The other day, I had a debate with Gemini AI about whether energy healing—such as Qigong, Reiki, or Prana—can heal our illnesses without relying on modern medicine. Across our interactions, Gemini consistently maintained that there is no conclusive scientific proof that energy therapy alone can cure diseases. The only point the AI agreed on was that energy healing can help balance our hormonal state, relax our mind, and release muscle tension. Beyond that, it repeatedly advised me to consult a physician.
Gemini also highlighted the dangers of relying solely on energy work. Modern medicine can intercept life-threatening conditions early, such as severe bacterial infections, cancers, or tumors. After seeing this consistent response, I queried other AI models and received similar answers. It made me wonder: Were those ancient teachings on energy therapies all a fluke—stemming merely from our imaginations of a universal life force accessible to everyone, regardless of wealth?
However, if you reframe the question—asking not whether energy therapy directly cures disease, but rather what happens inside our bodies when we practice it—you get a completely different perspective. When I asked what occurs physically during deep, intense meditation focused on the lower dantian, the AIs noted that it activates the vagus nerve, inducing deep relaxation. When I followed up by asking about the effect on our immune system, they confirmed that immune function is enhanced as cortisol levels drop.
There is a clear physiological shift: lowering cortisol and activating the nervous system enhances our immune response and overall health. While this demonstrates tangible physical benefits, it remains insufficient as a standalone cure for severe illnesses.
My personal experience over 20 years of practicing Reiki aligns with this. Daily practice with awareness on the lower dantian has significantly reduced how often I get sick. However, I can still get sick occasionally if I am sleep-deprived, overworked, or eating poorly.
When offering Reiki to others, recipients frequently describe feeling intense warmth or heat, particularly over the heart area. It has proven to be a comforting therapy for those suffering from cold-related discomforts. However, results were limited against strong bacterial or viral infections—symptoms simply do not vanish after one or two sessions.
I also experimented with aura cleansing techniques, clearing excess energy from organs before re-energizing them. I found some success with minor issues like sore throats or stomach discomfort. However, for severe conditions like cancer or tumors, energy clearing showed little success, as the stagnant energy felt very sticky and difficult to move out. The only strong testimony I encountered was from the Zhen Qi Yun Xing school (focused on the Microcosmic Orbit), where a practitioner—an Indonesian celebrity—reported full recovery after relying on the practice when her cancer relapsed after chemotherapy.
Personally, I deeply value energy healing, and I am going to practice it for the rest of my life. However, we must apply it wisely alongside modern medicine to get the maximum benefit from it.