When words are difficult to come by to adequately express what one is feeling inside, awareness can shift to energy levels observed throughout the body. When the “issues are in our tissues”, mind-body awareness and attunement become key in the healing process. Research continues to show the impact of chronic stress on physical health highlighted by the ACE study conducted by two physicians. For more information about the ACE study, please see this link to the CDC website .
For those interested in absorbing emotional shifting and healing energy into their daily practice and setting of intention, there are several modalities available to do this. The practice of Reiki (霊気, /ˈreɪki/) is a Japanese form of energy healing using the transfer of energy from the practitioner to the patient in order to encourage emotional and physical healing. Reiki sessions can be completed in silence or with relaxing music in the background depending on client preference. After sessions, clients notice shifts in their emotional connection with their body and mind stimulating increased growth in awareness.
IET or Integrated Energy Therapy uses a gentle approach focusing on specific areas of the body where emotions are held. As these emotions are released and cleared, clients begin to experience a greater sense of balance in life and in relationships. The powerful healing energy removes emotional issues from the cellular memory of the tissues within your body. Most people experience a deep sense of relaxation during their sessions and consequently go to sleep or into a “delta state”; some see colors, images, and/or feel shifts in sensations causing heaviness or lightness. It is common to experience feeling lighter and more joy-filled after a session.
Somatic experiencing or SE is a body-oriented therapeutic model that helps heal trauma and other stress disorders. Developed by leading trauma expert, Peter Levine, Ph.D., it is the result of the multidisciplinary study of stress physiology, psychology, ethology, biology, neuroscience, indigenous healing practices, and medical biophysics, with more than 45 years of successful clinical application.
While the usage of evidence-based modalities are important, beginning awareness practices can begin in noticing our every day posture and body shifts. When our body posture shifts or we become aware of energy in a specific location, we are strengthening our mind-body awareness. Our unconscious minds are so powerful in guiding our body’s movements and storing memories in our muscle fibers and tissues. For children, the use of colors as a tool to associate colors with a specific feeling is a powerful way to begin incorporating feeling identification work within the body. Learning these skills early on in development is essential for general wellbeing, reduced stress, and ability to emotionally regulate and attune to others.
Lori Harkin Huse, LCSW provides couple, family, and individual therapy in our Sterling office and virtually to those located in Virginia. Call or email today to set up your first appointment or a complimentary consultation with Lori. If interested in learning more about emotional shifting and energy healing, Lori is a Level III Reiki clinician and certified in IET or Integrated Energy Therapy. She is currently working towards her 3-year certification process as an SE clinician.
