Dr. Oz says energy medicine the next big thing

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Specializes in OB, Women’s health, Educator, Leadership.

Dr. Oz was on Oprah the other day espousing the values of alternative care. He mentioned that energy medicine would be the next big thing. I was reading some of the comments regarding a recent post on the nursing dx for energy field and I quote: "hard to believe", "hooey", "frivolity", "trivialize" "garbage" and "not worth the paper its printed on".

I was wondering if these comments were because you don't believe in energy fields affecting our health, or because you don't like the nursing diagnosis. If it is the latter, in what way would you change it? If Dr. Oz is right and energy medicine is "the next big thing", maybe we would do our field justice by being in on the ground floor? In the past, a lot of things that seemed to be "hooey" turned out to be right on. Does anyone have any experience with using energy medicine? If so, what was it like?

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Specializes in Gerontological, cardiac, med-surg, peds.

Very interesting thoughts, passionflower. I just don't know how I feel about energy medicine at this point. I'm keeping an open mind. Years ago, I did briefly visit an alternative care practitioner (a chiropractor who was an herbalist and believed strongly in energy fields and accupressure). It was amazed at his ability to accurately "pick up" cues about me (symptoms, etc.) with only placing his hands above parts of my body. However, I stopped going to see him as the costs were prohibitive (~$150/ month for office visits plus all the vitamins, herbs, etc.) and my healthcare issues weren't that serious. A lot of my health issues were solved when I stopped working nightshift in a very stressful ICU environment. In all fairness, this same alternative care practitioner has greatly helped some members of my church. One was a man in his 40's diagnosed with Stage IV multiple myeloma. Now years later, the physicians can find no trace of this cancer in his body.

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Specializes in OB, Women’s health, Educator, Leadership.

Vicky

I agree with you. All we can do is keep an open mind. Years ago I would have thought of energy medicine as quackery, however, I thought the same thing about acupuncture. What do you mean you will make me feel better by puncturing me with needles? Now there is evidence to prove it so.

Although I am cautiously approaching the possibility of energy medicine being used as a healing modality, certain scientific facts remain true: our bodies consist of cells that generate electrical impulses and are capable of releasing energy due to the work of the cells. Energy can not be created or destroyed, only converted from one form to another. Can it be manipulated via equipment? Energy is transferrable so why not? I just find this to be a fascinating and potentially cutting edge of medicine. Don't have all the answers, but plenty of questions.

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Specializes in Maternal - Child Health.

Open-mindedness is a good thing. So is evidence-based practice. In order to be taken seriously, practitioners of energy medicine need to meet the same rigorous scientific standards that are expected of their "traditional" counterparts in the fields of medicine, dentistry, optometry, pharmacy, etc.

None of my insurance plans will pay for "experimental" or unproven care. My pharmacy plan requires evidence that prescribed medications are safe and effective. I expect energy practitioners and their treatments to be held to the same standards.

At one time, the germ theory of medicine was viewed as so much hocus-pocus. Over time, it was proven, and is now a basic tenet of patient care. Perhaps the same will be true of energy medicine.

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I'm studying the oldest form of energy medicine, shamanism, as I wanted to go back to the roots. It's a refreshing change, especially when you see all the physicians and psychologists as students. Last summer I teamed up in class with an Indian Medicine Man and a physician who also held a Ph.D. in cell biology. The doc was my first "patient," and during the session I'm like "what the heck is going on here,"lol! Psychologists are very interested as you can accomplish in one or two sessions what usually takes years of therapy. Not good for your cash flow though, lol!

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Specializes in OB, Women’s health, Educator, Leadership.

Can you tell me something about shamanism in reference to its use as an energy medicine?

Signed, unenlightened

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Can you tell me something about shamanism in reference to its use as an energy medicine?

Signed, unenlightened

The core shamanic healing practice is the illumination process and shamans are often called "luminous healers." The luminous energy field surrounds the body and probably every culture has described it. Shamans believe that everything on Earth is composed of light bound in different "packages." A rock for example would be tightly bound, while water would be more loosely bound. Sounds like todays physics, right? The luminous energy field has four layers, casual (Spirit), psychic (Soul), Mental-emotional (mind) and physical. It is like a blueprint of the body and contains info that can kill or harm you, ie., imprints. One of the things we do is to erase the energetic imprint in the layers.

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Specializes in Cardiac/Vascular & Healing Touch.

I am a Certified Healing Touch Practitioner (since 2002 & undergoing recert currently). I do energy work (Healing Touch) on my patients, clients, co-workers, family members, church members, etc. This is the standard of care at Scripps Center in La Jolla, CA. I am in Alabama, so we are behind the curve one might say in this area, but there are few of us who are in the know who realize this is what Martha Rogers & Nightingale meant when they wanted us to practice the art & science of compassionate care. Find a Healing Touch practitioner in your area & try it. Give it an hour to experience. Ask questions. Check out the website http://www.healingtouch.net.

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Specializes in Hospice and Palliative Care, Family NP.

Reiki uses energy which is "spirit directed". I am a Reiki practioner, will take my master attunement in June, and the results have been amazing. Check out Reiki, it is also a technique that a practioner can do on themselves. I Reiki everyday. It's changed my life! Check out http://www.reiki.org

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Specializes in Critical Care, Psych Mental Health.

I am really glad to see this thread here!! I looked into Healing Touch after working in critical care for three years, and joined the American Holistic Nurse Association. I have not taken healing touch classes as yet, as I am more interested in Energy Medicine that explores the spiritiual aspect and mind-body connection more deeply than healing touch currently does. I do practice quantum touch, am studying naturopathic medicine and intend to take the AHNA certification exam for the Holistic Nurse certification through ANA.

I noticed with particular attention one post regarding the need for evidence based practice in Energy Medicine. Please check out the AHNA peer reviewed journal. There is evidence based practice in the field of holistic nursing and Energy Medicine. I went into nursing knowing that I would pursue this path, and almost left the field due to the lack of openness in my home state of Colorado. I have not only survived two bouts of cancer, but completely recovered from them due to energy medicine. My now 18 year old daughter experienced a very severe TBI which she has fully recovered from, despite the neurologists assertion that she would never read, write or be able to independently care for herself again.

I love that you have raised the questions in your post, and that nurses are engaging in dialouge about this very important topic.

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Specializes in Cardiac/Vascular & Healing Touch.

Please consider taking the Level 1 HT course esp since you are in the same area as the CCHT. You may be suprised at what you learn from these instructors. Plus, look at it from the CE stand point, it'll apply towards the AHNA hours needed for recert, & nursing license (if your state requires this). I've been a practicing CHTP for 5+ years, & involved with HT for 10 years. The mind/body/spirit/emotion is explored in the different levels. It's wonderful to experience the different instructors who come from various backgrounds. I did have the plesure & good fortune to study Advance Practice HT 1&2. Fabulous that you are studying naturopathy. I am pursuing a MS in natural healthcare & wellness. Oceans of info out there ready to be dived & explored! :balloons:

I am really glad to see this thread here!! I looked into Healing Touch after working in critical care for three years, and joined the American Holistic Nurse Association. I have not taken healing touch classes as yet, as I am more interested in Energy Medicine that explores the spiritiual aspect and mind-body connection more deeply than healing touch currently does. I do practice quantum touch, am studying naturopathic medicine and intend to take the AHNA certification exam for the Holistic Nurse certification through ANA.

I noticed with particular attention one post regarding the need for evidence based practice in Energy Medicine. Please check out the AHNA peer reviewed journal. There is evidence based practice in the field of holistic nursing and Energy Medicine. I went into nursing knowing that I would pursue this path, and almost left the field due to the lack of openness in my home state of Colorado. I have not only survived two bouts of cancer, but completely recovered from them due to energy medicine. My now 18 year old daughter experienced a very severe TBI which she has fully recovered from, despite the neurologists assertion that she would never read, write or be able to independently care for herself again.

I love that you have raised the questions in your post, and that nurses are engaging in dialouge about this very important topic.

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So glad to read this thread. I hope to hear more.

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