Today with so many alternative energy work options available , it’s hard to know which one works the best for you. Many yoga teachers these days are also certified in alternative energy practices such as Qi Gong, Reiki, and crystal healing. Each type of energy work may or may not cater to you. Before you swipe that credit card, it’s best to know what exactly you’re paying for and if it’ll actually helps you.

With all the questions you were too afraid to ask, I’ve created this beginner’s guide to some of the most popular alternative energy works available today.

Qi Gong

Qi Gong (pronounced CHEE GOONG) is an alternative energy practice and health care system that originated in ancient China thousands of years ago. Through physical movement, focused intention, and breathing techniques, Qi Gong helps with a whole host of health ailments.  

In Qi Gong philosophy, the movement practices help balance our “qi.” Qi means life force or vital-energy that flows through all things in the universe. Gong means accomplishment or skill that is cultivated through steady practice. When put together, Qi Gong means cultivating energy.

A Qi Gong practice is great for health maintenance, healing, and increasing vitality. It works with the meridian system in traditional Chinese medicine, using pressure points, breathing and intention to clear blocked channels. It’s best to study with an experienced Qi Gong practitioner to understand the true workings of this ancient Chinese artform.

Qi Gong also comes in different forms. Styles such as Tai Chi focus on soft, internal qi, while styles such as Kung Fu can be quite vigorous and external.

One of the greatest advantages of Qi Gong is it can be practiced at any age. It’s low impact on the joints and requires very little physical exertion well suited for the elders and those with injuries.. Because of its focus breathing and intention, Qi Gong demands deep concentration  and influences our body in ways that are not part of traditional exercise programs.

The rhythmic, gentle movements of Qi Gong help to reduce stress, build stamina, increase vitality, and enhance the immune system. With consistent practice,  it builds a strong healthy body as well as a positive outlook on life.

Reiki

Reiki is an alternative energy practice that comes from Japan. Reiki is formed from two Japanese words – Rei meaning “God’s Wisdom or the Higher Power,” and Ki meaning “life force energy.” So Reiki together means “spiritually guided life force energy.

The general philosophy is similar to that of the Chinese and Indian as our Ki, lifeforce (prana in Sanskrit and Chi in Chinese) flows through our meridians, nadis and chakras. The Japanese Reiki masters believe that our Ki gets stagnant in one of these channels when we believe in negative thoughts. That negative thoughts then manifest through the physical body as some sort of ailments.

Since Yoga compliments so well with Reiki, many yoga teachers nowadays are also certified in Reiki healing. Reiki helps with stress reduction and relaxation which promotes healthy healing.

Like  Qi Gong, Reiki believes there is an unseen “life force energy” which flows through us. If your life force energy is high, you are more capable of being happy and healthy, but when your life force energy is low, you’re more likely to get sick and feel stressed out.

Reiki treats the whole person including body, emotions, mind and spirit. A Reiki treatments consists of laying hands on to a particular part of the body similar to a low-key massage. Generally a treatment with an experienced Reiki master feels like a loving touch that creates a wonderful glow that flows through and around you.

Crystal Healing

Crystals have been used for thousands of years by indigenous cultures such as the Australian aboriginals and Native American people. These ancient cultures believed that crystals were the manifestations of the Great Creative Spirit. Ancient Greeks even believed that quartz crystals were dropped by the gods on to earth.

There are a couple ways to incorporate crystals into your daily life. You may hold them, display them, or wear them as jewelry. Some massage therapists will also use crystals as part of the healing rituals they perform.

Crystals are exciting and powerful healing tools because they act as transmitters and amplifiers of health, happiness, love, success, and prosperity. They can enhance the home and workplace with both energy and protection.

As we hold, display, and wear crystals, they transform negativity flowing into our lives to positive energies. They radiate joy and healing as they catch the light.

Crystals help to kick-start our immune system and our body’s natural self-healing powers. Different types of crystals offer different forms of emotional, physical and spiritual comforts. It’s important to select high quality crystals and use it with genuine intention to heal your body, mind and spirit.

Now that you know a bit more about the alternative energy systems of Qi Gong, Reiki, and crystal healing, you can embark on a path of spiritual and energetic exploration and experimentation.

These healing modalities shouldn’t be used instead of your doctor’s recommended health suggestions, but they do provide ways of amplifying and building your holistic health. Try them out and see which ones work for you!