Alternative and Complementary Medicine Commons^™

Interviews With Energy Healers: Perspectives On Trauma And Practice, Dawn Ebeling, Allison Runchey

Master of Arts in Holistic Health Studies Research Papers

Healing from trauma is a complex process, and current recommendations include working with the body. Energy healing (EH) is a holistic health practice using light or near-body touch to balance the body’s energy system. Research indicates EH reduces trauma associated symptoms. The pervasiveness of trauma makes it probable EH practitioners encounter trauma survivors. We interviewed 12 EH practitioners in a metropolitan area to describe perspectives on trauma and practice, initiating action research through information gathering and interpretation. Results of descriptive and conceptual analysis show in several ways EH practitioner’s perspectives and practices align with a trauma-informed approach even with little …