by Jo Rayl, LMT
Over the past 30 years, energy healing has transitioned from the fringes of alternative health to a respected component of holistic care. Practices like Reiki, Healing Touch, and Therapeutic Touch, once dismissed as pseudoscience, are now integrated into wellness centers, mainstream health practices and hospitals such as the Cleveland Clinic, Mayo Clinic and Johns Hopkins.
In the 1990s, these modalities were primarily practiced in small alternative health communities. They emphasized balancing the body’s energy fields to support physical and emotional well-being. At the time, Western medicine largely ignored or dismissed these methods, yet their growing use suggested a demand for non-invasive healing options.
By the 2000s, research into the mind-body connection and biofields began to shed light on how energy-based therapies could support healing. Hospitals started to incorporate these practices, often in oncology wards and pain management programs. Healing Touch was used to reduce anxiety and promote relaxation, while Reiki found its place in post-surgical recovery. These applications showed measurable benefits, prompting more institutions to adopt integrative approaches.
In the last decade, energy healing has become more accessible and widely accepted. Scientific studies have explored its effects on reducing stress, boosting immunity, and improving overall health. Practices like sound therapy, breathwork, and chakra balancing have gained traction, particularly as interest in holistic wellness grows. Many people now see energy healing as a complement to conventional medicine, not a replacement.
Energy healing today reflects the convergence of ancient wisdom and modern science. Its evolution mirrors society’s changing perspective on health—moving from a focus on treating symptoms to fostering balance and long-term well-being. As research continues, energy healing is likely to become an even more integral part of how we care for the mind, body, and spirit.