during treatment. Some described it as a current of energy flowing through their body. The experience has been different for everyone.
Some clients may experience a release of emotions during or after the session. This is part of the cleansing process, and the release of blocked energy helps to balance and restore energy flow.
What are the benefits?
Biofield therapy is used to support recovery from health problems and to also maintain wellbeing and prevent problems before they occur. It is commonly used for stress reduction, and improvement in overall physical, mental, and emotional health.
Clinical studies indicate that biofield therapy has helped with stress reduction and prevention, anxiety, depression, fatigue, pain reduction, improving resilience, boosting immune support, and recovery after hospital procedures. It has also been used successfully with cancer patients, for physical and mental support.
What is the evidence base?
For a long time, biofield therapy has been an under-utilized modality in mainstream health care settings, but it is becoming more widely accepted and biofield practitioners are now working alongside medical professionals in health care settings in some countries around the world. Biofield therapy is used as a complement to traditional medicine and Nurses and other health care professionals are now being trained in biofield therapy due to its effectiveness in supporting patient’s recovery.
There is growing interest in the benefits of biofield therapy because it is safe, non-invasive, and cost effective. Clinical studies on the benefits of biofield therapy have reported statistically significant results in client populations, including patients experiencing cancer related symptoms, recovering from surgery, and patients experiencing chronic pain, arthritis, and movement restriction.
Researchers recommended that funding be provided to conduct further clinical studies, due to the promising results of current research.
Disclaimer: Your Practitioner cannot provide medical examinations or diagnoses and cannot provide medical advice or treatment. Biofield Therapy is not a substitute for medical care and any medical concerns should be discussed with your doctor.
Sources:
The Consciousness and Healing Initiative, Subtle Energy & Biofield Healing: Evidence, Practice, & Future Directions, April 2020.
https://www.chi.is/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/CHI_Systems_Mapping_Report_Condensed.pdf
Jain S, Hammerschlag R, Mills P, Cohen L, Krieger R, Vieten C, Lutgendorf S. Clinical Studies of Biofield Therapies: Summary, Methodological Challenges, and Recommendations. Glob Adv Health Med. 2015 Nov; 4 (Suppl): 58-66. DOI: 10.7453/gahmj.2015.034.suppl. Epub 2015 Nov 1. PMID: 26665043; PMCID: PMC4654788. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4654788/ https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.7453/gahmj.2015.034.suppl
Guarneri E, King R. Challenges and Opportunities Faced by Biofield Practitioners in Global Health and Medicine: A White paper. Global Adv Health Med. 2015; 4 (suppl): 89-96. DOI: 10.7453/gahmj.2015.024.suppl
