Towards Health and Wellness, Part 1

A Baháʼí Perspective on Energy Medicine as a Healing Modality

I’ve long had an interest in the concept of energy medicine. Early on, what sparked my interest in this topic was encountering passages in the Baháʼí Writings suggesting that certain healing practices that are today considered under the umbrella of ‘energy medicine’ might be valid modalities for healing. Energy medicine collectively includes practices such as healing touch, prayer, distance healing, bioelectromagnetic energy healing, and sound healing, among others. Later this interest led me to enroll in the Fellowship in Integrative Medicine with Dr. Andrew Weil and his colleagues at the Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine in Tucson, AZ. I was thrilled to discover a thorough introduction to energy medicine was part of the curriculum. 

In part 1 of this series on healing, energy medicine and the Baháʼí Faith, I aim to provide a brief introduction on the topic of energy medicine and to explore related passages from the Baháʼí Writings. While a more thorough, “deep dive” into the theme is beyond our scope for now, my hope is that this introduction will inspire further investigation and research.

What is ‘Energy Medicine’?

The topic of energy medicine is broad and many well-known and lesser-known modalities fall under the category of energy medicine, some dating back several thousand years and often originally associated with a spiritual practice. Examples of well-known energy medicine modalities still commonly practiced today include acupuncture, tai chi, and qi gong- all components of what we understand as Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). All have been practiced for several thousand years. Various forms of healing touch have also been practiced for millennia and are part of the medical system traditionally practiced in the Indian subcontinent, known as Ayurveda. Reiki, a Japanese energy therapy, is also well-known and is now widely practiced in the west. Many new energy medicine practices have also emerged, often based on the ancient practices of TCM and Ayurveda. Sound therapy, light therapy, magnet therapy, massage therapy, craniosacral therapy, ‘distance healing’, and intercessory prayer are all practices explored in energy medicine.

A foundational principle of energy medicine is the recognition of energy in all living things. “Energy is everything, and everything is energy” (Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine). Some refer to the life force as chi, qi, prana, or ki, among other names. Practitioners may work with chakras or Dan tiens (energetic centers of the body), meridians or matrix (energy pathways in the body), or energy fields (energy that emanates from the body). As conceived in energy medicine, when energy is balanced, this promotes optimal health. When energy imbalanced, this opens the door to illness or dis-ease (lack of ease). 

Although the science and philosophy of energy and its use as a healing tool is complex and there is obviously much we do not know, from a Baháʼí perspective one thing is certain: energy is in and is a facet of everything in the universe.

ʻAbdu'l-Bahá, son of the Founder of the Baháʼí Faith, Baháʼu'lláh, states:

“the phenomena of the universe find realization through the one power animating and dominating all things; and all things are but manifestations of its energy and bounty.”¹

“All created forms are progressive in their planes or kingdoms of existence under the stimulus of the power or spirit of life. The universal energy is dynamic. Nothing is stationary in the material world of outer phenomena or in the inner world of intellect and consciousness.”²  

This idea of the universal energy being ‘dynamic’ across all planes of existence suggests to me that such dynamism is an aspect of all forms of creation and that humans are constantly engaged with all life forms and their energies, from the mineral kingdom to the vegetable kingdom to the animal kingdom and onwards up to the ‘spiritual’ energies of the divine kingdom.

Biologically, it is clear that incorporating mineral, plant, and animal energy in our daily lives through our nutrition is fundamental for our very existence. Those forms of energy promote and sustain life in us and are essential. Humans and other living organisms generate energy from those nutrients we take in to form adenosine triphosphate (ATP) through a process called cellular respiration. ATP is referred to as the “energy currency or fuel of life”. Our cells never stop producing this energy, otherwise, we could not sustain life.

Upon deeper reflection, as the quote states, our inner world is also driven the intellectual energy of ideas and perspectives on reality. These animate our own lives and the life of society. As we look at all of humanity around us, we see countless souls striving energetically towards peace, even as we also see many driven by greed, lust for power, or even the fear of death and annihiliation.

We also have access to ‘divine’ energy through prayer, meditation, and connection to the Creator through the Word of God and the Manifestations of God. The central analogy of the Writings is illustrative of this fundamental idea of energy: Just as the physical sun is the source of life and energy in the phenomenal world, the spiritual Sun, the Manifestations of God, are the source of spiritual life and energy in the Divine worlds. It’s not unreasonable to think that due to our close connection to all these various physical and spiritual energy sources, we may be able to tap into both and direct both towards our physical and spiritual wellbeing.

Understanding Energy in Healing

This concept of universal energy also exists in healthcare. This ubiquitous biological energy field is known as the “biofield.” Those who have been trained and who practice energy medicine seek to manipulate the biofield for maintenance or restoration of health and wellness.

Some forms of bioenergy can be measured (veritable energy). One example is electromagnetic forces. These forces can be measured using a magnetometer. A notable example demonstrating the measurement of bioenergy is the work of the HeartMath Institute (HMI) who have been studying the electromagnetic force (EMF) of the heart for over 30-years. HMI research has shown that the heart’s EMF reaches 3 feet outside the body in all directions and that the heart’s EMF can directly influence the individual’s cognition, emotions, perception, behavior, performance, and overall sense of health and wellness.

HMI has also discovered that the heart’s EMF can influence the heart and nervous system of other humans and animals with whom one comes in contact. This EMF can be measured through monitoring heart-rate variability (HRV) using highly sensitive sensors attached to the body and high-tech computer technology. HMI research shows that balancing or coherence of HRV can be attained through calming breathwork plus focus on uplifting attributes such as love, compassion, gratitude, among others, qualities referred to as spiritual or divine attributes in the Baháʼí Writings. Research also demonstrates that an imbalanced or incoherent HRV state is associated with depleting emotions such as anxiety, anger, fear, among others. These are those qualities often referred to as ‘worldly’ in the Baháʼí Writings. (www.heartmath.org) 

Other forms of bioenergy (putative energy) have evaded precise measurement. These forms of bioenergy are often referred to as the life force or vital energy conceptualized variously as prana, qi (TCM), doshas (Ayurveda), among others. Therapists of the many and varied energy medicine modalities claim to have the ability to ‘sense’ - in one form or another - the life force of others and to be able to manipulate this force using their bioenergy. The practitioner engages their personal bioenergy with that of their client seeking to create balance and healing. While measuring this force has proven to be elusive, interaction with it is a major component of energy medicine practice. I have heard energy medicine practitioners state clearly that they can “feel” the bioenergy of others using their hands.

One thing is clear and consistent about energy medicine over thousands of years. The flow and balance of the qi or life force is important for maintaining and restoring health and this ‘balancing’ can be effected using a variety of techniques.

A Baháʼí System of Healing?

From a Baháʼí perspective, the first, and most obvious question we can ask ourselves about whether energy medicine is or is not supported by the Baháʼí Faith, is whether the Baháʼí Writings address this theme in any way. The answer to this question is yes and from several perspectives.

It is important to state upfront that Shoghi Effendi, grandson of ʻAbdu'l-Bahá and Guardian of the Baháʼí Faith from 1921-1957, made it clear that in the Baháʼí Faith, there was no such thing as a specifically “Baháʼí system of healing” or a uniquely designated “Baháʼí healer”. He noted this in contrast to Christian Science which does have unique individuals recognized as healers. In a letter to an individual believer written on behalf of the Guardian on June 6, 1948, we find the following: “The Guardian … can lay down for your guidance certain broad principles: There is no such thing as Baháʼí healers or a Baháʼí type of healing.” Several other passages from the Guardian’s letters support this statement. I think it is important to acknowledge this as the Guardian received letters from believers who claimed to have healing powers and he encouraged them in their efforts to be of service to others so long as their healing principles and practices were not in opposition to Baháʼí principles and were not directly associated with the Faith, thus potentially misrepresenting its aims and interests.

Shoghi Effendi reminded the Baháʼí’s that medicine, as stated by Baháʼu'lláh, was a noble science and encouraged the believers to study medicine and to seek out a competent physician when ill. Like Baháʼu'lláh and ʻAbdu'l-Bahá before him, the Guardian did not elaborate on what type of physician to seek out. He did not elaborate whether that physician should be trained in a western, conventional model of medicine, from the ancient Persian system of medicine especially as influenced by Greek medicine (‘Unani’), from TCM or Ayurveda, or some other system of medicine. He left it to the Baháʼí’s to use their discretion to seek out a competent physician. I mention this because medical practitioners from the ancient medical systems were often trained in energy medicine practices, as were practitioners from newer healing modalities that appeared over the past couple of centuries such as homeopathy and naturopathy, so it is not surprising to find reference in the Baháʼí Writings on this topic.

The Power of Healing Touch

I mentioned above in my introductory comments that healing touch as a form of energy medicine has been used as a healing modality for several thousand years. Several energy medicine modalities incorporate touch, such as Reiki, as do many notable practitioners such as Barbara Brennan, Rosalyn Bruyere, among others. 

ʻAbdu'l-Bahá confirms the healing powers of touch. He refers to this as the “magnetic force which acts from one body to another.” He states:

“Another kind of healing is through the force of bodily magnetism, where the magnetic force of one body affects another body and brings about the cure. This force, too, has only a slight effect. Thus someone may lay his hand upon the head or stomach of a patient and perchance the latter will benefit from this. Why? Because the effect of the magnetism, and the impression made upon the psyche of the patient, may dispel the disease. But this effect is also very slight and weak.”³

While ʻAbdu'l-Bahá describes this effect as slight or weak, it does not negate the possibility for such touch to provide healing. I take from these passages that both the magnetic force and the impression made on the patient’s psyche are the two critical qualities for successful healing through touch.

I had just such an experience many years ago as a young man. When I was a child attending Baháʼí summer schools in Nova Scotia, I was aware that one of the Baháʼí’s, a First Nations man named Dr. Gary Rea-Airth (not a medical doctor) of the Dogrib tribe from the Northwest Territories, had offered to perform healing touch on several Baháʼí’s who were ailing from various maladies. Each of these believers spoke highly of this man’s healing abilities.

I became close friends with this elder and several years later I experienced the energy of his healing touch personally. It was at Green Acre Baháʼí School in Eliot, Maine during the summer of 1979, and Gary arrived at the school shortly after I had sustained a significant sprain to my left ankle. I was in a lot of pain and there was swelling and bruising. I could barely put weight on the ankle. It was wonderful to see Gary and he immediately noticed my discomfort and asked what had happened to my ankle. After sharing my story, he had me sit on the picnic table and place my lower leg on his lap. He then proceeded with deep focus and attention to move his hands up and down over my lower leg and ankle without touching them while he occasionally blew air from his mouth over the area. After a couple of minutes, he stopped and said I should be good to move around. The swelling and bruising were still evident; however, remarkably, the pain had resolved. I was 21 years old at the time and recall being very impressed with “Dr. Gary’s” talents. I could walk without any pain and was back to my normal walking, obviously being careful not to overdo it.

In retrospect, this was my first direct experience with energy medicine. I had heard the stories of Gary’s energy-healing abilities, but they were just that, stories. It is reasonable to conclude that my friend was somehow manipulating the bio-magnetic force between his hands and my leg resulting in healing. Another key point here is that I knew of “Dr. Gary’s” healing abilities, and when he began his treatment, I believed that a positive result would be forthcoming. These are the two criteria referred to by ʻAbdu'l-Bahá in the above quotes. With Gary’s healing talents and the power of my firm belief in his abilities, this created the perfect scenario for a positive energy medicine outcome. 

Years later in my early 40s, I would, once again, experience the healing energy benefits of touch when a friend, Darcy Lewis, who was well versed in the “Touch For Health” energy medicine modality, performed healing touch on a very sore right knee. I had a history of a torn meniscus in the knee and had put off having any definitive orthopedic treatment. After a 10–15-minute treatment session, I was able to walk and climb without any pain. In many other examples I have seen the benefits of healing touch and the power of trust in one’s medical provider, both for myself and for many others in my 32-year career as a medical provider, confirming ʻAbdu'l-Bahá’s statement from Some Answered Questions that “the magnetic force which acts from one body to another…becomes the cause of cure”.

Lastly, ʻAbdu'l-Bahá has stated,

“He who is filled with the love of Baha; and forgets all things, the Holy Spirit will be heard from his lips and the spirit of life will fill his heart, the lights of the sign will shine forth from his face, words will issue from his mouth in strands and pearls, and all sickness and disease will be healed by the laying on of the hands.”⁴

And again He states:

“…When thou wishest to treat nervous pains turn thy whole being to the realm on high with thine heart detached from aught else besides Him and thy soul enraptured by the love of God. Then seek confirmation of the Holy Spirit from the Abha Kingdom, while touching the affected part with utmost love, tenderness, and attraction to God. When all these things are combined, be assured that healing will take place.” ⁵

In sum, from my own experiences, investigation of the background of certain energy medicine modalities, and reflections on these topics in the Writings, it appears that there are genuine and notable impacts that can be felt when healers and patients are in tune with some of these dynamics. These passages suggest to me that the combination of prayer (the Holy Spirit being heard from the healer’s lips) in conjunction with the healing touch and the patient believing that a cure is forthcoming, can indeed result in healing.

When it comes to prayer, as I noted above in my brief review of energy medicine, sound healing is considered a modality of energy medicine. I would argue that the long-held emphasis on voicing and chanting prayers, in addition to their spiritual impact, may tap into some dynamics of ‘sound healing’ and as such can have a profound influence on healing one’s ills. To explore this deeper, join us in Part 2, where we will consider in further detail the healing power of prayer and its role in energy medicine.

1. ʻAbdu'l-Bahá, Foundations of World Unity, p. 58

2. ʻAbdu'l-Bahá, Foundations of World Unity, p. 83

3. ʻAbdu'l-Bahá, Some Answered Questions, #72

4. ʻAbdu'l-Bahá, Selections of the Writings of ʻAbdu'l-Bahá, Vol. VII, #10, p. 99

5. ʻAbdu'l-Bahá quoted in Health and Healing - Compiled by the Research Department of the Universal House of Justice p. 6-7