People’s experience of illness is often beyond what is treated by conventional medicine. This difference becomes understandable when you consider the basic premise of Western Medicine in contrast to our whole selves. It is therefore rationale to explore beyond the boundaries of Western medicine and include other health worldviews for the “other parts of ourselves” or our whole self.

Medical Worldview and Energy

Historically the origin of Western medicine was artificially separated from the whole self and parsed into the physical body by an agreement for the supply of cadavers. An agreement was made that medicine was to focus only on the physical and to isolate the physical from the soul, the mind or the emotions. This agreement was made with the Pope in the seventeenth century. In exchange, a supply of with cadavers was granted (Pert, 2003). Medicine is based on the study of the body in its lifeless form (Chopra, 2000).

Conventional Western medicine’s worldview is based on Newtonian physics, which defines knowledge about the body in terms of mechanistic function within the physical systems of the body (Figure 1). This physical mechanistic functioning perspective can be placed into the larger dynamic energy system framework. To do so is not to loose the physical mechanistic functioning perspective but rather to honour it as an understanding with a distinctive purpose within a larger framework. The energetic model does not deny the validity of discoveries in molecular biology or biomechanical functions of the body’s organs (Gerber, 2001). For example, cells of our bodies are fed by various nutrients derived from the food we eat as well as from oxygen we breathe. But in addition our cells are also fed by continuous life-force energy. Each grouping of cells or organs has a special energy. Conventional biomechanics describe each organ as having a specific function and the energy based system identifies different energy in each organ.

Energy systems are affected by different factors that can enhance or inhibit the flow of (life) energy to the cells and the organs. Some of the factors that affect the energy flow are emotions, relationships, and beliefs. Similarly, is it known in conventional psychiatric care that personal support systems and the individual’s perceptions affect health. Here again, energy puts this into the wider framework of the whole body in addition to the bio chemical mechanisms of the brain. Hence, various organs or regions in the body are involved in chemical changes and energy changes calumniating in tissue changes in the organs. This body knowledge, or that our organs hold intellect, is supported by hermeneutical thought and various physicians such as Chopra (1990) and Northrup (1998). The organs have innate intelligence and the ability to process different types of information.

Blending the Worldview

Pioneering researchers in science and medicine are embracing a blended worldview of healing that combines the best of ancient and modern viewpoints of the human body and varied approaches to achieve wellness (Gerber, 2001). Energy medicine is based on modern scientific insights into the energetic nature of the atoms and molecules of our bodies combined (Pert, 2003) with ancient mystical observations of the body’s unique energy systems. Rather than seeing the body as a sophisticated machine fueled only by electro chemical reactions (as in conventional medicine), energy medicine views the body as a complex integrated energy system that provides a vessel for the human consciousness and the human soul. In energy medicine illness is thought to be caused not only by germs, chemical toxins and physical trauma but also by chronic dysfunctional emotional – energy patterns and unhealthy relating patterns with ourselves and with others.

While surgical approaches provide a “fix” they do not fully explore the reason behind why diseases occur in the first place (Gerber, 2001). Energy medicine is an approach to the diagnosis and the treatment of illness based upon the idea that we are all unique energy systems. Different illnesses are “diagnosed” by different frequencies of energy coming from the body/organs. This is commonly used in conventional medicine. An electrocardiogram (EKG) is a measure of the electrical energy coming from the heart. The measurement of the heart’s electrical energy, in a simple form of EKG, is a form of energy medicine diagnosis.

To open to the idea that energy and matter (physical) co-exist is to acknowledge that energy is the dynamic substance that runs through all tissue (cells, organs, body). This is supported and utilized by Western Medicine.

This is not a new idea but is based on old scientific knowing (as well as other old ways of knowing). Einstein said that matter and energy were two different forms of the same thing (E = mc²) (E = mc squared). Einsteinian and quantum physics describe the bio chemical molecules that make up the physical body as vibrating energy.

Energy as the Unity of Body Mind Spirit

We are greater than a physical, body and a mind. We have a life force, energy, and an essence. Energy creates the contractions of the heart and functioning of the body and beyond. We experience illness from our whole being. Living with an illness or some pain is an experience at the physical, emotional, and spiritual levels and also involves our thoughts, beliefs, and relationships.

People describe their illness as the experience of particular sensations with varying qualities. When people describe this further they will often describe the illness as an image of how and where it is held in the body. People commonly describe the experience of what it is like to have the illness and its affect on the whole person. This is to describe what it is like to have this event from their whole self. For example the particular illnesses or symptoms are described as being in a fog, or being in a black hole or being beside oneself. This language is an expression of a deeper self or soul. Since health involves our entire beings it flows that our health care response must do the same. Health care that encompasses our total ‘self’ including the energy system will therefore provide complete wellness.

The mind body and soul connection is described by Pert (2003) a psychoneuroimmunology scientist connects the mind and body by way of chemical molecules or energy which is the free flow of information from cell to cell. The body’s cells communicate with one another within an organ and between organs. Energy is the grouting that runs through and between all of our physical bodily systems. Energy is the interconnecting agent throughout and within our physical systems (figure 2). Physicians, such as Gerber, Dossey, and Chopra, draw from basic and behavioural sciences, quantum physics, theology, ancient Ayurveda beliefs and others to describe holistic medicine. Key concepts found in their work include vibrational energy, energy fields, consciousness, cellular memory, psychoneuroimmunology and healing (Erikson, 2007).

Opening To Energy from Western Medicine Observation

This worldview has emerged for me after decades in Western medicine nursing and the observations and questioning of common results of conventional Western treatment.

Often treatments (surgery, medications and cognitive/behavioural approaches) did not resolve the illness or symptoms fully. For many there would be residual symptoms or a return of symptoms. Also, I observed characteristics and relational patterns that were exhibited by persons with the same diagnosis. All of this raised my curiosity and opened the possibility of there being a broader understanding of health. Once exposed to other modalities based in different worldviews of health, all the areas to my unanswered clinical nursing observations were answered.

“New” information informed my perspectives and experiences. The energy health worldview postulated, explained and was consistent with my experience. This worldview gave “answers” to the following questions that had intrigued me and were unresolved by the Western medical perspective.

Energy Worldview

Energy based care is both a contemporary and an ancient form of care that promotes holism through enabling the body/mind and spirit to use its innate healing properties. Numerous world cultures describe energy using words such as: chi, ki, orenda, life force, prana, bioenergy and biomagnetism.

Energy is everywhere. It is around and within people and radiates from everything. Individuals experience energy within their bodies through meridians (energy pathways), chakras (energy centers) and auras (energy fields). Central to all life is the notion that energy flows continuously. It is believed that the follow of energy is a self-correcting mechanism that opens the potential to bring what is needed to any place in one’s body.

Energy therapeutics is a mechanism to “measure”, assess and redirect the body to increase its healing properties. Within the body, it is believed that energy flows at different rates and intensities depending on the health and well being of the person. During stress, one can experience changes in her/his energy flow that can leave one feeling drained, tied up in knots, spinning in frustration or overwhelmed. These are symptoms of energy blockage within the body.

Energy therapeutics focuses on easing, redirecting or opening “new” channels. There are areas within the body where there is a concentration or center of energy that are called chakras. Practitioners propose that each chakra emits electromagnetic energy that has its own purpose and movement that assists in one’s development. Hence, each chakra relates to particular emotional, physical, spiritual and psychological aspects simultaneously. Therefore, this modality can be effective for physical, emotional, psychological and spiritual situations for people with varying degrees of health.

Health and illness are visible within energy fields. Health is viewed as well-balanced energy. It occurs when energy is not lost from the body nor is excess energy carried anywhere within the body. Illness then can be seen as energy imbalances and blockages.

Within the energy field there can be holes, densities or directional changes of energy flow. Healing from our innate properties is a component of health in this therapeutic perspective.

Curing and healing are two different processes. Healing is defined as being whole and involves a natural process and is within the power of everyone and links to the innate knowing of your own body. Curing refers to external treatment. In a curing paradigm symptoms are treated. In a healing paradigm, the causes of the symptoms are discovered and a holism is recreated. New dimensions of wellness can be achieved with the inclusion of energy based care.

Utilization of the Two Worldviews

Over time and with experience and practice in both worldviews I believe that both of these approaches can be used. While the tenets and practices are very different, it is feasible to combine the two. We live in a scientific environment in North America hence we can still use our scientific inquiry but ask new questions – broaden our scope of understanding and observation. This means adopting the principles in the Energy worldview as a possible universal worldview. However, the substance of this worldview connects with and explains the phenomenon that is widely accepted in Western disciplines “that we are greater than the sum of our parts”. Several disciplines, including physics, mathematics, science, philosophy, sociology, medicine, and nursing, support the view that the whole is an entity that is more complex than the sum of its parts (Erickson, 2001). By acknowledging energy there is a new context to understand this phenomena. A new context from which more knowing emerges. This does create a shattering of some cherished beliefs held sacred by Western science but simultaneously offers a new context in which Western medicine can be a part. Western medicine becomes one modality in a larger framework. It can have a role in its specialty and expertise while being complimented by the care of the whole person with other modalities.

All is ever changing and we have an increasing need and capacity to consider “new” answers. Ironically these “new” perspectives have a much greater tradition and life span than Western medicine. This further supports the notion that Western medicine is the new comer that can find a place in the greater health care network. Are we in Western medicine ready to open to an expansive understanding and to integrate? People’s understanding of their own health care increasingly takes this approach. Will there be an openness to consider the relatedness of the two approaches or a closed segregated perspective?

Conclusion

The world is an ever-changing planet and we are ever changing people living in bodies that are growing /aging, have continuous cellular exchange, and infinite neurotransmitter communication. We also live in continuous relationship to the world around us. We are in mutual exchange with the world and others. We are affected by beginnings, cycles and endings. The common medium within this dynamic environment can be understood through the existence of energy. Will we open to a broader perspective that can honour the contribution of Western Medicine?

references:

• Bruyere, R.L. (1994). Wheels of Light: Chakras, Auras and the Healing Energy of the Body. New York: Simon and Shuster Publishers.
• Chopra, D. (1990). Quantum healing: exploring the frontiers of min-body medicine. 2rd edition. New York: Bantam.
• Dossey, L. (2002). But is it energy? Reflections on consciousness, healing and new paradigm. Subtle energies and energy medicine: 3 (3).
• Erickson, H. L. (2007). Philosophy and Theory of Holism. Nursing Clinics of North America. 42: 139-163.
• Gerber, R. (2001). A practical guide to vibrational medicine: energy healing and spiritual transformation. New York: Quill HarperCollins Publishers
• Northrup, C. (2001). The Wisdom of Menopause Creating Physical and Emotional Health and Healing During the Change. Bantam Books. New York.
• Northrup, C. (1998). Women’s Bodies, Women’s Wisdom Creating Physical and Emotional Health and Healing. Bantam Books. New York.
• Pert, C. (2003). Molecules of Emotion: the science behind mind-body medicine. New York: Scribner