For as long as I can remember as an adult, I have always felt torn between the route of science & the more holistic approach. I grew up in an environment that relied on conventional medicine. As an adult, this perspective has shifted over time. I’ve been lucky to be connected to people who are experts medically or experts in the holistic world. But it has made decisions SO challenging, because sometimes a holistic approach is the exact opposite of the conventional approach. I wish I was fully in one camp – but I am not. Working in a hospital made me really appreciate the hard work, knowledge and research that medical staff bring to the table. Also personally I’ve had enough experiences in my (and my family’s) life that have needed a medical approach. In fact it has been life-saving at times. The medical system has been amazing for acute trauma, but struggles to support the deeper things below the symptoms. Learning about energy healing and the world of “woo” made me see that it could provide and heal a lot of things that the conventional medical model couldn’t. The world of science has often closed the door on anything it can’t fully understand, even though it works. So what’s a person to do?Ultimately, I try and make the best decision possible, and sometimes I shift gears if the approach I’m taking isn’t working. If you’ve ever been in this place too, here are some resources & some podcasts I’ve enjoyed recently that combine science & holistic healing. 1. Podcast: Born to Heal: Holistic Healing for Optimal HealthLast year, I came across this podcast by Dr. Katie Deming, M.D. She spent many years as an Oncologist in the US before leaving the profession after she realized that the health-care system was broken. This podcast is a beautiful mix of conventional & holistic healing. She covers all kinds of topics included EFT (tapping), Red Light Therapy, and the Energy Code, and also brings in discussions around use of conventional medicine for healing from cancer. Her primary focus is helping those with a cancer diagnosis, but she offers so much more for any listener. 2. Podcast: EvolutionFMScott Britton leans a bit more into mysticism & consciousness and applying this to modern life (and potentially healing too). Not everyone he interviews is science-based, but many of them bridge both worlds in some form. I have been introduced to so many different people through his podcasts. The episodes are generally quite light, but go deep enough to get a sense of a person to determine if you want to go and learn more. 3. Journal of Global Advances in Health & MedicineA great starting point is the article “Biofield Science and Healing: An Emerging Frontier in Medicine” from the Journal of Global Advances in Health and Medicine. What I love about this piece is that it takes a big-picture approach, grouping all energy healing modalities under the concept of biofield healing rather than dissecting each practice separately. The biofield refers to the energy field that surrounds and interacts with our bodies—a concept that has roots in both ancient healing traditions and modern scientific inquiry. The article explores how working with the biofield can influence physical healing, making it a must-read for anyone curious about the intersection of science and energy medicine. You can also use the search tool to put in any type of holistic treatment you’re wondering about. For example, if you search “Reiki”, you’ll find many results on it’s effectiveness in different situations. 4. The Institute of Noetic Sciences (IONS)Another fantastic resource is the Institute of Noetic Sciences (IONS), which has dedicated itself to researching consciousness, energy healing, and the mind-body connection in a scientific way. They offer a wealth of information, including:
If you’re looking for a place that blends open-minded inquiry with rigorous scientific exploration, IONS is worth diving into. 5. Ken WilberA friend and I were recently discussing how in North America, mental health diagnostic practices are still strongly steeped with the Diagnostic & Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). There are some positives to having a diagnostic manual, but it is often over-used and the creation of the DSM is highly political with a vast array of issues that could be a post on its own. She introduced me to Ken Wilber who brings in a broader perspective. He is a philosopher & psychological theorist that has a zillion books and Youtube interviews Many of his books bridge the worlds of science & spirit. I’m pretty new to this guy, but excited to learn more. What Have You Found?Have you come across any other great resources or individuals that combine science & holistic healing? |
Science & Holistic Healing: Podcasts & Online Resources
