Healing is a completely natural process. Effectively it is a flow of beneficial energy between the healer and the recipient which deals with "dis-ease" at the deepest level and frees your natural resources to work in the most effective way for you. Organisms have a remarkable capacity for selfhealing and it is this capacity in you that the healer seeks to tap.

What happens during a session of healing?

A healer will work with his (or her) hands at a short distance from your body, or sometimes by light touch, inviting you to relax and close your eyes if you wish. Usually patients are already aware that something is happening. Most experience a variety of sensations, perhaps warmth or coolness, tingling and pressure, or pain coming to the surface (and often dispersing) as the energy goes to work. Some clients experience little more than warmth but the process is no less effective.

As with many other therapies, a good rapport between healer and client is important, so please choose a healer with whom you feel comfortable.

What can healing do for me?

Healing can be helpful with a wide range of physical and psychological difficulties, sometimes to a remarkable degree. It is a process of revitalisation, relaxation and release at a profound level, which helps your body to adjust and heal spontaneously at its own pace and in its own way. Healing seeks out the underlying cause as well as the "presenting symptom'. This can mean that the outcome of a healing session may be beneficial in an unexpected way and not necessarily immediately: for example you may feel a sudden benefit days later or a gradual improvement over a period of time. There may be times when you experience some kind of emotional release as part of the healing process. Sometimes the process is obvious, sometimes more subtle. Healing is usually helpful, sometimes remarkably so.

How often do I need to go for healing?

Sometimes one session will be sufficient, sometimes several may be needed. If you are experiencing healing for the first time it may take you two or three sessions to relax into the process and enjoy the full benefit. You can always discuss progress with your healer.

Do I need to be ill to receive healing?

No. Healing is often about restoring balance to your life and relationships with others; about expressing feelings, about change and the need for it. It often helps brings a sense of proportion and perspective and a greater feeling of "feet on the ground", of regaining control, irrespective of whether you are ill or not. On the other hand, it can be especially helpful in crisis situations and with terminal illness. It can stand alone as a therapy, has no harmful side effects and works well with any other therapy. It is a process above all to help you help yourself.

Do I need faith?

No. Healers work from a wide range of philosophies and many simply see their ability as a natural resource. Nothing special is expected of the patient however, except perhaps openness to anything that happens and a degree of trust in the healer. An awareness of the need for change and the motivation to do so can also be helpful.

Healing and my doctor

We always encourage you to remain in touch with your doctor in case your illness calls for medical intervention. Healing complements the treatment your doctor is giving you so do tell him (or her) that you are receiving healing, and about any positive benefits you experience. Your doctor maybe interested in finding out more.

What else do I need to know?

In common with other professional therapists, all NFSH members carry insurance and subscribe to a strict Code of Conduct.

Your comments and suggestions on any aspect of healing are welcome.

National Federation of Spiritual Healers,
Old Manor Farm Studio, Church Street,
Sunbury-on-Thames, Middlesex.
TW16 6RG UK
Tel. (administration only) 01932 783164 Fax 01932 779648
Regd Charity No. 211133.

Comment by J Hardaker:

It is sometimes thought that healing has failed if a person dies. This is not the case as the healing may have helped that person face death with courage and brought about a peaceful acceptance. The passing, and the means of achieving it, may have been in that person's life plan and to try to change it would not be right.

There is a time to die; you chose it before you came into this life. Whether you accept this or not does not change it. The desire to stay on this planet, when you have achieved what you came to do, is pointless. Also some illnesses may be Karmic in origin in order to learn something. You chose to be ill as there is no illness in Spirit.

A gifted lady I know had a Downs Syndrome child; she says all her 'friends' vanished when she was born. I said, when she told me this, 'Sorted them out did it?' The, now much older, daughter loves everybody and says so. She also does clairvoyance occasionally.

'Judge not, least ye be judged also' comes to mind. (I don't quote the Bible very often but it comes in handy occasionally)

I hope these comments do not detract in any way from this leaflet by the NFSH.