We are rapidly approaching the end of the semester and therefore, the end of this English project. It has been an interesting experience to do research on energy healing. Even though I've been involved with it for years, there were still things to learn. I have been surprised at how vehement the opposition can be. I understand the whole need for scientific research but I find it sad that testimonials and proof of other kinds are not good enough for them. To me it seems that if something works, even if it might be "all in the mind" that we should be grateful that at least it gives a desired result. The mind is an amazing thing. Why not?

Many years ago I was watching a talk show where a young man, who had been diagnosed with a terrible brain tumor, was able to get rid of it by imagining each night that there were good "attackers", I guess kind of like the Force from Star Wars, that were literally attacking this tumor. Over time the tumor disappeared, and this kid was found free of cancer. How wonderful for him. Yet, there was a doctor there who didn't want to go out on a limb to suggest that it was a good thing. What if another patient couldn't get the same result? (Like everyone who has surgery and chemo has great results.) He was actually down playing the success of this child because it didn't fit into his paradigm. If this kid's family had not taken the chance with this alternative treatment, he would have been dead. That is where the real tragedy is. Just because we cannot see something, or measure it the way science usually does, does not make it unviable. It would be nice if these people could be open minded enough to acknowledge the benefits and results that are visible.

Luckily, there are many who do see, and are willing to admit there might be something there. One of those, Dr. Oz, is well known, and hopefully because of that, will get people to take notice. I don't think for a minute that energy work is the end all be all for everyone. However, I do think there are tremendous benefits to helping people in many areas of their lives if they would simply be open to the possibilities. Unfortunately, many people won't do anything if their doctor doesn't recommend it and most doctors won't do that. It will take time. My father was a chiropractor and I remember as a kid knowing that he was looked at as some kind of quack because of his profession. Things in that area have changed over the last 50 years. People can become more open. I'm counting on that.

My focus in my research has been how energy work can help those with depression. I suffered from it for years. For years I took the meds and did the counseling in an effort to find some kind of peace and happiness. It's all that the medical community has to offer and it simply isn't good enough. I run into too many people who have just resigned themselves to life never really getting any better. It doesn't have to be that way. I want to help these people find the joy that has gone out of their lives and I know one way is to help them through energy work. What else can offer solutions without side effects that doesn't cost much, especially in comparison to years of counseling and medication. Is it all in the mind? I don't think so, certainly not in the way the medical community is suggesting. I've known it to be a good thing for me because of experience. After my research, I'm even more convinced it is the way to better health in the long run.