E
Energy medicine/energy field medicine
Description
Energy – or vibrational – medicine is based on the concept that each individual has not only a physical and biochemical basis, but also a complex system of energy which facilitates homeostasis and which is subsidiary to the earth’s universal energy field. It is thought that the human body has six dynamic energy systems flowing through and around it, variously termed ‘life-force’, ‘aura’, ‘vital force’ (homeopathy), prana (Ayurvedic medicine), Qi (Chinese medicine) or Ki (Japanese medicine). There are six energy systems: acoustic, thermal, elastic, electromagnetic, photonic and gravitational energy. It is believed that disturbances in the individual’s energy field, either from internal sources such as trauma, stored emotions, negative thoughts and actions or from external sources, including infective organisms and environmental factors result in lowered vitality leading to disease of the body, mind or spirit. During treatment, the practitioner’s and patient’s energy fields are connected by a two-way energy exchange which forms an energy or auric field, which is then focused therapeutically to promote wellness and healing.
Bio-electromagnetic therapy/magnetic field therapy/electromagnetic therapy
Description
Colour therapy
Description
This therapy has its roots in antiquity when colour and light were used to treat disease and healing temples were painted in specific colours. In Ayurvedic medicine, colours are considered to have particular properties, e.g. red is stimulating and warming, while silver is cooling. Modern colour therapy works on the principle that certain organs and systems of the body respond to the frequency, wavelength and energy of specific colour treatments applied to different parts of the body; the colours correcting physical and mental vibrational imbalances. For example, blue is used to treat insomnia; pink to reduce aggression; green for nervous tension. Therapy may be directed at the chakras of the body, a component of Ayurvedic and other traditional medicine systems. Treatment will also include recommended colour choices of clothes, food and the person’s environment. Aura-soma involves self-selection of four significant colours which are thought to represent the current physical and emotional state of the affected person; daily dermal application of these colours enables the body to absorb the colour in order for homeostasis to be restored. Colour-puncture is a derivative of acupuncture which directs selected coloured light onto acupuncture points in the belief that the skin is photosensitive, the colour therefore being absorbed into the skin and penetrating the body’s cells.
Crystal/gem therapy
Description
In this therapy, gems or crystals are used to detect and clear energy blockages and promote health and well-being. It is based on the theory that crystalline substances collect, focus and emit electromagnetic energy; in Ayurvedic medicine, crystals are particularly targeted to restore chakra balance. Different crystals are used for different conditions and are sometimes rendered down to a fine powder and combined with plant essences for particular treatments. Electro-crystal therapy, a later development by Harry Oldfield in 1988, employs a system of pulsed high-frequency currents and electromagnetic induction. Selected crystals are added to a saline solution, applied to the person’s body and a current of electricity is passed through the solution to initiate healing. It is based on the belief that each of the body’s tissues resonates to a specific frequency, which is altered by illness: healing is achieved by applying the appropriate frequency, via the gems, to the diseased area. The electro-frequencies most used in electro-crystal therapy are those emanated by the chakras, between 1 Hz and 45 kHz.
Environmental medicine/clinical ecology
Description
This therapy is based on the 1940s work of Theron Randolph and focuses on the effects of environmental factors such as pollution, environmental chemicals, electromagnetic radiation and geopathic stress on the human body. These are thought to cause abnormal behaviour, allergies, asthma, cancer, mood changes, reproductive dysfunction and neurological illnesses in susceptible people. The response to exposure to these factors depends on the person’s susceptibility and can manifest differently from person to person, depending on genetics, nutritional status and effectiveness of detoxifying pathways. Treatment is determined after taking a careful history, with special attention to the home and work environment, followed by allergy testing, an elimination diet if appropriate or other diagnostic techniques and may include avoidance of the relevant toxins, desensitization and teaching the person specific techniques to cope with the problem.
Healing touch/biotherapy
Description
Healing touch is actually a non-touch intervention developed by nurse, Janet Mentgen, and is an amalgam of her own energy-based techniques with those from other therapies such as Therapeutic Touch, Healing Science and Native American (Hopi Indian) traditions.
Krieger–Kuntz method (formerly therapeutic touch)
Description
This technique was developed by Dr Delores Krieger and Dora van Kuntz and has long been incorporated into American nursing practice. It is based on the ancient concept of ‘laying on of hands’ and aims to re-balance and re-pattern the energy field surrounding the patient. The practitioner centres him/herself and focuses on the intention to heal. S/he moves the hands over the patient, noting any imbalances in the aura as identified by changes in temperature, pressure, rhythm or tingling sensation, then returns to these areas and uses a head-to-toe smoothing action (called unruffling) and re-patterns the disturbed energy field, bringing it back into harmony by intent and visualization.
‘Laying on of hands’
Description
The concept of laying on of hands has been recorded since ancient times. There has been renewed interest in the area of energy medicine in recent years and the increased popularity of such therapies as reiki and the Krieger–Kunz method of Therapeutic Touch indicates its acceptance. Energy field disturbance is now a method of nursing diagnosis in America.
Pattern therapy
Description
This therapy is based on the notion that geometric shapes exert power over our spiritual lives and can aid healing, a concept acknowledged by many ancient cultures which understood the importance of patterns or shapes, especially in buildings. Pattern therapy was developed by Dr A Westlake, who found that patterns can be a valuable aid to psionic medicine. The relevant remedy is placed in the centre of a three-dimensional pattern, shapes and forms being aesthetically pleasing and contributing to a healing environment. An example of this is anthroposophical clinics which are constructed with smooth rounded walls to provide a calm and relaxing atmosphere.
Polarity therapy
Description
Evidence:
Some authorities have investigated the potential use of polarity therapy for people with dementia.
Sound therapy/auditory stimulation
Description
Music is the most commonly used form of sound therapy. In toning, the person relieves stress by forming elongated vowel sounds thought to resonate through the body, similar in concept to Gregorian chanting. Cymatic therapy uses computerized sound waves transmitted through the skin in a similar manner to acupuncture and is based on the theory that illness is caused by unbalanced resonance in the specific tissue, the use of the correct sound frequency helping to re-balance the tissues and promote healing. Infratonic QGM machine therapy uses sound frequencies to reduce pain and ease headaches and is thought to simulate the secondary sound waves emitted by Qigong masters. The Tomatis method simulates the stages of hearing development from intrauterine life to a baby’s first sounds (called sonic birth) and re-patterns the hearing range and attention span. In cases of hearing loss, the ear is stimulated by listening at low volume to highly filtered classical music presenting alternating high and low tones. Auditory integration training, developed by French physician Guy Berard, is based on the belief that behavioural and cognitive disorders are due to distorted perception of sound frequencies; treatment involves the use of a device which desensitizes people who are hypersensitive to high frequency sounds.
Zero balancing
Description
Zero balancing was developed by an American doctor and osteopath in 1973, Dr Fritz Smith. It aims to restore energy flow throughout the body, particular attention being paid to weight-bearing joints, eyes and breathing patterns in order to balance deeper structures which are the conduits of the body’s energy. Re-balanced energy flow is claimed to improved posture and to promote physical, mental and spiritual homeostasis.
