What is Pranic Healing?
Pranic Healing is an energy healing system based on the idea of using life-force energy, or prana, to support health and well-being.
The main principle of Pranic Healing comes from the concept of ‘prana’. Prana is a Sanskrit word commonly translated as ‘life force’ or ‘vital energy’. Similar concepts of life-force energy appear in other traditions, where you may hear terms such as qi, chi, or ki. These concepts are associated with practices such as acupuncture and Reiki.
Energy healing approaches are based on the belief that this energy can influence our health and well-being, and that maintaining its balance can support us physically and emotionally.
During Pranic Healing, practitioners work with what they describe as the energy field surrounding the body, sometimes called the aura.
Within Pranic Healing, it is believed that imbalances or blockages in this energy may be associated with physical or emotional difficulties. Practitioners aim to cleanse and balance the person's energy by directing prana to different areas of the energy field. Pranic Healing is carried out without physical contact.
GrandMaster Choa Kok Sui developed the modern system of Pranic Healing.
It is intended to be used alongside, rather than as a replacement for, conventional healthcare. The principles behind Pranic Healing are based on beliefs about energy and should not be confused with established medical explanations of how the body works. Since its development, the practice has been taught in countries worldwide.
How does Pranic Healing work?
Pranic Healing has three stages: cleansing, energising, and stabilising. It involves scanning the energy body (the aura) for any blockages or imbalances. If imbalances are present in the energy field, it is believed that symptoms can present themselves.
Pranic healing works to remove negative energies and replace them with new, positive energies to stabilise the body.
What happens during a Pranic Healing session?
Pranic Healing sessions usually last up to an hour. You’ll be encouraged to talk through your emotional, mental, or physical difficulties so the healer can understand what you would like to heal in your session.
After the consultation, the client sits or lies down in a relaxed position, and the healer begins the scan. If the healer detects any issues, they use simple cleansing and energising techniques to ‘sweep’ away any residing bad energies. Once the bad energy is removed, the Pranic Healer will project revitalised energy towards the body.
This process doesn’t involve medication or any other interventions.
No contact is made with the body as the focus is on repairing the energy field that surrounds it to prevent or help treat any physical issues within the body itself.
You may see the healer spray their hands to cleanse them. The healer then disposes of this bad energy in a saltwater bowl.
Many healers go on to practice Pranic psychotherapy, which is the name given to the method that focuses on psychological symptoms.
What can Pranic Healing help with?
Pranic Healing is thought to have helped with numerous ailments, including:
- chronic pain
- arthritis
- general aches and pains
- IBS and other gut-related issues
- anxiety
- depression
- stress
- grief
- trauma
- phobias.
In the article ‘A beginner's guide to Pranic Healing’, writer Alessia Sutherberry notes that this natural healing practice addresses both minor and major physical and non-physical issues by focusing on root causes rather than merely dulling symptoms.
Other benefits of Pranic Healing
Pranic Healing may also support your emotional wellbeing and how you feel around others. Practitioners believe that working with the aura can help balance your energy, encouraging a calmer, more positive presence.
Because Pranic Healing views thoughts and emotions as energetic patterns, the practice aims to address imbalances that may affect your mood and overall wellbeing.
What does the research say about Pranic Healing?
Research into Pranic Healing is still limited. However, studies have found positive results when Pranic Healing is used alongside conventional medical care. This includes positive impacts on depression, as well as symptoms and quality of life in people experiencing certain physical health concerns.
Is Pranic Healing the same as Reiki?
Both Pranic Healing and Reiki are forms of energy healing, but there are some differences in how they are practised:
- Touch: Pranic Healing is a non-contact practice, while Reiki may be practised with hands lightly touching the body or held above it.
- Assessing energy: In Pranic Healing, practitioners may scan what they describe as the body's energy field, or aura, to identify imbalances. Reiki practitioners typically use a different approach, which may involve intuition and awareness of the recipient's energy.
- Working with energy: Pranic Healing teaches practitioners to work with prana, or life-force energy, believed to come from sources such as the sun, air and earth. Reiki practitioners are taught to work with Reiki energy, with some levels of training involving attunements and the use of symbols.
The main difference between Reiki and Pranic Healing is that Reiki looks to energise the aura with healing energy, whereas Pranic Healing removes the negative energy, disposes of it, and then replaces it with fresh prana.
Both are healing modalities, and each has its strengths. To find out which approach may suit you best, we recommend contacting a professional to discuss your options. You may also try both methods to see which one your body responds to best.
How many sessions are needed?
The number of Pranic Healing sessions required varies from person to person and depends on the ailment being treated. For minor concerns, for example, improvements may occur shortly after your session or within a few days. Chronic problems may take longer to treat and require more sessions.
How much does Pranic Healing cost?
On average, Pranic Healing sessions start from around £40 and upwards. Prices will vary depending on several factors, including how many sessions are needed and the practitioner’s experience. For a more accurate idea of what you can expect to pay, we recommend reaching out to a professional directly.
Getting started with Pranic Healing
Pranic Healing is a complementary therapy, meaning it should be used alongside other medical interventions. This means Pranic Healers cannot medically diagnose. Therefore, before getting started, it’s recommended to check with your healthcare professional that it's suitable for you and can be used safely alongside your existing treatments.
Finding a professional
Pranic Healing is not subject to statutory regulation in the UK. Some practitioners may choose to join a professional organisation or voluntary register that sets standards for training, professional conduct and complaints.
Before working with a practitioner, you may wish to ask about their training and experience, and whether they belong to a relevant professional organisation or register.
You could ask:
- What Pranic Healing training and qualifications have you completed?
- How long have you been practising?
- Do you have professional indemnity insurance?
- Do you belong to a professional organisation or voluntary register?
- Do you follow a code of conduct and complaints procedure?
At Therapy Directory, we verify our Pranic Healers against our proof policy so you can be confident you’re reaching out to a trusted practitioner.
Start your search for a Pranic Healer with us.
How to prepare for a Pranic Healing session
Generally, there is little you will be required to do before a Pranic Healing session. However, some people may opt to have a salt bath beforehand. It is believed that this can help the body absorb more prana and break down negative energies in preparation.
It’s also important to keep well-hydrated with water and avoid any drugs or alcohol.
Most importantly, take this time for yourself. At least 30 minutes before your session, try to find space to keep calm and relax.
