Below are some of the most frequently asked questions about energy healing, and my personal answers to them.
Who Can Practice Energy Healing?
Anyone can practice energy healing! There are no barriers to practicing energy healing; not age, physical ability, gender, or ethnicity. You don't even need to be religious to practice energy healing, as it does not require a belief in any God or such. However, it is worth remembering that many energy healing practices are integrated into deep spiritual practices which to some are considered to be religious or sacred. As such, please be aware of appropriation - appreciation is encouraged, but always be respectful of the belief systems these practices come from.
What Is Negative Energy?
You are probably familiar with the term 'negative energy', as it is definitely a phrase which has become more mainstream in recent years. But what exactly is it?
Energy is neutral; it is not positive or negative. It is our intention which determine whether energy is positive or negative. When we practice energy healing, we are working with the highest intention, and so channelling positive energy. However, negative energy does exist. Those who are angry, stressed, jealous, or hateful, can exude negative energy (accidentally or intentionally). Bad experiences and trauma can create negative energy which can bury itself deep within us. Energy can also linger, and so places where violent or upsetting scenarios played out can radiate negative energy.
Many energy systems believe that our energy radiates outwards, encompassing our outer body as well as inside of our bodies. Our energy can be influenced by the energy of others, and when you consider how many people we may interact with every day, that is a lot of opportunity for us to come into contact with negative energy! As such, we can learn techniques to cleanse our energy of negative, protect ourselves from it, and heal any negativity we may be harbouring.
Are There Any Risks to Energy Healing?
As with all things, there are some risks with energy healing. One of these main risks if you are practicing healing on others that you will wear yourself out by depleting your own energy stores. Often when we practice energy healing, we channel energy into ourselves before channelling it into our client - we act as a conduit for this energy to pass through. However, if not done correctly then you may find yourself using your own internal energy, rather than drawing on this external energy, which can leave you feeling drained.
Other risks include encountering energy vampires. Energy vampires are people that seem to suck all of the energy out of you. I'm sure you have met these people before; after even just a short conversation with them you feel tired and drained. Many people do not even realise that they do this, but some do engage in this practice deliberately. When you start working with your own energy and raising its vibration, it acts like a beacon, and you may find that you attract these sorts of people to you more. Knowing how to protect your energy is a core skill.
There are also more mundane risks that you need to be aware of. Unfortunately, even the spiritual community is not immune to scammers, so always make sure you do your research before engaging with services and the like.
Can I Practice Energy Healing on Myself?
Absolutely! In fact, it is encouraged. It is a great way to practice and experience energy healing for yourself, and find a system which works for you. Some systems, such as Reiki, require that you become 'attuned' or go through some sort of formal ceremony before you can practice it. However, I don't believe this should be a barrier to you trying things out and working out if a system is one you want to pursue more formally.
Can I Practice Energy Healing on Others?
Yes you can, but I recommend only doing so once you have practiced on yourself and feel confident and proficient in doing so before you begin to practice on another. Again, some systems require that you go through formal training before you can practice on others.
Many different countries also have their own bodies which oversee the practice of energy healing - for example, here in the UK we have the UK Reiki Federation and the CNHC (Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council). Whilst you may not legally need to be a member of these to practice, it can help raise your credibility. Similarly, there may be insurance considerations and such, so take your time to research the laws and general responsibilities as outlined by your own council/government.