Energy Work (spoiler: it doesn’t.)

What is Energy? In alternative medicine circles, the word energy is used very fluidly. Typically, it’s thought of much like a fluid, flowing from one point to another. However, the specific definition is that energy is the quantitative property that must be transferred to an object in order to perform work on, or to heat, the object. The main point is that it is measurable. The energy in energy medicine tends to be invisible. The important question to ask in any situation where an amazing claim of healing ability is made, is “how does that work?” If there is no mechanism, no reasonable and reproducible concept of how one thing is affecting another, it most likely isn’t.

What is Energy Work? A branch of alternative medicine based on a pseudo-scientific belief that healers can channel healing energy into a patient (or alter the energy within a patient) and effect positive results. This idea itself contains several methods: hands-on, hands-off, and distant (or absent) where the patient and healer are in different locations. “Do you know what they call alternative medicine that's been proved to work? Medicine.” ~ Tim Minchin

Reiki The manipulation of qi (life force) to treat disease or conditions, through the practitioner's palms. Example: https://youtu.be/eaCCjE1xuOA

Crystal Healing Crystal healing employs stones and crystals to heal disease and conditions. In one method, the practitioner places crystals on different parts of the body, often corresponding to chakras; or else the practitioner places crystals around the body in an attempt to construct an energy grid, which is purported to surround the client with healing energy.

Other “Modalities” Acupuncture - treating a wide range of conditions by inserting thin needles at points in the body to alter qi. https://sciencebasedmedicine.org/acupuncture-doesnt-work Chiropractic - manual manipulation of the spine to correct blockages that prevent the proper flow of energy (now typically referred to just in terms of nerve system, as that sounds more scientific) https://sciencebasedmedicine.org/reference/chiropractic Polarity Therapy - based on the belief that a person's health is subject to positive and negative charges in their electromagnetic field. Said to help with everything from allergies and anxiety to irritable bowel syndrome and migraines.