The greatest analogy about bio-energy I ever heard was from a doctor. He was what you would call an "integrative medicine" doctor. He also happened to be the medical director of Canyon Ranch in Tucson. He said, "It's like a car radio...this human energy thing. You can turn on the radio and you know that the person you hear speaking isn't hiding under the hood of the car. He's miles and miles away but his voice is in the car with you. You can't see him but you can hear him."

The same is true for the energy, or chi, that flows through the human body. We might not be able to see it, but we know it exists.

Research has shown movement in the human body that does not follow a nerve path or blood vessel. Scientists have stimulated acupuncture points and then mapped movement from those points that followed no structure known to Western anatomy.

When I first started working as a Program Advisor, frankly, I didn't buy any of the talk about chi. Then, in my second week of training I was sent to experience Craniosacral Therapy. I was told that the massage therapist would adjust the rhythm of the spinal fluid in my body. What? How was she going to even find it? "She'll sense it through light touch...it gives off its own energy and fuels your chi," was the response of my trainer. What did I sign up for with this job?

I do believe that people have special gifts, but I didn't yet believe that a Craniosacral Therapist could channel invisible energy around the body. As I lay on the massage table as the treatment came to a close. I thought to myself, "Well, if nothing else, I can tell guests that it's relaxing."

Then the therapist said to me, "Okay, Kelly...your energy is very good, balanced, flowing nicely. . . ." (I tried to control my facial expression so my skepticism wouldn't show) ". . .except right here."

She then proceeded to place her finger under my shoulder blade and I just about launched from the table. I had injured my shoulder the previous summer while playing softball and the pain had been intense for weeks. It had finally subsided and I just figured that it had healed itself.

"Your energy is not flowing well here but we can fix that," the therapist said. With a few holds and some light strokes, the pain was gone. I didn't believe it. I couldn't believe it. There was something to this woo-woo stuff after all.

I now fully understand that energy work is just as beneficial to health as a good, active massage. I have had guests tell me they felt as if they levitated during a Healing Touch treatment or saw a loved one in the room with them while receiving Reiki. Magical events can happen when you are connecting with a deeper sense of yourself, and I would recommend that you try an energy treatment the next time you're considering a massage. If you are staying at Canyon Ranch, see if you can follow your treatment with a yoga class, meditation or a session of tai chi.

There are so many energy treatments to explore, from Polarity to Jin Shin Jyutsu and many more. If you have tried these treatments, how have you found rejuvenation or transformation? I'd love to hear your story!

posted by Kelly at 11:17 PM

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