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Ac., CYT — By Emily Cronkleton on June 27, 2022Energy therapies are healing techniques that treat the mind, body, and spirit. Doctors sometimes refer to them as alternative or complementary therapies. There is a growing interest in using energy therapies for a variety of health conditions. Share on PinterestStevica Mrdja/EyeEm/Getty ImagesThis article will cover different types of energy therapy and focus on Reiki, acupuncture, and acupressure. It will go over the common uses of energy therapy and the scientific evidence that supports them. What is energy therapy People have used energy healing therapies for thousands of years. The principles of energy therapies support the idea that illnesses and imbalances are due to blocks or imbalances in the invisible biofield that exists in and around the body. Energy therapy techniques harmonize the energy fields in and around the body to promote health and well-being. They may also help encourage positive thoughts and emotions. A trained practitioner or healthcare professional performs energy therapy treatments using various noninvasive techniques. Often, people use energy therapies as a complementary treatment alongside conventional treatments. Types of energy therapy Popular types of energy therapy include Reiki, acupressure and acupressure mats. Reiki and acupressure Reiki is a complementary treatment that focuses on healing energy. Dr. Mikao Usui founded the technique during the 1920s in Japan. The principles of Reiki include the belief that each individual has the innate energy to heal themselves. A Reiki practitioner can reportedly manipulate the universal life force energy of their client and encourage the natural healing process. A Reiki session involves the healer placing their cupped hands lightly on or near the recipient’s body. Usually, the practitioner keeps their hands in one area for a minimum of 3 minutes, depending on the person’s needs. Acupressure is another form of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) similar to acupuncture. Instead of needles, the technique uses manual pressure to stimulate acupoints, so that “qi,” or the body’s energy,” can move freely. A person can do this on their own or with a practitioner. Acupuncture Acupuncture is a TCM practice that involves manipulating the body’s energy. However, modern medicine has also proven its effectiveness by explaining the body’s changes from the practice. These changes include:inflammatory responsesneurochemical responses, including dopamine, serotonin, and endorphin productionimmune responses, such as white blood cell increasecirculatory responses This type of therapy involves inserting blunt-tipped needles in specific body acupressure points. It stimulates stagnant or blocked qi to create balance and encourage healing. A qualified and licensed acupuncturist must perform this type of therapy. These professionals must have completed a minimum of a master’s degree, and many have doctorate degrees in acupuncture. They must also complete national board certification by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. What is this therapy used for The goal of energy therapy is to promote the free flow of energy. People can use it to treat a specific condition or boost well-being, while some use a combination of energy therapies. Energy therapy sessions are often available at massage and wellness centers and traditional medical settings, including hospitals and clinics. Individuals often use energy therapy to treat: sleep concernswound healing blood pressure issuesosteoarthritisdepressionfear stressanxietypain headachemigrainenausea and vomitingfatigue Does science support energy therapy While it is difficult to scientifically measure certain aspects of energy therapy, including the energy of the body, some evidence supports using these treatments for treating certain conditions. Results of a 2021 study suggest that a single energy medicine treatment can alleviate carpal tunnel pain and negative emotions. It may also positively affect stress levels, well-being, and sleep quality. The practitioners gave the 30-minute sessions at close distance, and some included light, stationary touching. There are also specific research studies into acupressure, Reiki, and acupuncture below: Acupressure research Evidence from a 2021 trial suggests that acupressure may alleviate labor pain and the duration of contractions. However, more high quality trials are necessary to verify these findings. A 2020 systematic review evaluated the use of acupressure in treating adults with chronic lower back pain for 4 weeks. The treatment outcomes included changes in:paindisabilitysleep The researchers concluded that acupressure is an effective, safe, and low cost nonsurgical method to treat chronic lower back pain. Reiki research A small 2021 study compared the effectiveness of Reiki, physiotherapy, and drug therapy in easing low back pain and improving daily activities in people with intervertebral disk herniation. The results suggest that Reiki is an inexpensive way to quickly relieve pain and improve daily activities. Acupuncture research Research from 2020 suggests acupuncture is effective in treating pain from migraine and fibromyalgia. It may also alleviate neck and low back pain. The researchers concluded that as there are limited side effects and it is an inexpensive procedure, acupuncture is an essential alternative treatment method. Acupuncture may also be useful in reducing:hot flashesnauseacancer-related fatigueallergic rhinitis symptomsperennial allergy symptoms Moreover, one of the largest meta-analyses on acupuncture, involving a total of 17,922 patients, demonstrated that the technique is effective for the treatment of chronic pain and is, therefore, a reasonable referral option. Outlook Energy therapies involving qualified professionals are safe for most people. A person can talk with a prospective practitioner to ask questions and discuss their treatment goals. They can also find out more about a practitioner’s training and experience. However, a person should still speak with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment, especially if they plan to add it to their current treatment plan. To determine if this type of treatment will be suitable for them, an individual should also discuss using alternative treatments, such as energy therapy, if they are pregnant, taking medications, or have a medical condition. People should not use energy therapies as the sole treatment for serious or life threatening symptoms or conditions. Summary Several energy therapies may be beneficial for enhancing health, including Reiki, acupressure, and acupuncture to treat mental and physical conditions. A person can also consult a healthcare professional for advice and recommendations, especially if they wish to add energy therapies to their current treatment plan. Last medically reviewed on June 27, 2022Complementary Medicine / Alternative Medicine 12 sourcescollapsedMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We avoid using tertiary references. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.Acupuncture: In depth. (2016).https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/acupuncture-in-depthChen, Y., et al. (2021). Acupressure for labor pain management: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials [Abstract].https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32811182/Godley, E., et al. (2020). Efficacy of acupressure for chronic low back pain: A systematic review [Abstract].https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32379678/Jahantiqh, F., et al. (2018). Effects of Reiki versus physiotherapy on relieving lower back pain and improving activities daily living of patients with intervertebral disc hernia.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5871054/Patel, M., et al. (2020). The role of acupuncture in the treatment of chronic pain [Abstract].https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33004170/Reiki. (2018).https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/reikiRogers, L., et al. (2021). Energy healing therapies: A systematic review and critical appraisal.https://www.researchgate.net/publication/349039163_Energy_Healing_Therapies_A_Systematic_Review_and_Critical_AppraisalThompson, S. K. (2019). Biofield therapies.https://www.counseling.org/news/aca-blogs/aca-counseling-corner/aca-member-blogs/2019/06/12/biofield-therapiesVan Hal, M., et al. (2021). Acupuncture.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK532287/Vickers, A. J., et al. (2012). Acupuncture for chronic pain: Individual patient data meta-analysis.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3658605/Yount, G., et al. (2021). Energy medicine treatments for hand and wrist pain: A pilot study [Abstract].https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33162335/Koppelman, M. H. (n.d.). Acupuncture: An overview of scientific evidence.https://www.evidencebasedacupuncture.org/acupuncture-scientific-evidence/FEEDBACK:Medically reviewed by Kerry Boyle D.Ac., M.S., L.Ac., Dipl. Ac., CYT — By Emily Cronkleton on June 27, 2022 Latest newsWhat sets 'SuperAgers' apart? Their unusually large neuronsOmega-3 may provide a brain boost for people in midlifeSeasonal affective disorder (SAD): How to beat it this fall and winterCDC: Monkeypox in the US 'unlikely to be eliminated in the near future'Why are more women prone to Alzheimer's? New clues arise Related CoverageEverything you need to know about ReikiMedically reviewed by Kerry Boyle D.Ac., M.S., L.Ac., Dipl. Ac., CYT Reiki is a Japanese, energy-based healing technique. People who use it say that it works, but research has not proven this. Learn more about Reiki…READ MORECan acupressure relieve headaches?Medically reviewed by Nancy Hammond, MD Acupressure is a form of complementary or alternative medicine. Read about research on the efficacy of acupressure for headache, and learn some simple…READ MOREHow does acupuncture work?Medically reviewed by Kerry Boyle D.Ac., M.S., L.Ac., Dipl. Ac., CYT Acupuncture is an alternative therapy that involves inserting thin needles into targeted areas of the body. It can help treat chronic pain.READ MOREAlternative therapies for cancer: Do they do more harm than good? How many people with cancer use complementary and alternative therapies? And do these interfere with conventional treatments? A new study investigates.READ MORE