Energy healing is often dismissed as pseudoscience, but have you ever wondered why? It’s easy to say it lacks scientific evidence or doesn’t fit within the framework of modern medicine, but that’s only part of the story. The widespread skepticism toward energy healing and many other traditional practices is deeply rooted in colonialism and racism.
A lot of healing methods that fall under the “energy work” umbrella come from non-Western cultures. Reiki from Japan, acupuncture from China, Ayurveda from India, and Indigenous healing ceremonies from various nations around the world. These practices have been used for centuries, often with strong anecdotal and cultural evidence of their effectiveness. Yet, when they are practiced within their original cultural contexts, they are frequently labeled as “unscientific” or even “superstitious.”
Why? Because Western medicine has long positioned itself as the gold standard for what is considered legitimate healthcare. If a practice doesn’t fit into the structure of clinical trials, lab results, and double-blind studies, it’s often disregarded. But healing isn’t always something that can be measured in a Petri dish. Many people find relief, balance, and recovery through energy healing methods, and their experiences shouldn’t be so easily dismissed just because they don’t fit within a Western framework.
There’s also a clear pattern of selective acceptance. When elements of energy healing are repackaged through a Western lens, they suddenly gain credibility. Meditation, breathwork, and acupuncture were all once viewed as fringe, but now they are embraced by elite athletes, executives, and wellness influencers. The same practices that were dismissed when practiced by non-Western cultures are now praised when introduced through a Western perspective.
This isn’t to say that all energy healing practices will work for everyone or that they should replace medical treatment. But it is worth questioning why some healing traditions are disregarded outright while others are adopted and praised when they become trendy. Healing is personal, and different approaches work for different people. Instead of rejecting energy healing altogether, we should be open to learning about its history, listening to those who have benefited from it, and acknowledging the deep cultural wisdom behind these practices.
If you’re looking for an approach to wellness that respects both science and traditional wisdom, I’d love to work with you. My coaching takes an open-minded approach that values evidence-based training while also recognizing the importance of holistic well-being. Let’s find what works best for you.