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Energy therapy
Last reviewed: 07.07.2025
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The method of energy therapy usually involves focusing on energy fields that supposedly exist inside and around the body (biofields). All such methods are based on the belief that some universal life force or subtle energy is inside and around the human body.
Energy therapy may rely on magnetic (alternating or direct) fields. Magnets, in particular, are a popular treatment for various musculoskeletal disorders, although numerous studies have failed to show any effectiveness, especially for pain relief, which is one of the most common claims of proponents.
Therapeutic contact, often called laying on of hands, uses the practitioner's healing energy to identify and restore imbalances in the patient's biofield. A similar technique is Reiki, which originated in Japan; in Reiki, practitioners channel energy through their hands into the patient's body to promote healing. Practitioners are believed to have a special gift for healing that is required in such treatments.
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