I've recently received an influx of questions around the biofield, and honestly I love that we are a place where it's becoming a more common discussion! As holistic health practices become more visible and accessible, these are the conversations we should be having as a collective.
So what is the biofield? The biofield is a large field of energy that surrounds and extends out from the body about 8 feet. No part of the energy system is visible to the human eye but the biofield can be felt with the hands, often through either pressure or temperature changes. Biofield therapies are defined as approaches which work directly with the subtle energy field that surrounds the body. The subtle energy system is made up of three components: meridians, chakras, and the biofield or aura.
- Chakras: which are energy centers that correspond with organs and nerves
- Meridians: which are energy lines throughout the body
- Auras: which is the energy field that encloses the body
The therapies differ in their approaches and methodology, but a practitioner usually uses their hands to alter and redirect an individual’s energy flow, or “biofield.” The idea is that the body is naturally capable of healing itself, though this may take time. Practitioners believe that biofield therapies enhance the natural healing process and improve the body’s ability to heal itself. Treatments to the biofield can aid in healing of both physical and mental blockages and pain.
During a biofield therapy session, the client typically lies on a massage table; always fully clothed, and the practitioner uses their hands to assess the client’s energy field. They then send energy to the client through their hands. They may place their hands on the client’s body or transmit the energy without touching them. The biofield therapies share certain elements in common: there are little to no side effects and they are not invasive.
Common Biofield Therapy:
Reiki: This is based on an Eastern belief that vital energy flows through your body. The idea is that a Reiki practitioner uses gentle touch -- or places their hands just above your body -- to help guide this energy in a way that promotes balance and healing. During my sessions, we work through Physical, Emotional and Spiritual biofields for each.
Reiki healing targets the flow of energy and removes blockages. Improving the flow of energy in and around the body can enable relaxation, reduce pain, speed healing, and reduce other symptoms of illness. You can learn more about what to expect in Whitmark sessions.
Therapeutic Touch: This is a precursor to Healing Touch and Chronic Healing therapies. A nurse named Dolores Krieger developed it in the 1970s and it was the first program to connect biofield healing with healthcare.
Healing Touch: Developed in 1989 by a nurse named Janet Mentgen, this is similar to Reiki but has more structure. Practitioners believe that healing stems from shifts in energy rather than the touch of the hands. The benefits include lymphatic release, chakra connection, and other healing practices.
Pranic Healing: Practitioners work with the biofield using colors and crystals.
Qigong: This integrates movements, breathing, self-massage, sound, and focus. There are many styles of qigong, which translates as “vital energy.” People can use this technique on their own or with a practitioner.
Active holistic health practitioners agree that biofield therapy can work on a specific area or ailment; or simply improve physical, mental, and emotional health if a person actively pursues these treatments as whole health maintenance. Simply put: a person may use it to support their wellness and prevent health problems or treat current concerns. Most practitioners, like myself, suggest a whole health approach for these treatments alongside traditional methods to amplify healing.
For those who are interested in more detailed science and documented research, I suggest this article from the National Library of Medicine. As always, I ask you to keep an open mind and honor what feels comfortable to you. Energy healing has been a life changing experience for myself in both physical and emotional realms and I am grateful to share that positive energy with my clients and community.