Energy Healing

“A bodily disease, which we look upon as whole and entire within itself, may, after all, be but a symptom of some ailment in the spiritual part.” Nathaniel Hawthorne wrote these words in the early nineteenth century, but it has taken the Western medical community some time to catch up. The idea that the mind plays an important part in the health of the body, however, is fast gaining acceptance in our empirically-oriented society.

A recent study conducted by the East Tennessee State University Chattanooga Family Practice Residency Program found that more and more medical practitioners accept and encourage the role that alternative medicines and therapies play in healing. In a survey conducted through that study, it was found that sixty-five percent of physicians had prescribed at least one form of complementary or alternative therapy for their patients. About thirty-three percent had undergone some form of alternative therapy themselves. It was also found that doctors who had been practicing for ten or less years were more likely to view alternative medicine as viable and valuable. This step in the right direction is due to more exposure to alternative forms of healing and a greater awareness of patient needs.

Hawthorne’s observation that physical disorders were symptomatic of spiritual ailments is central to the concept of energy healing. When our life forces or energy fields are out of balance, physical illness can ensue. Energy healing seeks to use positive energy to create a better balance within the body. Also inherent in energy healing is the idea that all energy fields are interconnected. This allows energy healing practitioners to send energy to their patients, thus creating a more balanced and positive energy field. Energy healing can even be done from thousands of miles away.

Perhaps one of the most prominent forms of energy healing is prayer. Paul Parker, a professor of theology at Elmhurst College, says:

Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Buddhism – every religion believes in prayer for healing. Some call it prayer, some call it cleansing the mind. The words or posture may vary. But in times of illness, all religions look towards their source of authority.

While Eastern and Western philosophies can seem like polar opposites, they do, in fact, have much in common. Energy healing is now becoming more accepted by mainstream science.

The Energy Field

Cultures all around the world believe in an energy field that surrounds not only every person, but everything in the universe. Called Prana in India, Ki in Japan, Chi or Qi in China, and Pneuma in Greece, these cultures are unified in the belief of a vital, life-sustaining energy. This energy, or life force, flows through and connects everyone. Because the energy field connects everyone, individuals are, of course, affected by energies and events outside themselves.

In quantum physics, this is known as the Unified Field Theory. This theory holds that all things, from electricity and gravity to electromagnetism and human consciousness, are interrelated. Dr. John L. Davies of the Center for International Development and Conflict Management, says:

The unified field theory is pretty standard in quantum physics now and is not controversial… It’s another perspective to get us out of the habitually narrow way in which we conceive ourselves as isolated from each other except as far as we bump into each other.

Another way to view this is that our bodies are not simply collections of molecules and particles creating a dense physical body. Instead, we are composed of various energy fields. These energy fields are also known as auras. Many individuals and cultures believe that auras surround and permeate our physical bodies, interacting through and with chakras. Auras are visible to many, and you may hear about the color or shape of auras. Some energy healers specialize in aura cleansing, which increases the good energy flow and brings balance to our lives.

When the energy becomes blocked or unbalanced, our bodies often get sick. It is by restoring the natural flow of energy, through a variety of modalities, that we can begin to heal.

The Role of Chakras in Energy Healing

The word chakra comes from the Sanskrit meaning “wheel.” The Vedas, a collection of written texts sacred to Hindus, also used chakra as a metaphor for the sun. It was written that the sun “traverses the world like a triumphant chariot of a cakravartin (ruler).” It came to represent balance and order in the universe and in ourselves. Chakras are also sometimes described as vortices, or swirling centers of energy. They draw in the energy surrounding us. In this way, several factors can affect our chakras, such as light, color, and energy from other people. This is why other people’s moods can so easily affect our own.

We have seven major energy centers, or chakras, in our bodies. While not physical parts of our bodies, chakras have an effect on our consciousness and energy balance. Each of the seven chakras corresponds with specific parts of the body. The chakras are also associated with different colors. When the chakra is healthy and balance, it radiates bright, strong color. When it is unbalanced or lacking energy, our chakra’s color may appear watery, streaked, faded, or discolored. Energy healers are trained to view the chakra colors and to help you restore balance in and among them.

Various deficiencies, excesses, and conflicts in our chakras can result in physical maladies. For instance, a deficiency in energy in the first chakra, that at the base of the spine, combined with conflict in the third chakra, in the solar plexus, can result in a state of anxiety. This negative energy is causing us to feel ungrounded and afraid.

Let’s take a look at each major chakra so we can better understand how they affect our health and how we can restore balance to our lives and bodies. Picture your body with various points of energy through your core as we discuss each one.

Root Chakra

This chakra, called the muladhara in Sanskrit, is located at the base of the spine and is associated with the adrenal gland. The adrenal glands regulate stress responses by releasing serotonin and adrenaline. These hormones activate our “fight or flight” response and are primal survival tools. The root chakra, then, is associated with our very basic survival needs, which include feeling grounded, secure, and connected with earth energies. Also known as the first chakra, this is the most physical of the chakras. It is associated with the following areas of the body: the base of the spine, coccyx, legs, feet, bones, rectum, immune system, and spinal column..

When the root chakra is balanced, people typically experience boundless energy. Having an “open” root chakra tends to create a feeling of being “grounded” or connected and full of good health.

Both excess and deficient energy in the root chakra can cause spiritual, mental, and physical problems. When your root chakra is out of balance, you may experience some of the following physical ailments: eating disorders or malnourishment; adrenal insufficiency; problems with feet, legs, or coccyx; rectal or colon cancer; spinal problems; immune-related disorders; osteoporosis or other bone disorders

How does the root chakra, this very essence of our being, become unbalanced? Since it deals primarily with survival, people who have experienced threats to their physical safety are prone to root chakra imbalance. For instance, children who have been severely physically or sexually abused, or had surgeries or been exposed to natural disasters, or who have been abandoned by or separated from their mothers continually have to deal with feelings of disconnect and not being grounded. This affects the root chakra energy, which, in turn, can lead to the illnesses mentioned above. An unbalanced root chakra is associated with not having a strong sense of personal identity or purpose in life.

Since all energy flows through the root chakra, is important that we maintain a healthy balance. How can we restore stability and equilibrium? Because the root chakra is so physically oriented, exercise can be a great way to restore balance. It is also recommended that you spend time either standing or sitting directly on the ground. This will help ground you and connect you with the energy of the earth. You can also enhance your diet to include root vegetables, such as carrots, potatoes, beets and onions. Your chakra’s needs are your body’s needs, and food will help fuel a healthy balance.

The root chakra is connected with the color red. Focus on objects of this color or simply visualize a warm, healing red tone in your mind. This will help ground you and restore balance. Additionally, certain stones and scents may help you achieve this. The root chakra is associated with rubies, garnets, obsidian, bloodstone, and smoky quartz, as well as patchouli, cedar, lavender, cinnamon, hyacinth, and sandalwood. Colors, gems and scents can be of some limited use in restoring needed balance. However, the number one suggestion if you feel you are out of balance is to consult an energy healer, or better yet, attend one of my workshops for a direct experience of clearing imbalances.

Sacral Chakra

The sacral chakra, called the swadhisthana, is the next chakra as we ascend up the body. Sacral means “sacred home to self,” and the chakra is associated with feelings of self, self-worth, and self-perception. It is located about an inch or two below the naval. While the root chakra deals with issues of survival and physicality, the sacral chakra is more associated with the emotions. It allows us to feel connected to others through our feelings, desires, sexuality, and sensations. Our sacral chakra allows us to be intuitive beings, which is why we hear so often about our “gut” reactions. The sacral chakra is associated with the ovaries and uterus, prostate, intestines, appendix, low back, bladder and urinary tract.

A healthy, balanced sacral chakra promotes sexual fulfillment, fluidity, willingness to accept change, emotional depth, creativity, and loyalty.

The second chakra is related to the element water, and to emotions, sensuality, sexuality, and our inner child. It connects us to others through feeling, desire, sensation, and movement. Ideally this chakra brings us fluidity and grace, depth of feeling, sexual fulfillment, and the ability to accept change. When in balance, strong sacral chakra energy helps us maintain healthy relationships.

On a physical level, an imbalance in the sacral chakra can lead to sexual dysfunction, impotence, frigidity, or promiscuity; in women: fibroids, endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, menstrual dysfunction, ovarian cysts or cancer; in men: prostate problems or prostate cancer; inflammatory bowel disease, ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, diverticulitis; appendicitis; chronic low back pain or sciatica; bladder problems or urinary problems.

It may also manifest itself in feelings of guilt or having to always be in control or power in relationships and everyday situations. People with a deficiency in sacral energy may feel shy, timid, fearful, guilty about sex, or overly sensitive. An excess can cause emotional instability, manipulative behavior, and using people as sexual objects. As you can see, having a balanced sacral chakra is essential to wellbeing, as well as good health.

Our sacral chakras can become unbalanced when we are overly concerned with appearances or how others perceive us. Our sense of self is not clear, which causes an imbalance in energy. You can help somewhat to restore balance to your sacral chakra, associated with the color orange, by incorporating the following foods into your diet: melon, strawberries, oranges, passion fruit, coconut, and other sweet fruits, honey, nuts, and spices like cinnamon, vanilla, carob, sesame seeds, and sweet paprika. Associated healing stones and flowers are: carnelian, coral, amber, Indian paintbrush, hibiscus, and lady slipper. By far the best way to restore balance is to see an energy healer or come to one of my workshops.

Solar Plexus Chakra

The solar plexus chakra is known as the manipura chakra in the tantric tradition and is the center of our personal will and power. The solar plexus is a large, dense center of nerve cells in the abdominal cavity, and it is responsible for the functioning of several internal organs. The solar plexus chakra supplies us with needed energy to become self-actualized individuals, with strong, clear purpose and identity. This chakra is associated with the following areas of the body: pancreas, stomach, liver, spleen, gall bladder, kidneys, and mid-spine.

A strong balanced solar plexus chakra manifests itself in healthy expression, intelligence, self-respect, spontaneity, relaxation, personal power, and the ability to tackle new situations and handle change. People with balanced third chakra tend to have healthy emotional lives.

An imbalance in the solar plexus chakra can manifest itself in both physical and mental ways. An overabundance of this energy can lead people to become judgmental, controlling, emotionally cold or distant, addicted to work and/or drugs, and sexually inhibited. Too little energy, conversely, causes people to feel afraid, depressed, overly worried about what others think, confused, jealous, or distrustful. A healthy balance is needed in order to enjoy life and enjoy being in your own body. Some physical manifestations include: problems with the pancreas, including diabetes and hypoglycemia; digestive difficulties, such as gastric or duodenal ulcers; liver problems, including cirrhosis, hepatitis, and liver cancer; hiatal hernia; gallstones; hemorrhoids; varicose veins; and problems with the spleen.

It is possible to restore order and balance to the solar plexus chakra in order to improve our health and wellbeing. Focusing on the color yellow, with which this chakra is associated, can help you achieve a greater sense of order. You can also try the following exercise: place your hand on your belly and rub. Breathe through your diaphragm slowly and calmly. Focus on your inner confidence. Wearing a stone associated with the solar plexus chakra – citrine, gold, gold calcite, gold topaz, amber, and tiger eye –  may help you achieve greater focus, as may the scents of peppermint, chamomile, and golden yarrow. Foods that help a bit in restoring balance to the third chakra are whole grains and breads, sunflower and flax seeds, dairy products, and spices like ginger, mints, chamomile, turmeric, cumin, and fennel. Again, the best way to restore balance is to see an energy healer or come to one of my workshops.

Heart Chakra

The fourth chakra, anahata, is the heart chakra. Located in the chest, this chakra is associated with – not surprisingly – love. Literally the heart of us, the fourth chakra centers us and brings together the yin and the yang. Mind and body, male and female: opposites unite, and we feel love, compassion, peace, and contentment. This chakra’s energy is associated very closely with self-acceptance. Also integral to the energy of the heart chakra is acceptance of the past: a balanced chakra creates a willingness to forgive. Conversely, being able to forgive creates a more balanced heart chakra.

The heart chakra is associated with the following body areas: the heart (of course!), lungs, pericardium, thymus, breasts, upper back and ribs, arms, and hands. An imbalance in the energy can cause physical ailments in these areas, such as congestive heart failure, heart attack, mitral valve prolapse, chest pain; arteriosclerosis, peripheral vascular insufficiency; asthma, shortness of breath; allergies; lung cancer, pneumonia, bronchitis, emphysema; breast cancer and breast disorders, such as mastitis or cysts; immune system deficiencies; circulation problems; tension or pain between the shoulder blades; and shoulder, arm, and hand issues, such as carpal tunnel.

Excessive fourth chakra energy can cause possessiveness, bad or fluctuating moods, critical and judgmental thoughts, and conditional love. A deficiency in the energy can cause us to become paranoid, clingy, indecisive, afraid, self-pitying, afraid of rejection, and in need of constant reassurance.

Failing to forgive creates an imbalance which can lead to various physical and emotional illnesses. The heart chakra also becomes unbalanced when we fail to love unconditionally, we depend on others for our own happiness, we lack self-discipline, we do not accept our lives and our beings, and when we experience difficult in relationships that we have trouble resolving. All these factors can bring disorder to our energy force.

To restore order and harmony, add heart-healthy foods, like spinach, kale, dandelion greens, squash, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, green teas, and spices like basil, sage, thyme, parsley, and cilantro. Physical activity that involves the chest and shoulders, such as swimming, push-ups, and hugging, can activate this essential energy. Focusing on this chakra’s colors – green and pink – and employing the stones emerald, malachite, jade, rose quartz, and green aventurine, and scents of poppy and wild rose, can help you also create a better flow of energy. As always, actually working with an energy healer or coming to one of my workshops can restore balance and set the stage for more love in your life.

Above all, however, it is vital to work on forgiveness, practice gratitude, and love. Love yourself, love others, love the world. In this way, we can let go of past hurts and strengthen our minds and bodies.

Throat Chakra

The fifth chakra, also known as the vishuddha, is located in the throat and neck area. It is associated with expression and speaking, particularly in regards to being truthful. The throat chakra is also heavily linked to inspiration and creativity. People who have a balanced fifth chakra tend to be content and centered. They also know how to communicate openly and honestly. Speaking out, as opposed to “choking on our words” and expressing how we feel, as opposed to “having a lump in our throats,” is a sign of a well-balanced throat chakra.

The throat, neck, shoulders, mouth, jaw, and teeth, as well as the nasal sinuses, vocal chords, trachea and esophagus, cervical vertebrae, ears, thyroid, parathyroid, and the hypothalamus are governed by the fifth chakra. Imbalances can result in TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorder in the jaw; swollen glands in the throat, throat cancer; neck problems; chronic childhood tonsillitis; hypo- and hyper-thyroidism, thyroiditis, thyroid cancer, Hashimoto’s, Grave’s disease; chronic sinus problems; and any disorders of the throat, voice, mouth, teeth, or gums. As well as physical ailments, our emotional and mental states can also be affected. Too much throat chakra energy can cause us to be arrogant, dogmatic, addictive, self-righteous, and dominating. Too little can result in our being scared, timid, manipulative, weak, or devious, or unable to express our thoughts and desires.

It is important to have a balanced fifth chakra because language is a gift of communication. It is how we experience and interact with the world. We can experience imbalance when we have feelings of fear and anxiety. A habit of lying or difficulty in expressing ourselves can also cause this energy to become disordered.

To restore balance, sing, chant, or hum. You can even gargle with saltwater. Feel the vibrations caused by your own voice, and experience the sounds created by others. Focus on the color blue, associated with the throat chakra, as in the stones lapis and blue opal or the scents of cosmos or trumpet vine. You may also benefit by adding lemons, grapefruit, limes, apples, peaches, pears, and other fruit, and spices like salt and lemon grass.

Most importantly, practice speaking truthfully and receiving other people’s communications with an open heart. To restore balance in this important chakra, work with an energy healer or come to one of my workshops.

Brow Chakra

The brow chakra, or ajna, is also known as the third eye. This mystical-sounding chakra is, in fact, associated with intuition and psychic powers. Those with a balanced brow chakras have the ability to see the overall pattern of life, or the “big picture”; a few can even see into the future. We can see clearly in a physical sense as well as an intuitive sense. The third eye is believed by many cultures to be the seat of wisdom and a connection to energies beyond ourselves. In other words, it is the path to wisdom and knowing.

A healthy, balanced brow chakra is associated with being complete. You no longer need outside approval, relationships, or material possessions in order to become complete. You are open to guidance but are master of your own being. You have no fear of death, and certainly no fear of life. The brow chakra is associated with the brain, neurological system, pituitary and pineal glands, eyes, and nose.

Disorder in the brow charka can manifest itself physically in headaches; upper or frontal sinus conditions; neurological disturbances; bad eyesight, glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration, blindness; or stroke, hemorrhage, and brain tumor. Mentally, we can become panicked, confused, afraid, or exhausted.

How does such a vital energy force become imbalanced? Failing to trust your intuitions, or being afraid of such intuitions, often cause the brow chakra to become disordered. Being unable to confront issues beyond the physical plane (such as existential questions) can causes energy depletion. Excessive use of drugs and/or alcohol can cause the brow chakra to become unbalanced.

Finding the order and harmony of energy connected with the brow chakra is essential for good health, wellbeing, and spiritual growth. Focus on simple changes first. For instance, try adding to your diet: blue and dark fruits, such as blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, and red grapes, red wines and grape juice, and the spices lavender and poppy seed. Because the brow chakra is associated with the color indigo, you can focus on this color, using lapis or sapphire stones and the essence of wild oat and Queen Anne’s lace to help center you.

Visualization and meditation are particularly effective in restoring brow chakra balance. Use these techniques to tap into your inner wisdom and gain clarity. Picture a door opening in your mind, surrounded by beautiful indigo light. You are inviting intuition in and keeping negative thoughts out. Focus, breathe, and concentrate on the light. It is difficult to restore balance to these chakras without working directly with an energy healer, or attending a workshop such as the ones I do.

Crown Chakra

The seventh and final chakra is the crown chakra, known as sahasrara. The crown chakra is located atop the head and is our connection the greater world, both physical and spiritual. It connects deeply within the brain to the pineal and pituitary glands, and relates to the hypothalamus and the central nervous system. The crown chakra also links to the immune system as it relates to the psyche and emotions. A balanced crown chakra helps us to achieve awareness. It goes beyond time and place to offer transcendent wisdom, connection, understanding, and happiness. It is our connection to infinity. As the root chakra is the seat of our physical survival and wellbeing, the crown chakra can be seen as the center of our spiritual energy.

Excess crown chakra energy can cause us to become manic with frustration; we have a sense of the power we are not utilizing, and it creates a state in which we are constantly aggravated. We may also fluctuate between passion and indifference. Our feelings become very destructive to our wellbeing. Deficient energy is just as damaging. We have no joie de vivre. We become almost paralyzed with indecision and lethargy. We often lack purpose, identity, self of self, and spirit. Physical problems can include anxiety and depression; bipolar disorder; coma or amnesia; headache, migraine; stroke; brain tumor; epilepsy; multiple sclerosis; Parkinson’s disease; Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and dyslexia; cognitive delusions; ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease); mental illness, schizophrenia, and multiple personality Disorder; and dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.

The crown chakra speaks to our very sense of self and our place in the universe. True balance in this chakra is hard to achieve, but we should always strive towards it. In order to do this, it is useful to detoxify your body by abstaining from overly processed foods and by using healing fragrances such as myrrh, frankincense, juniper, lotus, and star tulip. The stones amber and diamond can help us achieve a greater state of balance. The crown chakra is associated with the color white and gold, so focus on those colors. Far more than colors or stones or food, prayer and meditation are essential to restoring and obtaining harmony in the crown chakra. In addition, we can achieve harmony in our energy field, and thus harmony in our bodies and minds, by working with an energy healer or attending my workshops.

Affirmations and Visualization

The seven chakras allow our life force to flow through our bodies, drawing in and extending energy to the world around us. Imbalances can be caused by external events, other people, traumas, attitudes, perceptions, and more, and may result in physical, spiritual, and mental difficulties that impact your life and health. Energy healing seeks to restore balance and harmony amongst the chakras, thus restoring us to health or opening our bodies to the possibility of healing.

While the medical community focuses on the body, energy healing focuses on the mind/body connection. Affirmations and visualization are important components because they allow us to use our minds to heal our bodies and souls. An affirmation is a statement which attests to the truth in a positive way. For instance, if you have to give a speech in front of people, you might repeat to yourself, “I am calm and relaxed. I can do it.” People use affirmations to prepare for important events or challenges or to remind themselves of their goals.

Why use affirmations to heal? Sick people, depressed people, and those who are out of balance typically have different thought patterns than healthy people. Retraining your brain can help you become more positive. It takes some practice to wipe out the negative thoughts, but with daily affirmations, you can do it. Make your affirmations short, positive, and in the present tense. While there are no “right” words, you can find affirmations relating to the chakras that you can repeat in order to restore balance. Or create your own. Here are some examples:

Root Chakra: I am grounded and connected to life. I am safe.

Sacral Chakra: I receive pleasure without guilt.

Brow Chakra: I am open to hearing the truth.

Crown Chakra: I can see life’s big picture and know all is well.

Take an idea central to the chakra you need to work on and develop an affirmation. Repeat this to yourself daily.

Many people also use visualization in conjunction with affirmations to heal their disordered chakras and restore energy balance. We often hear of athletes visualizing success in their games or matches, and it has been successfully used by cancer and AIDS patients to relieve pain.

Here is an easy way to visualize order and harmony returning to your chakras.

First, identify the source of your discomfort or ailment. For instance, if you are dealing with anxiety, you may have discord in your root chakra. The color associated with this chakra is red. Lying on your back or sitting with your back straight, take five calming breaths. In and out, slowly and purposefully. Picture a ball of red light radiating from your lower spine. Picture this light moving through your body, warming you and centering you. Because the root chakra’s energy affects the energy of the whole body, you can continue your visualization by moving up the body and imagining each color in succession glowing and emitting soothing, healing light.

When you have visualized the colors of each chakra, you can then spend a few minutes affirming that you are grounded and centered. This should increase your energy level. If you do not feel a difference, keep trying this visualization technique, along with your affirmations. It does take practice. The important thing is to be open to healing. If you need help, attend one of my workshops.

Journal Writing

Journal writing can be very therapeutic for a wide range of ailments, both physical and mental. Journaling allows you to process negative thoughts and discard them. Often, after we finish writing, we feel cleansed. This is similar to having a good talk with a trusted friend, only with a journal, you can say absolutely anything without fear of being judged. And, if you are willing to let your inhibitions go, your subconscious can take over. You may write and discover new things about yourself or revelations as to why you may be out of balance. This can help immensely with the healing process.

The benefits of journal writing have been researched and found to be helpful, especially for dealing with stress or trauma. Consider the following studies that have been done on the subject:

·      A 1999 study in the Journal of the American Medical Association followed asthma and arthritis patients. The patients who journaled about stressful events felt a significant reduction in symptoms. This was not accounted for by the medical care they were receiving.

·      In 1988, the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology published a study that profiled fifty college students. One group wrote in a journal for twenty minutes for four days. The entries had to do with traumas they had experienced. The other group wrote about trivial, everyday matters. Those who wrote about traumas experienced a reduction in stress. This was quantified by drops in their blood pressure, better lung function, and better immunity responses. They were also happier than the students in the other group.

·      Researchers at the University of Texas, and North Dakota State University, Southern Methodist University, and Ohio State University found that journal writing had very real physical benefits, including pain relief, higher T cell counts, better immunity functioning, measurable stress relief, and better overall health.

Journals can take many forms – prayers, meditations, letters, lists, poems, and more. The key is to let your thoughts flow uncensored. No one is going to read this, so be free to write whatever your heart tells you.

The power of journal writing is a very clear example of the power of the mind in the healing process. Chakra and energy healing can be achieved through many different means, including consulting with professional healers. Whatever method you chose, be aware that the power to heal is in your own mind and heart and a healer helps facilitate your connection to that power within.

Healing vs. Curing

While the words healing and curing are often used synonymously, they are, in fact, very different. “Curing” is the goal of modern medicine. We “cure” ourselves of headaches by taking aspirin, we “cure” ourselves of infections by using antibiotics. To cure is to take care of the body, often without regard to the mind or soul. Once the symptoms or signs of a disease are removed, we are said to be cured. But are we healed?

Healing is very different. The word itself comes from the Old English word hælan, meaning “to make whole, sound, and well.” Healing encompasses the mind, spirit, and body. When our minds are ill, when our chakras are unbalanced, when we just don’t feel well, our bodies respond with physical ailments. We can eliminate the physical manifestations of our illness, but often our minds are left to suffer. Curing is important; but it should not be your sole aim when striving to achieve health and wellbeing.

Energy healing seeks to address the whole person, not just the body. And increasingly, medical science is catching up. Dr. C. Everett Koop, former surgeon general of the United States, says:

 “There is no question that the things we think have a tremendous effect upon our bodies. If we can change our thinking, the body frequently heals itself.”

For a representative of the mainstream medical community to express such views is surely an indication that our society is moving towards a more holistic view of healing. But whether it is or not, you know the value of treating your mind and body. You know when something is not right, when something is out of balance. The next time you have a hurt, do not just aim to cure it. Don’t put a band-aid on a deeper wound. Restore balance to your chakras, heal your wounded mind and spirit, and then your body opens to both curing and healing.

Energy connects everyone and everything in the world; it can also help you reconnect with you. The power to heal is within and around you. The Buddha said, “Our sorrows and wounds are healed only when we touch them with compassion.” Treat yourself with compassion and feel healing, loving energy flow through you. In this way, we go beyond the cure to heal ourselves.