What type of energy healing is right for me?

Our bodies are affected by the energies within them. There are many forms of energy that exist within us, with 'life force' energy and chakra energy being two documented since ancient times. When this internal energy is free and unobstructed, we experience balance in the body and mind. Stress, trauma, poor diet, lack of exercise, and unhealthy life habits can create energy blockages. Our physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being is shaped by subtle energies within us.

While this concept is hard to grasp (since we cannot see or touch these forces), it's worth noticing how you feel after a yoga session - a practice deeply rooted in energy healing. Many individuals describe feeling lighter, more relaxed, and present in their bodies (rather than caught up in their busy minds). This is the evidence we can look toward - human stories and experiences. We can only grasp the power of these practices by experiencing them ourselves.

You can thoughtfully select what type of energy healing practice you want to try based on your personal goals and needs. Perhaps you are working long hours, finding you dedicate little time to movement and feel grounded; this might necessitate focusing on becoming more in touch with your body and leaning into more physical practices. It's wise to take a moment to note down what has compelled you to look into energy healing and what you want for future you. Below you will find an exploration of various healing practices - look at what they promise and ponder what may suit you best.

Hatha yoga

If you have not experienced it yourself, you have likely heard others describe tearing up or feeling suddenly emotional while practising certain yoga poses. Stories of emotional outpouring are common within the yogi community, and this happens because yoga allows us to tap into the energy (and emotions) stored in our bodies. Hatha yoga (which focuses on protecting and channelling energy) helps us relinquish stress and tension. By promoting energy flow to areas that were previously blocked, the body is encouraged to undergo a releasing process, both physically and sometimes emotionally.

Specialists encourage individuals healing from trauma to practice yoga, particularly hatha yoga, to support emotional healing and the process of letting go. The body stores memories, and individuals with PTSD may struggle to break free from traumatic experiences because the past continues to ‘haunt’ them. Talking therapies can be deeply transformative, but sometimes, we need to take additional steps to allow our bodies to leave panic mode.

The physical practice of yoga helps us connect with our bodies in a safe and mindful way, leading to better physical and emotional understanding and regulation. Yoga can help us befriend our bodies and all the sensations it encounters. Negative memories can keep us stuck in the pain of the past, and our bodies play a key role in this. If we do not process negative feelings in a healthy way, our bodies hold on to these harmful ‘energies,’ and over time, they weigh us down, causing emotional and spiritual struggles. By attending hatha yoga classes and connecting with a yoga practitioner/teacher who resonates with us, we can heal physically and mentally.

Reiki

This type of energy healing practice is known to have originated in Japan in the 20th century. The main goal of Reiki therapy is to encourage the body to self-heal. This happens with the help of a Reiki practitioner, who guides the energy in our bodies. The practitioner is not necessarily the healer themselves; rather, they initiate the body to repair and function efficiently (to heal itself). They channel the energy to stimulate a healthy flow. This can potentially soften and relax the body, allowing it to reduce stress and physical injuries. Reiki practitioners give our bodies the power to focus on their natural restorative process.

A session is typically held in a relaxing, private space and lasts between 45 minutes to an hour. You will be encouraged to wear loose, comfortable clothing. The Reiki practitioner will use their hands to begin the healing process, finding various positions; they may gently touch or place their hands near you. Areas of focus tend to include the head, shoulders, stomach, feet, or any parts you have indicated need attention. 

If you are looking to reduce anxiety and depression, manage physical pain, or improve your overall well-being, Reiki is worth exploring. It's a non-invasive practice rooted in mindfulness. Much like yoga, there is a strong focus on bringing awareness to the body in the present moment, following the physical sensations and feelings that arise and allowing them to manifest and be expressed fully.

Intuitive counselling and energy healing

An intuitive counsellor and energy healer intertwine counselling practices with energy healing techniques. This approach requires individuals to take a mindful and spiritual approach. Rather than speaking in more traditional, matter-of-fact ways, in an intuitive counselling session you will be encouraged to dig deep and tap into your unexpressed emotions and subconscious thoughts. This type of counselling trusts that people know the answers to their problems and that they will be their own best healers as long as they are connected to their inner wisdom - their intuition.

Creating energy balance can be achieved when we trust ourselves and lean into self-understanding. Sessions with an intuitive counsellor can be deeply healing for those of us struggling with social anxiety, unhealthy relationships and friendships, indecision, illness, and depression. This method of healing does not rely on people using psychic abilities but rather on people being able to self-reflect and truly open up.

Intuitive counsellors provide a safe space for you to talk and see yourself in a more honest and productive light. Trust and mindful language are at the core of this energy-healing practice. The counsellor may tap into their intuition to guide the session and identify areas in your energy field that are out of balance or causing emotional pain.

A combination of counselling and energy healing may be especially helpful for individuals who feel they have a lot to discuss and reflect on. The conversational style, along with the practitioner’s ability to identify blockages in the energy flow, could be just what someone needs to move forward emotionally and spiritually.

Crystal healing

Using gemstones and crystals, this healing practice directly interacts with the energy inside our bodies. Crystal healing involves practitioners using precious stones to rejuvenate us mentally and physically. Placeing stones on and close to a person's body is said to clear negative energy by helping balance the body, mind, and spirit. There are a variety of crystals used to evoke different results. Below you will find a list of a few popular crystals and their various purposes.

Clear quartz - commonly known as the ‘master healer,’ this transparent crystal has the ability to alleviate negativity and elevate spiritual growth. It's said to cleanse the mind so we can focus better, and find personal empowerment and emotional stability.

Amethyst - this violet-coloured crystal is commonly used to relieve stress. It's thought to have protective powers and create feelings of serenity and reduced anxiety.

Rose quartz - this crystal is associated with self-love. Its pastel pale pink colour perfectly hints at its love-enhancing potential. It's known to emit vibrations of acceptance, peace, and kindness. Rose quartz is also thought to induce physical health benefits such as improved blood circulation.

It's important to honour your unique situation and to contemplate what is accessible and attainable for you at your current pace of life. Consider how much time and money you are willing to dedicate to this healing experience. Finding the right practitioner is also an important aspect, one that may take an open mind and considerable time.

It's worthwhile connecting with a variety of practitioners because each individual will provide a different experience and create a distinct environment. Taster sessions and/or introductory consultations are commonly offered and worth taking advantage of.