THE BIGGER PICTURE: In debating the effectiveness of orthodox and complementary medical traditions, one core idea often comes to the fore of argument: energy.
Does energy really exist? Is the phenomenon folklore, a spiritual belief or physical fact? Does this idea have any credible impact on the functioning of the human body?
Despite the fervour by which this concept is both defended and dismissed, it seems to me that there is no real argument. Of course there is a flow of energy within our bodies and of course it makes a difference.
We are each an organism made up of tissues that are made up of cells. Each cell operates at a molecular level, with each molecule being made up of atoms and atomic bonds.
Even allopathic practitioners (ie our GPs, hospital consultants) will acknowledge that we function on a chemical level, giving rise to their active engagement with drugs. Indeed, there is no question that we are essentially held together by atomic energy.
Not only is the complexity of our organism held together by energy, but our whole existence is about accessing, creating and expending energy. Furthermore, the chemical elements within our bodies have electrical charges.
Without them, we'd have no nerve impulses, muscle contractions, digestive absorption or thoughts. This is not religious, mystical or magical. This is science, and true about every living thing.
It is not a great leap, then, to conceive that this energy is organised into specific pathways and directions within our bodies. After all, these particles exist within our blood, lymph and nerve cells, all of which are organised into such paths and directions. The free movement and balance of these charges and transfers of energy are vital to operations within our body. Thus, the flow of energy is required for good functioning.
Yet, we find this difficult to believe. On the one hand, some groups express this energy in religious or mystical terms (eg light, angels, divine power) thus making it necessary to be a believer to acknowledge the idea, alienating much of the population.
On the other hand, the orthodox medical establishment insists that body energy doesn't exist or, at the very least, is insignificant. As this group holds the weight of institutional power, it takes more than a leap of faith, but a great deal of self-confidence, to even consider the idea.
There is a cost to being dismissive, however. While it might be difficult to understand how a homeopathic remedy with nearly nothing physical left of the original substance could have any meaningful effect upon the body, there is no denying the clinical success of homeopathy throughout the years and around the world.
To close ourselves off from things that work, simply because we cannot explain them, is truly dangerous. It is a limiting sort of arrogance that judges things from the assumption of already knowing enough about our bodies and the universe so that a stance of being in appreciation of things we don't understand is not required.
The overall energy and vitality of an individual must be a factor in his/her health and ability to respond to illness. Included in this is mental attitude. Indeed, some of the most significant factors in healing are empowerment (including humour) and hope. The allopathic tradition, with its allegiance to what is proven, fears to prescribe hope, is too occupied to provide time, does not prioritise humour, and is unable to function outside of its authoritative hierarchy.
This is not to say complementary medicines are all-inspiring. Some natural therapists also struggle with rigidity and desperation, thus failing to empower either their patients or themselves. However, hope, attention and lightness are discouraged within modern day allopathy, and this is a struggle.
We need to leave some of our rigidities, conditionings and disbeliefs behind.
Unfortunately, the information we receive or have been taught does not always reflect what is true. It sometimes comes to us through concealed and forceful political or economic agendas.
This is a fact of our society. Facing this means learning not to disbelieve, be cynical or dismissive of things that indeed have a track record of being effective, even if we don't yet understand why.
We do ourselves no favours by denying space, respect and resources to healing traditions that offer an insight not available within the dominant system.
By seeking more information, embracing prevention, encouraging our own vitality, there can be no doubt that we put ourselves in a much stronger position, regardless of our current level of knowledge.
There is evidence, despite the drastically less available resources for research, that the traditions believing in and practising to mobilise body energy have met with some success. Thus, they have a contribution to make in healthcare.
Shalini Sinha works as a counsellor, life coach and practises the Bowen Technique. She is the life coach with RTÉ's Health Squad.