Part 5 - Doctors and Energy Therapy

Western medicine, often rational and technical, is based on a long history of detailed and organized research and has proven itself over centuries. The progress and successes of Western medicine, particularly since the revolution of new technologies such as MRIs, body and tissue scanners, ultrasounds, laser surgery, and now AI, have amazed the world.

There is no doubt that Western medicine has its benefits, but it is important to note its limitations. While curative, it is often dehumanized and expensive.

Many specialized practitioners lack a holistic perspective when working with their patients. General practitioners, though competent and experienced, are overwhelmed, typically having only 15 minutes per patient. Public hospitals, constrained by limited resources, often provide a cold, impersonal, and bureaucratic experience for patients. Additionally, medications prescribed by doctors can lead to further illness or addiction. Data shows that a portion of patients prescribed medications such as opioids, stimulants, sedatives, and tranquilizers can develop substance use disorders. For example, opioids, which are commonly prescribed for pain management, have a high risk of addiction, with 8.7 million people misusing prescription pain relievers annually (NCDAS)​​ (SAMHSA)​​ (National Institute on Drug Abuse)​.

Fortunately, an increasing number of doctors are offering a more integrative course of treatment, combining traditional methods with energy care. As a global community, we are gradually but steadily moving towards integrative medicine. In community medicine, energy therapy is becoming less taboo. Many Western doctors refer their patients to energy practitioners they trust. Medical personnel now inform patients of the excellent results of energy therapies for managing the side effects of treatments like radiation therapy.

Though there is no international scientific consensus on the functioning of energy treatments, their undeniable success converts skeptics and broadens Western awareness.

As a 56-year-old allopathic doctor cited in the fascinating thesis of Dr. Denis Piotte ("The World of Magnetizers") states: "Reducing human beings to their rational side is an illusion. Emotions often govern us more than we recognize. These practices respond to that. 'Wer heilt hat recht: He who heals is right.' The need for listening and kindness seems increasingly strong to me, in a dehumanizing societal evolution that leaves many by the wayside."

5.1 - A Rise in Chronic Diseases and Mental Health Struggles

In the United States, the prevalence of chronic diseases has risen significantly over the past decade. Recent studies show that approximately 60% of American adults have at least one chronic condition, and 42% have multiple chronic conditions (CDC)​​ (AAF). Over half of Americans have at least one chronic condition, which is not normal in a healthy society. Chronic diseases, caused by behavioral, genetic, physiological, and environmental factors, as well as functional diseases with no organic cause, are increasing. Additionally, cardiovascular diseases and cancers are on the rise.

Simultaneously, mental health is deteriorating. Stress, depression, and burnout are escalating. Between 2011 and 2021, the U.S. suicide rate rose by 36% (USAFacts)​. This surge in chronic and mental health conditions highlights the limitations of conventional medicine and underscores the need for a more holistic approach.

5.2 - The Rise of Traditional Medicine

With modern medicine's effectiveness comes its obvious weaknesses. Traditional medicine, based on principles different from conventional approaches, may appear irrational to those who uphold the status quo. However, integrative therapies are becoming more popular and are increasingly part of mainstream healthcare. Non-invasive energy care practices, administered through hands, energy, body, and mind, can be taught and self-administered. With a holistic approach that considers an individual's body, mind, environment, life events, beliefs, and aspirations, this type of care offers a gentler, less expensive, and more human-focused alternative to conventional treatments.

In the 1970s and 1980s, interest in traditional medicine grew within Western countries. The rise of the holistic health movement led to greater acceptance of alternative therapies such as acupuncture, herbal medicine, and chiropractic care. During this time, more research on the efficacy and safety of these practices emerged, and some of them even became incorporated into mainstream healthcare.

By the 1990s, a significant shift occurred with the establishment of institutions like the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) in the U.S. This brought about an increase in integrative medicine programs in medical schools and hospitals, combining the best of conventional and traditional practices (USAFacts)​​ (Psychiatric Times)​​ (CDC).

Chapter 5.3 - Energy Healing in Hospitals

In the United States, energy healing practices have increasingly been incorporated into hospital settings as part of integrative medicine programs. Leading hospitals like Mayo Clinic, Hartford Hospital or Yale Medicine offer Reiki sessions to help reduce stress, anxiety, and pain for patients undergoing treatments such as chemotherapy. Therapeutic touch is also used to promote relaxation, reduce pain, and accelerate healing.

Perhaps the most well-known is acupuncture, which is widely used in hospitals to manage pain and chemotherapy-induced nausea. Some hospitals also offer Qigong classes or sessions. These integrative approaches are gaining recognition for their ability to complement medical treatments by improving patient outcomes and enhancing quality of life.

As Lawrence H. Cohn, a pioneering cardiac surgeon at Harvard Medical School, remarked, "The energy therapists work here with many of our patients. It is very positive and effective for their recovery. I have no idea how it works…all I know is that the heart is the seat of the soul and everything that is positive for the heart is good. We don’t understand how it works, but it works, and that’s all that matters." Lawrence H. Cohn was a true pioneer, bringing Reiki into his department at the Boston Hospital, even into the operating room.

Go to Part 6 - Energy Therapy and the Larger Scientific Community