Pranic Healing?

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is an increasingly popular therapeutic approach among eating disorder (ED) clinicians, largely due to the expanding body of research supporting its efficacy in treating a wide range of diagnoses. In order to appreciate the value of the DBT model when navigating recovery, one must first understand the meaning behind its name. 
 

The term “dialectical” refers to the synthesis between two opposites. In other words, the recognition that two seemingly contradictory truths can exist simultaneously (without one truth invalidating the other). To illustrate this concept, I’ll introduce one of my favorite tools: replacing the word “but” with the word “and”. The use of the word “and” allows us to hold two conflicting truths at the same time, while also validating the intense emotions related to navigating a challenging situation. Though swapping “and” for “but” may seem simplistic, modifying language in this manner is a powerful therapeutic tool that promotes flexible thinking by shifting away from the “either/or” mindset. 

Let’s apply this concept to a realistic conflict experienced by many people seeking help for their eating disorders who face ambivalence about entering treatment. When weighing the decision of whether to enter a higher level of care program (such as a residential or partial hospitalization program), clients often express sentiments such as: “I want to get better, but I’m really uncomfortable asking for leave from work.” The use of the word “but” in this sentence communicates that the reluctance to take leave from work somehow minimizes the desire to get better, when, in reality, both truths are significant and valid. Through the use of dialectical thinking, we can rephrase this sentence in order to validate both points. When we restructure this dilemma as an “and” statement, it transforms into: “I don’t want to take leave from my job, and I’m going to need to in order to get better.” Now, let’s unpack the contents of the restructured sentence. Of course the client is worried about leaving their job—who wouldn’t be? The idea of taking time away from work is understandably anxiety-provoking and leads to many valid concerns such as: dealing with HR, potential financial impact, concerns around job security, and so forth. The fact that leaving work is a necessary means in order to get better does not make the choice less anxiety-provoking; and, at the same time, doing so remains essential.  

What is Pranic Healing?

 

Pranic Healing is an energy-based healing system that works on the body’s energy field (or “aura”) rather than directly on the physical body. It was developed by Master Choa Kok Sui and is based on the idea that the body has an innate ability to heal itself if its energy system is balanced and unblocked.

    •    “Prana” means “life energy” (similar to “chi” in Chinese medicine or “ki” in Japanese traditions).

    •    Practitioners use specific techniques to scan, cleanse, and energize the body’s energy centers (chakras) to restore balance.

    •    It is non-touch — the practitioner works with the energy field around the body rather than through physical manipulation.

Using Pranic Healing Alongside Talk Therapy

 

When combined with traditional psychotherapy, Pranic Healing can enhance therapeutic outcomes:

    •    Emotional Regulation: Clearing congested energy can reduce feelings of anxiety, stress, and depression, creating more openness for talk therapy.

    •    Mind-Body Connection: Supports awareness of how emotions are experienced in the body, helping clients process trauma and stress holistically.

    •    Deeper Relaxation: Creates a calmer state, which can make clients more receptive to therapeutic interventions like CBT, mindfulness, or trauma-focused therapy.

    •    Complementary, Not a Replacement: It does not replace evidence-based psychotherapy, but it can be a supportive, integrative tool for clients interested in holistic care.

How Does It Work?

    1.    Energy Scanning – The practitioner detects imbalances, blockages, or depleted energy in the client’s energy field.

    2.    Cleansing – Unwanted or “congested” energy is removed to clear blockages that may contribute to stress, pain, or emotional difficulties.

    3.    Energizing – Fresh prana is directed into specific areas to restore vitality and balance.

    4.    Stabilizing – The new energy is “sealed” so it remains stable and continues to support healing.

 

The goal is to support the body’s natural healing processes—physically, emotionally, and mentally.