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 name: Physical, Quantum and Subtle.

Physical Energy Fields (Also referred to as Newtonian) we can see or verify 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 mid range of the spectrum is still new to measurement, but research in that area suprisingly gave rise to the term “Subtle,” when it was discovered that observation, thought and intention can change outcome of quantum phenomena and 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.

These Subtle Energy Medicines often include light touch or hands-above-the-body and work with clearing and enhancing energy within the body as well as guiding and channeling additional beneficial energy into the recipient’s Energy System. As Subtle Energy is not contained by time or space, these practices may also be utilized to “send energy” to a distant recipient.


—The world and everything in it is interdependent.

—A person’s health and quality of life is affected by the health and quality of the energy system*


—All life experiences both positive and negative are recorded and stored in the energy system.

—Healing takes place within the self and is influenced by the persons receiving and giving.

—The energy system is influenced by the environment, thoughts, emotions and actions of the self and others.

—Becoming centered* and grounded are the first steps in facilitating and healing.

Subtle Energy Medicines Continues to Complement Traditional and Alternative Health Care Practices. It Does Not Replace Them.

Willow Rose LPC CHT is a Licensed Transpersonal Psychotherapist and Clinical Hypnotherapist (focusing on Spiritual Regression including Current Life, Past Life and Between Lives States) and specializing in honoring our Human Embodiment and the healing~evolution of our Human Soul. She is a Spirit Path Medicines~Shamanic Practitioner and is listed as a Provider on Sandra Ingerman’s Site: www.shamanicteachers.com

Willow holds degrees in Interdisciplinary Religious Studies, is an Ordained Minister in the Circle of the Sacred Earth and has worked as an Interfaith Chaplain in Hospital and Hospice settings. She “officially” began her study of Subtle Energy Medicines as a teenager in the early 1970’s, learning from Hawai’ian and Native American teachers. Willow began studying Reiki in 1989, becoming a “Reiki Master,” in the Usui tradition in 1998 and also in the Reiki Genesis tradition in 1999. Willow has studied Healing Touch through Level 4. She has provided Subtle Energy Medicines in venues as diverse as hospice, convalescent centers, chemotherapy facilities, free clinics and as an Interfaith Chaplain in ICU’s and ER’s.