Energy, body therapy and healing

We are constantly in touch with energy. Universal energy exists all around us and we are capable of sensing objects, people, animals, emotions by using our sense of touch from our own energy fields which surrounds each of our bodies. "Every one has an energy field or aura that surrounds us and interpenetrates the physical body" (Brenan, B. 1988:5). We can sense someone across a room or get a feeling about someone when meeting them for the first time. We sense their energy and we respond by exuding energy which they can to pick up on.

Barry Kapke (2001) states that "[o]ur bodies are constantly sensing and responding to energy fields. In the same way that we develop tactile sensitivity for palpation or that we can develop greater acuity with any of our senses, through practice and awareness we can cultivate a refined sensitivity to energy fields and energy fluctuations." As therapists who work with the energetic body as well as the physical, we have to be cognisant of this interrelationship and communication. We can develop our own energy fields to be more acute in sensing and responding to others however we have to be cautious of transference, being too invasive and just making assumptions. Working with the energetic body as a therapist requires responsibility, maturity, self-confidence and a generally well-rounded individual who can maintain a strong sense of self yet, proceed with empathy, understanding and compassion.

Brenan (1988:40) regards the universal energy field (UEF) as a flowing, synergistic body with varying densities which exists in more than 3-dimensions. It can be sensed by all the senses and it pulsates. She also associates the UEF as "a form of consciousness" with a range of vibrations depending on how highly developed it is. To bring about healing, you have to work with the whole body and that includes the auric/energetic body. There needs to be an intuitive understanding. The therapist can use other senses to help read the aura or to help the patient rebalance through techniques that appeal to different senses.

Ultimately though, whether the therapist has / has not developed his/her consciousness to pick up higher vibrations, s/he needs to be mindful when entering a patient's space. Your intuitive understanding and development will also determine whether you are a technician or a therapist. It will affect how you touch and how you aid healing.

References:

Brenan, B. 1988. Hands of light: A guide to healing through the human energy field. New York: Bantam Books.

Kapke, B. 2001. Wheels of Light: Clearing, Balancing & Connecting Chakras. http://www.massagetherapy.com/articles/index.php/article_id/220 [7 March 2007]