Energy healing

Pranic healing

ปราณิกฮีลลิ่ง

A no-touch energy-work system from the Philippines in which the practitioner moves their hands at a distance from the body to 'cleanse' and 'energise' it.

IntensityGentle

Origin

Philippines

History

Developed by Choa Kok Sui (born 1952); his first book, Miracles Through Pranic Healing, was published in 1987

Licence in Thailand

Not required

Where it comes from

Pranic Healing was developed by Choa Kok Sui, born in the Philippines in 1952. According to his organisation's own accounts, he trained as a chemical engineer and worked as a businessman before devoting himself to the study of prana and esoteric practices. His first book, Miracles Through Pranic Healing, came out in 1987.

The movement spread internationally through licensed teachers and foundations; its US branch, for example, dates its beginnings to 1988. Pranic Healing® is a registered trademark, and workshops follow standard course materials. Choa Kok Sui also founded a meditation and spiritual practice called Arhatic Yoga.

The system borrows the Sanskrit word prana ('life force') and the idea of chakras from Indian traditions, while presenting itself as a modern, structured method.

The principle

Practitioners believe that each person has an invisible energy body (often called the aura or 'bioplasmic body') with major chakras, and that problems in this energy body can affect physical and emotional wellbeing. The practitioner, without touching, uses hand movements to 'cleanse' what is seen as used or stagnant energy and then to 'energise' the area with fresh prana.

There is no scientific evidence that this energy body exists. A few small studies report reductions in pain or anxiety, but results vary, quality is limited, and energy healing in general is considered by scientific reviewers to work no better than placebo. The calm, attentive setting may still feel relaxing.

What people come for

To relax and feel calmer
To explore an energy-based, spiritual practice
To accompany (not replace) medical care during a difficult time
To learn self-practice and meditation (Pranic Healing is taught in workshops)

How it works on the body

You remain fully clothed, seated, standing or lying down depending on the practitioner, and you are not touched at all.

A session, step by step

01
Welcome
The practitioner asks what brings you and confirms that the method is no-touch and complementary to medical care.
02
Positioning
You sit, stand or lie down comfortably, clothed, with eyes closed if you wish.
03
Assessing
The practitioner moves their hands slowly near your body to 'feel' the areas they want to work on.
04
Cleansing
With repeated hand movements in the air, they aim to remove what they consider stagnant energy.
05
Energising
They then hold their hands toward specific areas to 'project' prana.
06
Closing
A short conversation; the practitioner may suggest breathing exercises or meditation.

Precautions

Pranic Healing is not medical treatment. Its own US organisation states that practitioners do not diagnose diseases or prescribe, and that treatments are complementary to licensed care.
Never stop or delay medical or psychological treatment in favour of Pranic Healing; reliance on energy healing instead of proven care has led to serious harm.
If you face depression, anxiety, trauma or suicidal thoughts, contact a mental health professional; an energy session is not a substitute.
Be cautious of anyone promising cures or using the method to push costly courses or products.

Complementary practice: does not replace medical advice.

In Thailand

Pranic Healing is taught and practised in Thailand by independent practitioners and centres linked to the international organisation, often in English. We found no Thai licence or official standard for it: Thailand legally recognises Thai traditional medicine and Chinese medicine and oversees alternative medicine through its Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine, but Pranic Healing is not among the licensed healing professions we found, so ask practitioners about their training.

Frequently asked questions

Is there scientific evidence that Pranic Healing works?

No solid evidence. There is no scientific proof of the energy body it describes. Some small studies report less pain or anxiety, but results are inconsistent and methods are weak; reviews of energy healing in general attribute positive reports to placebo and relaxation.

Will the practitioner touch me?

No. Pranic Healing is explicitly a no-touch method; the practitioner works with their hands at a distance from your body.

How is it different from Reiki?

Reiki usually involves light touch and focuses on 'giving' energy; Pranic Healing is no-touch and puts strong emphasis on 'cleansing' before 'energising'. Both rely on energy ideas that science has not confirmed.

Do I need to believe in it?

No belief is required to try a session, but it is helpful to know it is a spiritual and relaxation practice, not a medical one.

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