Energy Medicine

Story by: Erin Olivo

When we talk about energy, we are really referring to two kinds of energy fields:
veritable energy fields, which can be measured, and putative energy fields, which
cannot be measured with our current technology. Veritable energy fields include
things like vibrational energy (sound), and electromagnetic forces such as visible
light, magnetism and monochromatic radiation (lasers).

There are many well established uses of measurable energy fields in the diagnosis and
treatment of disease. Some of these include: magnetic resonance imaging, laser eye
correction surgery, cardiac pacemakers, radiation therapy and UV light therapies for
psoriasis and seasonal affective disorder. There are also a few less researched
therapies that use this type of energy. Magnetic therapy involves the use of magnets,
which are placed on the body to relieve pain. Sound energy therapy (also sometimes
known as vibrational therapy) involves using tuning forks to create certain healing
sound frequencies that resonate with the body to promote healing. Music therapy is
another type of sound energy therapy: listening to music has been shown to lower
blood pressure and to reduce pain and anxiety.

Most frequently, the term energy medicine refers to techniques that involve the
putative energy fields. Although it has not yet been able to be measured by
conventional methods, therapists who work with this type of energy claim that they
can see it with their own eyes or that they can sense it with their hands or bodies. The
field of energy medicine involving putative energy fields is based on the fundamental
premise that all physical objects (bodies) and psychological processes (thoughts,
emotions, beliefs and attitudes) are expressions of energy. Therefore, all bodies are
believed to be infused with a “subtle” energy or life force. This life force is known by
a variety of terms corresponding to different traditions. In traditional Chinese
medicine it is called qi (pronounced CHEE), in the Judeo-Christian tradition it is
called spirit, and in Ayurvedic medicine it is represented in the doshas.

In therapies involving this subtle energy field, it is believed that health is determined
by the overall flow and balance of a person’s vital life force energy. Imbalances or
blockages in the natural flow of the subtle energy fields in the body cause illness.
Therapies such as acupuncture and acupressure are all believed to act by correcting
imbalances in the flow of subtle energy along the meridians, or energy channels. In
therapies such as healing touch, Reiki and even prayer, a healer is believed to emit or
transmit the vital energy to a recipient as a way to restore health.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture originated as part of the Traditional Chinese Medical System (TCM),

and today is often practiced in the West as a stand-alone treatment. This treatment
involves the (virtually) painless insertion of very fine needles shallowly into the skin
at points all over the body. The points chosen by the practitioner are very specific and
correspond to points along the meridians—or channels of vital energy flow—
throughout the body. Acupuncture has been well studied and proven effective in
treating a variety of conditions, especially pain.

QiGong and Tai Chi

These related therapies originated in the medical system developed centuries ago in
China called Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). These techniques involve the use
of meditation, movement and breath regulation to improve or rebalance the flow of
vital energy. These slow, gentle movements can be performed by virtually anyone,
regardless of age or fragility. Research has shown that regular use of qigong or Tai
Chi exercises can improve circulation, improve immune function and promote a
relaxation response in the body. In China today, these therapies are used in many
hospitals along with conventional medicine to treat cancer, heart disease and digestive
problems.

Reiki/Healing Touch and Therapeutic Touch

Each of these energy medicine techniques involve the movement of a healer’s hands
over the patient’s body, sometimes without actually touching the body. The
practitioner uses his or her hands to sense imbalances of energy and to strengthen,
correct or redirect the subtle energy flow as a means to promoting health. While these
modalities have not yet been well researched, there is some casual evidence to suggest
they could be helpful in a wide variety of illnesses such as stress related physical
symptoms, pain, high blood pressure and other heart conditions.

QiGong and Tai Chi

These related therapies originated in the medical system developed centuries ago in
China called Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). These techniques involve the use
of meditation, movement and breath regulation to improve or rebalance the flow of
vital energy. These slow, gentle movements can be performed by virtually anyone,
regardless of age or fragility. Research has shown that regular use of qigong or Tai
Chi exercises can improve circulation, improve immune function and promote a
relaxation response in the body. In China today, these therapies are used in many
hospitals along with conventional medicine to treat cancer, heart disease and digestive
problems.

Reiki/Healing Touch and Therapeutic Touch

Each of these energy medicine techniques involve the movement of a healer’s hands
over the patient’s body, sometimes without actually touching the body. The
practitioner uses his or her hands to sense imbalances of energy and to strengthen,
correct or redirect the subtle energy flow as a means to promoting health. While these
modalities have not yet been well researched, there is some casual evidence to suggest
they could be helpful in a wide variety of illnesses such as stress related physical
symptoms, pain, high blood pressure and other heart conditions.

he Elders Speak
Story by: Jo Mooy

Elders are everywhere and their numbers are growing worldwide. You see them on the
streets, waiting for buses, in stores, and banks. All of them were born in the 1900′s.
They witnessed horrific wars, and the evil one human can inflict upon another in the
name of religion, nation, or culture. Yet, they have persevered and, in many cases,
thrived. Surely, they have something to say – perhaps some words of wisdom about
their longevity, what they had experienced in life, or give advice to the younger
generations of the 21st century.

As my travels took me to various places this year, I asked the Elders I met on these
trips the same two questions. What is the most important thing you learned in your
lifetime? What is the one message you would leave for your grandchildren? Sensing
that these were important questions and should be answered properly, all of them took
time to think before answering. Their answers were unique, varied and compelling.
These Elders stood out not just in their comments but in their attitudes about life. The
oldest was 99, the youngest 78.

Buddy, a Korean war veteran walks the beach at dawn most weekends. His metal
detector, which looks like an extension to his arm, distinguishes a unique tone when
gold or silver is discovered under the sands. With headphones tuned to the sounds, he
shared stories of his many finds. His answers to my questions were short and concise.
In answer to the first, his eyes got a faraway look. Then he said, “Too many guys died
in Korea.” In answer to the second: “Wars change nothing. We don’t belong there!”
Realizing that the scars of that war still held Buddy, evidenced by the Korean War Vet
baseball cap he wore, I changed the subject and asked him what he thought about
when he walked the beach. He said, “Nothing. My mind is calm and clear.” And then
he went on down the beach listening for the high pitched hum of gold.

Gladys, the oldest at 99 and last of several siblings, grew up in the mountains of
Tennessee. She is hard of hearing now but every day she exercises her swollen legs
and ankles by pushing her tennis-ball covered walker around the block. If you say
“Good morning, Gladys,” she responds, “I’m fine.” If you ask her “What time is it?”,
she responds “I’m fine.” So, her answers, simpler than Buddy’s, were surprising and
humorous. She said of the first question, “Get your hair done every week.” And of the
second, “Gotta keep moving.” She does.

Bob, in his mid-eighties, was in great shape. Walking briskly across a trail in southern
Utah he was delighted to engage in conversation. He talked about his Mormon faith
and of the blessings and bounty it had brought to him and his wife. He proudly
revealed he had eight children, forty grandchildren, and twelve great-grandchildren. I
said, “Bob, I’d like to ask you a question or two.” Before I could actually phrase the
questions, he answered with such confidence, that I knew he had given it thought long
before our conversation. He said, “Three things. Be charitable. Always have a good
attitude. And last, believe in something greater than yourself.” Then he repeated,
“Don’t forget charity. It all starts there and that’s due to God’s blessings.”

Betty is the 90-year-old, last surviving Elder of four generations. Her blue eyes
sparkle when she tells stories, some of which are punctuated with an infectious laugh.
She does the daily newspaper crossword, her record to completion – mid-morning.
“Keeps the mind sharp,” she tells me. The greatest thing in her life was her three
children, though she grew sad recounting the story of her stillborn first son. I asked
her if she believed in the afterlife. She said a few months after her husband died she
saw him sitting in his chair: he called out her name. I repeated the question about the
afterlife, but she only replied, “I don’t know.” When I switched to the last question,
“What message would you leave for your grandchildren,” she got very serious, so I
expected something profound. Instead, she put her head back into the sun’s rays and
said, “Laugh often – even if you have to laugh at yourself.” Then she bubbled in
laughter.

A Buddhist loving kindness mantra goes like this: May all beings be well. May all
beings be happy. May all beings find peace. The simple messages of the Elders to
future generations incorporate all those attributes. And, they could be made a part of
any spiritual practice. Be well by getting your hair done (Gladys) and having a good
attitude (Bob). Be happy by doing something enjoyable (Buddy’s treasure hunting on
the beach) and laughing (Betty). And last, finding peace. Each of these Elders had a
message for that. Bob said believe in a higher power and give to charity. Betty said
she did not know when asked about the afterlife though I could tell she thought of it
often. Buddy said we should avoid war. And Gladys summed it up well by saying we
should keep moving. For movement is the sound of lives being lived in happiness,
wellness and peace!