Healing and The Human Energy Field

Baginski, B. J., & Sharamon, S. (1985). Reiki: Universal life energy. Mendocino, CA: LifeRhythm.

An introduction to Reiki.

Bailey, A. A. (1953). Esoteric healing. (Vol. IV). New York: Lucis Publishing Company.

One of the seminal books in energy healing. There is a great deal of information but it is not an easy read.

Brennan, B. A. (1987). Hands of light. New York: Bantam Books

This introduction to Brennan's work contains a combination of physics, metaphysics, psychology and energy work. This is a book you would read several times, especially if you are an energy worker.

Brennan, B. A. (1993). Light emerging. New York: Bantam Books.

Barbara Brennan places the events of healing by means of manipulating the human energy field within the context of the holographic model. The human energy field and various energetic methods of healing the individual are presented in depth. The author discusses the importance of healing being a partnership between the individual, traditional health care professionals and non-traditional health care professionals. Whereas traditional medicine usually downplays individual responsibility in health and healing, Brennan emphasizes the importance of individual responsibility in both healing and wellness.

Bruyere, R. L. (1994). Wheels of light. New York: Simon & Schuster.

Bruyere discusses the chakras in general and then focuses on the first chakra for most of this book. It is excellent.

Capra, Fritjof. (1991). The Tao of physics (3rd edition). Boston: Shambhala.

Capra brings together the evolving views of the "new" physics and Eastern mysticism. As he precedes through the elements of protons, neutrons, quarks, hadrons and other elements, he gives his theories on how the interrelationships of all elements is complementary to the views of Eastern mysticism. Basically, he proposes that the findings of the new physics demonstrate there are no fundamental elements, but only relationships of interconnection. are in accordance with mysticism which, also, views the world as a series of interconnections.

Davies, Paul & John Gribbin. (1992). The matter myth: Dramatic discoveries that challenge our understanding of physical reality. New York: Simon & Schuster.

Davies and Gribbin explore aspects of physics from a cosmological basis. The other sources I have read regarding quantum physics have delved into the microcosmic aspect of physics rather than the macrocosmic universe. Constructs such as space-time, black holes and cosmic holes are examined on the cosmological level. Photons, neutrons, particles and anti-particles are examined on the microcosmic level.

Gerber, R. (1988). Vibrational medicine. Sante Fe, NM: Bear & Company.

Gerber examines vibrational medicine from the standpoint of what is used today (lasers, PET, MRI and CT scans, radiation) and those vibrational medicines not accepted in the traditional medical community (homeopathy, crystals). He has an excellent introductory chapter on the "new" physics.

Gunther, B. (1983). Energy ecstasy and your seven vital chakras. North Hollywood, CA: Newcastle Publishing Company, Inc.

Contains good information and exercises.

Hayes, J. S. (1990). Comparison of Therapeutic Touch and casual touch in stress reduction of hospitalized children. Pediatric Nursing, 16(4), 483-485.

The results of a study on therapeutic touch.

Heidt, P. (1981). Effect of Therapeutic Touch on anxiety level of hospitalized patients. Nursing Research, 30(1), 32-37.

The results of a study on therapeutic touch.

Hill, L., & Oliver, N. (1993). Technique integration: Therapeutic Touch and theory-based mental health nursing. Journal of Psychosocial Nursing & Mental Health Services, 31(2), 19-22, 7.

The results of a study on therapeutic touch.

Horan, P. (1992). Empowerment through Reiki. Wilmont, WI: Lotus Light Publications.

An explanation of Reiki.

Hover-Kramer, Dorothea, Janet Mentgen and Sharon Scandrett-Hibdon. (1996). Healing Touch: A resource for health care professionals. New York: Delmar Publishers.

Healing Touch is an excellent explication of hands-on energy medicine. The authors give introductory information, introductory and advanced techniques, and references for further study, on the energy body. Various techniques used in the Healing Touch program from Level I through Advanced Practice are discussed. Being a Certified Healing Touch Practitioner and having attended classes on all these techniques, the discussion of the techniques was an excellent review. I'm not sure how effective it would be for those having no experience in hands-on energy work. The authors pay particular attention to the intention of the healing facilitator and to the development of the healer.

Hughes, P. P., Meize-Grochowski, R., & Harris, C. N. D. (1996). Therapeutic Touch with adolescent psychiatric patients. Journal of Holistic Nursing, 14(1), 6-23.

The results of a study on therapeutic touch.

Hunt, Valerie V. (1996). Infinite mind: Science of the human vibration of consciousness. Malibu, CA: Malibu Publishing Co.

This book is for anyone who wants to see the scientific measurement of the human energy field. Dr. Hunt brings together her 30 years of research into the human energy field. The book contains exhibits of the various graphs of the energy field under various circumstances.

Woven into Infinite mind is Dr. Hunt's personal views on healing and spirituality. Although her view on spirituality contain little "scientific" basis as seen through graphs and charts, her views on healing are extrapolations of her measurements of the human energy field of both "healer and healee." Dr. Hunt believes that the measurement of the human energy field will diagnose illnesses before they are manifested in the physical body. Diagnosing in this manner would revolutionize medicine as we know it today.

Hunt, V. (1993). The human energy field and health [video]. Malibu, CA: Bioenergy Fields Foundation, Inc.

This is a video of a presentation she gave at a convention. It shows the fluctuations of the human energy field according to what an individual is doing.

Joy, W. B. (1979). Joy's way. New York: Jeremy P. Tarcher.

This is his story and the healing techniques he learned from others as well as his own discoveries. Joy's Way is an excellent first book in the field of energy medicine. An excellent introductory text for hand's on healing.

Kramer, N. A. (1990). Comparison of Therapeutic Touch and casual touch in stress reduction of hospitalized children. Pediatric Nursing, 16(5), 483-485.

The results of a study on therapeutic touch.

Krieger, Dolores. (1993). Accepting your power to heal. Sante Fe, New Mexico: Bear & Co.

This is my favorite Therapeutic Touch book. It contains an excellent description of how to do TT and fun exercises.

Kunz, D. v. G. (1991). The personal aura. Wheaton, Illinois: Quest Books.

Fascinating color pictures and interpretations by Kunz are contained in this book. This is how she sees the human energy field.

Kuthumi, & Kul, D. (1971). The human aura. Livingston, MT: Summit University Press.

This is a channeled book on the human energy field. It has excellent information which coincides with information from other traditions.

Leadbetter, C. W. (1927). The chakras. Wheaton, IL: The Theosophical Publishing House.

One of the first books on the chakras. The language is more suited to someone who has some knowledge of the chakras.

Myss, Caroline. (1996). Anatomy of the spirit: The seven stages of power and healing. New York: Harmony Books.

Dr. Myss gives great detail about each of the seven major chakras and how they affect the body/mind connection. She discusses the physical, emotional and energetic issues of each chakra. The information contained about the emotional and spiritual issues of the chakras complement the work of Aminah Raheem and Valerie Hunt.

A psychotherapist such as myself could easily apply the information given to specific therapeutic interventions. Dr. Myss's insistence upon releasing past hurts and living in the present are the primary focus of Anatomy of the Spirit and integral to the healing of the spirit.

Myss, C. (1997a). The energetics of healing [video]. Boulder, CO: Sounds True.

An excellent introductory video to her work.

Myss, C. (1997b). Why people don't heal and how they can. New York: Harmony Books.

A continuation of Anatomy of the Spirit and, in my opinion, much better written.

Olson, Melodie, Sneed, Nancee, LaVia, Marlano, Virella, Gabriel, Bonadonna, Ramita, & Michel, Yvonne. (1997). Stress-induced immunosuppression and Therapeutic Touch. Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine, 3(2), 68-73.

This pilot study was intended to ascertain whether further studies are warranted on the effect of Therapeutic Touch on immune suppression. Individuals under stress (preparation for professional board exams) were used for this study. Data was collected by means of subjective self-report instruments as well as blood serum levels measuring indicators for immune suppression. The results were mixed. There is some evidence that Therapeutic Touch can positively affect the immune system; however, the sample size was small and research methods need to be refined.

Olson, M. (1992). Therapeutic Touch and post-hurricane Huga stress. Journal of Holistic Nursing, 10(2), 120-136.

A research study demonstrating the efficacy of therapeutic touch during times of crisis.

Olson, M., & Sneed, N. (1995). Anxiety and Therapeutic Touch. Issues in Mental Health Nursing, 16, 97-108.

A research study on therapeutic touch.

Quinn, J. (1989). Therapeutic Touch as energy exchange: Replication and extension. Nursing Science Quarterly, 2(2), 79-87.

A research study on therapeutic touch.

Quinn, J. F., & Strelkauskas, A. J. (1993). Psychoimmunologic effects of therapeutic touch on practitioners and recently bereaved recipients: a pilot study. Advances in Nursing Science, 15(4), 13-26.

A research study on therapeutic touch.

Raheem, Aminah. (1991). Soul return: Integrating body, psyche & spirit. Santa Rosa, CA: Aslan Publishing.

Dr. Raheem integrates knowledge of the Chinese meridian system with psycho-spiritual development of the human person. She gives clear examples of how memories and emotions can be held in parts of the body along the corresponding meridian. The stimulation of the meridian releases the energy of the memory and emotion. These releases can then be integrated by the individual.

Rowlands, D. (1984). Therapeutic Touch: its effects on the depressed elderly. The Australian Nurses Journal, 13(11), 45-46, 62.

A research study on therapeutic touch.

Sherwood, Keith. (1992). Chakra therapy: For personal growth and healing. St. Paul, MN: Llewellyn.

Keith Sherwood combines information on the human energy field with various exercises for healing the aura. He first lays the groundwork for teaching energetic methods of self-healing by explaining the human energy system. He is able to do this using Western psychological concepts. His method makes his explanation of the energy system and its relationship to health understandable for the individual who has little knowledge of the Eastern concepts of energy. Mr. Sherwood is able to demonstrate how the philosophy of Plato and Aristotle, in conjunction with Judeo-Christian theology, have lead to a deep sense of alienation of individuals with themselves and The One. The exercises he gives are easy to follow and can lead to a re-connection with The One and with the self.

Simington, J. A., & Lang, G. P. (1993). Effects of therapeutic touch on anxiety in the institutionalized elderly. Clinical Nursing Research, 2(4), 438-50.

A research study on therapeutic touch.

Smith, F. F. (1989). Inner bridges: A guide to energy movement and body structure. Atlanta: Georgia: Humanics New Age.

Dr. Smith, the founder of Zero Balancing, brings together the anatomy of the human body with the anatomy of the human energy system. He demonstrates how the structure of the physical body determines the way energy moves about the body, thus determining the human energy anatomy. Dr. Smith also gives examples of how the energy of the body changes with certain "holds" in hands-on healing. The relaxation response is often induced. The change in the dynamics of the human energy system can enable changes within the physical and emotional structure of the individual.

Sui, Choa Kok. (1993). Pranic psychotherapy. York Beach, ME: Samuel Weiser, Inc.

In his book on psychotherapy, Sui gives a "cookbook" approach to the removing and giving of energy in bringing about healing of various types of psychological difficulties. He does not go into the psychodynamics of a disorder, but treats the disorder according to the energetic wounds that have developed. Using different colors of light chakras are repaired, congested energy relieved and depleted energy renewed. All techniques are done off the body. In the last part of the book, Sui has some testimonials regarding the effectiveness of pranic psychotherapy.

Sugano, Hisanobu, Uchida, Selya & Kuramoto, Itsuo. (1984). A new approach to the studies of subtle energies. Subtle Energies, 5(2), 143-166.

The researchers perform carefully controlled experiments to support the hypothesis that there is such a thing as subtle energies and that healers can produce effects in people and things through their own energy. The researchers used the measurements of EEG, pulse rate and blood pressure, the meridians, and the discharge pattern of leaves. The subjects were both adult and infant. The healers were both experienced and inexperienced.

The data demonstrated that there were significant changes under controlled conditions in the direction that healers did produce an effect upon the subjects even though the subjects could not know they were present, including distance healing. Greater changes were produced by experienced healers than by inexperienced healers. The experienced healers also had the greatest changes when doing the healing.

There was a change in the leaves when the healers focused energy on them. The "phantom" leaf effect, however, proved to be a result of the leaf losing water where it was cut. The drier the leaves, the less the "phantom" leaf effect.

Talbot, Michael. (1991). The holographic universe. New York: Harper Perennial.

Talbot clearly explains the holographic model based upon the "new" quantum physics. He gives the theories of various physicists, what sent them on the direction of their search, their difficulties with the theories they were working from at that time, and their present positions on the holographic model.

Basically, Talbot asserts that the holographic model most clearly explains what has been called the "unexplainable," such as various psychic phenomena. Talbot goes into some depth using the holographic model to explain various miracles such as the stigmata. He explains these through psychokinesis. The dream state is also explained by means of the holographic model.