Subtle Energy Medicines

Broadly speaking, science describes energy as information that vibrates. In the writing of Aristotle, the word energy is derived from the Greek, “energeia”, meaning “being at work.” This vital force is the impetus behind all movement and activity and we often use the word as a measure of how we are feeling, such as “feeling full or lacking energy.”

Every thing is made of energy expressed as patterns, and this understanding is the cornerstone of energy medicine and healing. Some patterns we can see and experience through our five senses: sight, sound, taste, smell, and touch. Other patterns are too subtle for our senses to pick up…most humans can not physically see a thought, taste a feeling, smell intuition or touch the sky. Yet these subtle energies have enormous influence on the state of our health.

There is a Spectrum of layered Energy fields that simultaneously occupy different planes in the same spectrum of life. You might think of these layers as beginning with the most “dense” to the more “light.” From a scientific perspective, the three energy layers are named: Physical, Quantum and Subtle.

Physical Energy Fields (Also referred to as Newtonian) can be seen or verified in specific ways: It’s electrical in nature, gives rise to gravity, has wavelengths and frequencies that can be measured in some diagnostic ways such as MRI, PET, laser eye surgery, cardiac pacemakers, radiation therapy.

Quantum Energy or the mid range of the spectrum is still new to measurement, but research in that area surprisingly gave rise to the term “Subtle,” when it was discovered that observation, thought and intention can change outcome of quantum phenomena including what one is attempting to measure, describe or predict.

The term “Subtle,” is a misnomer as there is actually nothing subtle about this energy. It is expansive, reactive, powerful and creative. The “energy body” and “energies” referred to by different energetic therapies are actually expressions of this subtle energy spectrum.

“Subtle Energy,” is a term now used along with Energy Medicine to describe subtle or low intensity levels of energy which may not be measureable but still appear to cause a clear effect.

Subtle Energy work enhances the natural healing process of the body by treating the whole human energy field. It is used for many purposes: to treat and prevent illness, relieve pain, increase energy, restore optimism and hope, reduce stress and promote a sense of well being.

Ancient and Modern Practices that work with the Subtle Energy Fields include, prayer, Reiki, Therapeutic and Healing Touch, some Shamanic Healing Modalities, as well as practices that engage the physical body and also effect the subtle body as well. Some examples are Tai Chi, Chi Gong, Yoga, Acupuncture and many others.