top of page
Search

How Does Energy Healing Really Work? Exploring the Science and Possibilities

Energy healing encompasses various practices and philosophies that claim to harness or manipulate a person’s “energy field” to promote physical, psychological, or spiritual well-being. Despite its widespread popularity, especially in complementary and alternative medicine, the mechanisms of action for energy healing remain controversial.


How does energy healing work?

Major Theoretical Mechanisms of Energy Healing


Biofield and Electromagnetic Influences for Energy Healing

A core principle of many energy healing modalities is the concept of the “biofield”, an organizing, energetic matrix or field that is believed to regulate biological processes and health. Some scientists describe the biofield as a complex, dynamic field of electromagnetic and possibly other energies that surrounds and permeates living organisms [1].


There is experimental evidence that some energy healing interventions can shift patterns in electrical signaling, brain waves, and electromagnetic fields in the body in targeted ways, which may explain some rapid psychological effects seen with these therapies [2]. Nonetheless, the nature and measurement of this biofield are still debated, as subtle energies are, by definition, often undetectable by standard scientific instrumentation.


Placebo and Contextual Effects for Energy Healing

A significant body of literature supports the idea that therapeutic outcomes in energy healing can be strongly influenced by psychological and contextual factors inherent in the healer-client relationship. Elements such as intention, attention, the skillful presence of the healer, and the ritual surrounding the practice may trigger innate healing mechanisms in the recipient [3]. Unlike a mere placebo response, these effects may be substantial, influencing pain, immune, and motor functions through neurobiological pathways activated by positive expectations, the therapeutic encounter, or altered states of consciousness [4].


Quantum and Subtle Energies for Energy Healing

Some theoretical frameworks assert that energy healing operates through quantum effects, such as quantum entanglement, proposing that “healer intention” or consciousness may instantaneously impact a recipient at a distance [5]. Certain studies report changes in biological materials and cell cultures following so-called non-contact or distant healing, suggesting nonlocal effects that current biophysical models cannot easily explain [6]. While these results are intriguing, the evidence for quantum mechanisms remains preliminary and highly contested within mainstream science [2].


Physiological and Cellular Effects for Energy Healing

Some energy healing techniques, including various light, sound, or electrical stimulation therapies, have demonstrable physiological effects. For example, low-level laser therapy and piezoelectric stimulation can enhance cell proliferation and migration, speeding up wound healing by modulating reactive oxygen species and related cellular pathways [7][8]. However, these modalities are more closely aligned with biophysical medicine than with subjective energy healing, yet are often grouped under the broader “energy medicine” umbrella [9][10].


Demonstrable Clinical Outcomes for Energy Healing

Numerous studies report improvements in quality of life, reduction in anxiety, improved range of motion, and other clinical outcomes with biofield and energy healing practices [11][12]. Systematic reviews and controlled trials indicate that, while many effects could be attributed to placebo, there are documented, measurable improvements beyond what would be expected by chance [13]. Proving that energy healing has a clinical significant result in the majority of patients.


Mechanisms of Action Proposed for Energy Healing

Proposed Mechanism

Scientific Support

Example Citation

Biofield/bioelectromagnetics observable shifts

Moderate, but mechanistic dispute

[2]

Placebo & contextual/relationship-driven effects

Strong

[3]

Quantum/nonlocal (entanglement, intention-at-distance)

Weak/preliminary

[5]

Physiological (cellular, biophysical) mechanisms

Strong for some modalities

[7]

Measurable clinical outcomes (anxiety, pain, mobility)

Moderate, mixed evidence

[11]

Changes to physical/chemical properties of substances

Preliminary, needs replication

[14]


Challenges and Controversies

  • Measurement Difficulties: Many forms of “subtle energy” are not measurable by conventional instruments, leading to skepticism in mainstream biomedical science [2].

  • Replication and Standardization: Effects are sometimes inconsistent and difficult to replicate, which challenges scientific consensus [4].

  • Overlap with Placebo: Parsing the specific contribution of “energy” versus psychological/contextual effects is difficult [3].


In short, energy healing may work through a combination of psychological, contextual, electromagnetic, and possibly quantum mechanisms. While robust physiological effects can be observed with some biophysical therapies, effects attributed to energy or consciousness remain an area of active and sometimes controversial research. Further controlled studies are necessary to clarify the specific mechanisms, distinguish placebo from direct effects, and integrate energy healing into evidence-based care.


Become A Global Energy Method Practitioner


If you feel called to explore these mysteries, the Global Energy Method™ (GEM) is your path forward. GEM uniquely combines science with decades of holistic healing methods to create the most in-depth and evolutionary energy healing certification possible.


As a practitioner, you’ll gain the skills and structure to:

  • Work with the body’s biofield in a clear, repeatable way

  • Support emotional, psychological, spiritual, and physical healing

  • Access advanced tools for session customization and client transformation

  • Build a career where you don’t just help people, you help them awaken their innate ability to heal


And here’s the best part: when you complete your certification, you’ll also be eligible for Board Certification through the American Naturopathic Medical Certification Board, giving you professional credibility and recognition in the growing field of natural health.


Click HERE to learn more and start your journey as a certified Global Energy Method™ practitioner.


References


  1. B. Rubik, D. Muehsam, R. Hammerschlag, S. Jain, "Biofield Science and Healing: History, Terminology, and Concepts," SAGE Publishing, 2014. https://doi.org/10.7453/gahmj.2015.038.suppl

  2. D. Feinstein, "The Energy of Energy Psychology," OBM Integrative and Complementary Medicine, 2022. https://doi.org/10.21926/obm.icm.2202015

  3. D. Newell, L. Lothe, T. J. L. Raven, "Contextually Aided Recovery (CARe): a scientific theory for innate healing," Chiropractic & Manual Therapies, 2017. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12998-017-0137-z

  4. S. Warber, R. L. Bruyere, K. Weintrub, P. Dieppe, "A consideration of the Perspectives of Healing Practitioners on Research into Energy Healing," SAGE Publishing, 2014. https://doi.org/10.7453/gahmj.2015.014.suppl

  5. M. Trivedi, A. Branton, D. Trivedi, S. Mondal, S. Jana, "The use of biofield energy therapy as complementary and alternative medicine in human health care system: a narrative review and potential mechanisms," Journal of Complementary and Integrative Medicine, 2024. https://doi.org/10.1515/jcim-2024-0027

  6. M. Taheri, S. Torabi, F. Semsarha, "An In Vitro Investigation of T-Consciousness Fields'' Effects on Wound Healing through Scratch Assay," None, 2025. https://doi.org/10.61450/joci.v4i16.205

  7. E. Mathioudaki, M. Rallis, K. Politopoulos, E. Alexandratou, "Photobiomodulation and Wound Healing: Low-Level Laser Therapy at 661 nm in a Scratch Assay Keratinocyte Model," Annals of Biomedical Engineering, 2023. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10439-023-03384-x

  8. J. Dai et al., "Piezoelectric dressings for advanced wound healing.," Journal of materials chemistry. B, 2024. https://doi.org/10.1039/d3tb02492j

  9. S. Tam, V. C. Tam, S. Ramkumar, M. L. Khaw, H. Law, S. W. Y. Lee, "Review on the Cellular Mechanisms of Low-Level Laser Therapy Use in Oncology," Frontiers in Oncology, 2020. https://doi.org/10.3389/fonc.2020.01255

  10. M. Berni et al., "The Role of Low-Level Laser Therapy in Bone Healing: Systematic Review," International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2023. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms24087094

  11. M. Trivedi, A. Branton, D. Trivedi, S. Mondal, S. Jana, "Effects of distant biofield energy healing on adults associated with psychological and mental health-related symptoms: a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study.," Health Psychology Research, 2024. https://doi.org/10.52965/001c.122225

  12. A. L. Baldwin, K. Fullmer, G. E. Schwartz, "Comparison of Physical Therapy with Energy Healing for Improving Range of Motion in Subjects with Restricted Shoulder Mobility," Hindawi Publishing Corporation, 2012. https://doi.org/10.1155/2013/329731

  13. S. Bhatt, P. Banerjee, B. Sindhu, P. Nayar, A. Puri, S. Gupta, "Subconscious Energy Healing Therapy (SEHT) in Anxiety Management: A Holistic Approach for Young Mental Health Professionals," World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 2024. https://doi.org/10.30574/wjarr.2024.24.2.3478

  14. M. Trivedi, A. Branton, D. Trivedi, S. Jana, "Structural Characterization and Isotopic Abundance Ratio Analysis of the Consciousness Energy Healing Treated Ofloxacin," Journal of Current Scientific Research, 2021. https://doi.org/10.14302/issn.2766-8681.jcsr-21-3770

  15. G. Nayak, M. K. Trivedi, A. Branton, D. Trivedi, S. Jana, "Evaluation of the Effect of Consciousness Energy Healing Treatment on the Physicochemical and Thermal Properties of Selenium," None, 2018. https://doi.org/10.14302/issn.2377-2549.jndc-18-2315

  16. S. Jana, "Impact of Consciousness Energy Healing Treatment on the Physicochemical and Thermal Properties of Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol)," None, 2018. https://doi.org/10.23880/fsnt-16000162

  17. D. Trivedi, M. Trivedi, A. Branton, G. Nayak, S. Jana, "Impact of Consciousness Energy Healing Treatment on the Physicochemical and Thermal Properties of Silver Oxide," Journal of Advanced Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, 2018. https://doi.org/10.14302/ISSN.2328-0182.JAPST-18-2314

  18. M. K. Trivedi, S. Jana, "Evaluation of the physicochemical, thermal and behavioural properties of consciousness energy healing treated iron (II) sulphate," None, 2019. https://doi.org/10.33263/briac95.292300


 
 
 

Comments

bottom of page