The Science of Energy Therapies and Contemplative Practice

Abstract

The topic of energy therapies is prompted by the increasing attention of healthcare practitioners and consumers to Eastern philosophies and ancient healing practices. This article includes a conceptual framework of quantum physics principles providing the basis of interpretation of energetic phenomena, along with the exploration of theoretical concepts involving energy as a communicational network. An overview of the contemplative tradition of meditation indicates its necessity as a requisite element of energy therapies, the practice combining a knowledge base of the core scientific precepts with the experience of restorative strategies. The relevance of energy therapies as a path to self-transcendence along with the application of a specific touch technique, Zero Balancing, is highlighted.

Distant Healing by the Supposed Vital Energy – Scientific Bases

“…There are many studies on the effects in animals, plants, bacteria, yeasts, or cells in vitro, enzymes and DNA, many of which show highly significant effects [6]. Some studies indicate that the consciously focused intention can prevent the growth of tumor cells in vitro, and also influences both DNA replication and the conformation states of the DNA helix [5].…”

“…The biofield seem to interact with biological tissue at the cellular level, mimicking the response obtained when externally applied pulsed electromagnetic fields. The exchange of low-frequency energy could give up to 18 inches of the body, a distance that would include many therapies that do not involve touch [5] One theory that could explain the effects of distant healing is that the energy field of one person can interact with that of another, producing or inducing specific beneficial energetic signals within a patient. Living systems are regarded as complex, nonlinear, dynamic, selforganizing systems at a global or holistic level according to the principles of nonequilibrium thermodynamics of open systems and chaos theory.…”

Reflective Approaches in Nursing Education and Clinical Practice

“…Practicing professionals always have variation in their attitudes and capability to reflect. Denner [7] mentioned that reflection has meditation aspect which causes a change in brain alpha and theta wave activity and also increases the right hemisphere brain activity which is connected to our insights and leads to sudden awareness of correct answer to any verbal problem and leads to creativity. Many researchers have proved that self reflection involves the brain's cortical midline structures (CMS) any disturbance to the CMS causes difficulty in evaluating the difficult situation and there is tendency to overestimate one's personal abilities [8].…”

Human Energy Field: A Concept Analysis

“…The relevance of the HEF in nursing is also informed by work found in other disciplines. Denner (2009) reviewed the contribution of several scientists’ (e.g., Rauscher, 2005; Rein, 2004; Rubik, 2002; Schwartz & Russek, 1997; Smith, 1986) to the understanding of HEF, suggesting that quantum physics may bridge the gap between allopathic and energy medicine. Shields and Wilson (2016) presented a comprehensive historical and contemporary overview of physics and energy field theories in their discussion of energy healing.…”

“…Attention was paid to the references cited in these definitions and to the context in which the concept was used. (Table 1) The concept of the HEF in nursing literature is largely defined based on the work of Martha Rogers (Biley, 1993;Brekke & Schultz, 2006;Buenting, 1993;Butcher, 1996;Caratao-Mojica, 2015;Clarke, 1986;Compton, 1989;Denner, 2009;Erickson, 2007;Eschiti, 2006;France, 1993;Green, 1998;Gueldner et al, 2005;Hardin, 2004;Jackson et al, 2008;Kenney, 1993;Leddy, 2003Leddy, , 2004Reeder, 1999;Smith & Broida, 2007;Todaro-Franceschi, 1999Willis, DeSanto-Madeya, & Fawcett, 2015). Whether applied to practice, research, or philosophical inquiry, these authors build their discussions based on Rogers' Science of Unitary Human Beings, which was first introduced in 1970.…”