MUSCAT, JUNE 24
As people increasingly seek holistic approaches to health and well-being, energy healing has emerged as one of the most talked-about complementary practices worldwide. Advocates claim it can help restore balance, reduce stress and support the body’s natural healing processes. However, questions remain over whether its benefits stem from measurable therapeutic effects or from psychological and emotional factors. Energy healing encompasses a range of practices, including Reiki, therapeutic touch and crystal healing.
While methods vary, they are generally based on the belief that the human body is surrounded by or infused with an energy field that influences physical, emotional and mental health. Practitioners aim to identify and correct imbalances within this field to promote wellness.
The growing interest in such therapies reflects a broader shift toward integrative health approaches, particularly among individuals looking to manage stress, anxiety and lifestyle-related conditions. Wellness centres, spas and private practitioners offering energy healing sessions have become increasingly visible, attracting clients from diverse backgrounds. Despite its popularity, the scientific community remains cautious.
Dr Mariam al Meqbqli, a consultant in internal medicine, says there is currently insufficient scientific evidence to support claims that energy healing can directly treat physical diseases.
“Modern medicine relies on treatments that can be objectively measured, tested and replicated through rigorous scientific studies,” he explains. “To date, there is no conclusive evidence demonstrating that energy healing can cure or alter the course of medical conditions.” However, Dr Al Meqbali acknowledges that many individuals report feeling better after undergoing such sessions. “People often experience relaxation, reduced stress levels and an improved sense of well-being. These outcomes are valuable, but they do not necessarily confirm the existence of a therapeutic energy field,” she adds.
Mental health specialists suggest that some of the perceived benefits may be linked to psychological mechanisms that are already well understood.
According to psychologist Sara al Alawi, the environment surrounding energy healing sessions can itself have a positive impact on emotional well-being. “When individuals enter a calm setting, receive focused attention and believe they are taking steps to improve their health, they may experience genuine feelings of relief and comfort,” she says. “This does not automatically validate the underlying theory of energy transfer, but it highlights the powerful connection between the mind and the body.” Al Alawi notes that "stress and anxiety can influence sleep quality, pain perception and overall health. Activities that promote relaxation may therefore contribute to an individual’s sense of recovery and improved functioning." Researchers often point to the placebo effect when discussing complementary therapies. The phenomenon occurs when patients experience real improvements because they expect a treatment to help, even if the treatment itself has no direct physiological action. Scientists stress that the placebo effect is not imaginary; rather, it demonstrates how beliefs and expectations can influence health outcomes. At the same time, supporters of energy healing argue that the absence of definitive proof should not be interpreted as proof of ineffectiveness. They contend that many aspects of human health remain incompletely understood and that further research may shed light on mechanisms not yet fully explained by science. Health professionals nevertheless caution against using energy healing as a substitute for evidence-based medical care, particularly for serious illnesses such as cancer, cardiovascular disease or severe mental health disorders. Delaying appropriate diagnosis and treatment can lead to significant health risks. Instead, many experts view energy healing as a complementary practice that may help some individuals achieve relaxation and emotional balance when used alongside conventional healthcare. The rise of social media has also contributed to the visibility of energy healing. Personal testimonials and success stories are widely shared online, often encouraging others to explore alternative wellness practices. Yet experts emphasise that individual experiences, while meaningful, do not replace scientific evidence gathered through controlled studies.
As interest in holistic health continues to grow, energy healing remains a subject of ongoing debate. For some, it offers a pathway to mindfulness, comfort and self-care. For others, the lack of scientific validation warrants scepticism. What is clear, however, is that the conversation surrounding energy healing reflects a broader public interest in understanding the relationship between physical health, emotional well-being and the pursuit of balance in modern life.
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