Also called energy medicine
Energy therapies involve the use of energy fields. Energy therapies are based on the belief that altering the energy fields around a person's body can affect healing and wellness. By manipulating the energy fields, practitioners believe they can stimulate healing by restoring balance in the body and opening the flow of energy through it.
History
Many energy treatments stem from energy-based Asian and Indian systems of healing. The effects of magnetism and energy forces have been studied by various ancient civilizations. The discovery of electricity led to different types of electrical devices and frequency generators being used in medicine. Some of these technologies, such as medical x-rays and radiation therapy machines, have proven to be effective in diagnosing and treating disease, whereas others have not.
Use and claims
Practitioners of energy therapies believe that illness occurs because of imbalances in energies or because of energy blockages in the body. Practitioners and supporters of some energy therapies claim to cure people with cancer and other illnesses. Some energy therapies are said to speed healing, reduce pain and strengthen the immune system.
How it is given
Energy therapies focus on either energy fields that come from within the body (sometimes called biofields) or external energy fields such as electromagnetic fields.
Electromagnetic therapy
Electromagnetic-based (bioelectromagnetic-based) therapies involve using electricity, microwaves, infrared energy, magnetic fields or other sources of energy. The supposed energy imbalances are corrected by applying electromagnetic energy from outside the body, usually with some type of electronic device. There are several electronic devices on the market. Manufacturers of some of these devices claim that they can be used as an alternative to conventional cancer treatment.
Examples of electromagnetic therapy
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BioResonance tumour therapy | Uses an electronic device to cause tumour cells to supposedly self-destruct by energizing a tumour suppressor gene called TP53 – a gene that normally triggers cell death. |
Rife therapy | An electronic device called the Rife machine (Rife frequency generator) supposedly uses electrical impulses given off by diseased tissue to diagnose and treat disease, including cancer. The Rife machine also directs energy of the same frequency back at diseased tissue. |
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Biofield therapy
Biofield therapies apparently affect the energy fields that are within and around the body. Whether such energy fields exist around the body hasn't been scientifically proven yet. Some forms of energy therapy attempt to manipulate these fields by applying gentle pressure or by placing hands in or through the energy fields.
Examples of biofield therapy
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healing touch | The practitioner assesses a person's energy field by passing their hands over the whole body. Then the practitioner uses their hands to lightly touch the body or places them near the body to help clear, balance and energize a person's energy system. |
Reiki | A Japanese-based therapy that is thought to balance energy from a distance. The practitioner places their hands above or gently on the person's body near the energy fields. |
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Summary of the evidence
There is no scientific evidence to support claims that alternative electrical devices or methods are effective ways to treat or cure cancer. There is no connection between conventional uses of electromagnetic energy in medicine and the alternative devices that use externally applied electrical forces.
Energy-based biofield therapies cannot be as easily measured or researched. Effectiveness of these therapies has mainly been reported by individuals or is based on small studies. They have mainly been used to relieve symptoms of cancer or side effects of treatment such as anxiety, fatigue, pain, or nausea and vomiting. Healing touch is said to promote relaxation and reduce stress. Some people with cancer have reported increased well-being, less pain and reduced nausea and vomiting after Reiki sessions. Therapeutic touch may be useful in reducing anxiety and increasing a sense of well-being in some people. It is also not certain whether these therapies can actually enhance healing.
Potential side effects and risks
Electronic devices can pose some health risk. There have been reports of injuries because of faulty wiring, power surges or improper use of the equipment. People with pacemakers or defibrillators, for example, should avoid being exposed to certain types of electric and magnetic fields.
Biofield therapies such as healing touch, Reiki and therapeutic touch, which involve very light physical touch or no touch, are generally considered safe. Few side effects have been reported. Many practitioners of these therapies are not regulated in Canada.
People who delay or choose not to have conventional medical care for their cancer and rely only on energy therapies may have serious health consequences.