Secular vs. Spiritual Healing: What's right for you?

woman meditating

In today’s world of wellness, healing comes in many flavors, and it can be a bit overwhelming to figure out which approach might be right for you. When you dive into the various healing practices, you’ll notice that both secular (or non-spiritual) and spiritual healers address the mind, body, energy, and spirit, and both usually address the same conditions. But the line between these two paths can get blurred, leading to confusion about what each type of healing actually entails and how to choose which is the right one for you.

Let’s break it down and clarify some of these concepts, starting with what “spirit” means in the context of healing. For Christians, it might refer to the part of a person that goes to heaven; for Buddhists, it’s about reincarnation; and for spiritualists, it might be the aspect of us that can communicate after death, perhaps through a medium. Spiritual healers typically connect with spiritual entities—like guides, ancestors, or higher powers to help facilitate the healing process. Some might tap into the spirits of those who have passed, while others might rely on different kinds of beings or deities. Spiritual healing can often take place in spiritualist churches, conventional churches, or even in indigenous communities where a strong connection to ancestors is emphasized.

What is Non-Spiritual Healing?

Non-spiritual healing, secular healing or what can simply be called energy healing, focuses more on the energy anatomy within each person. Think of it as a more practical approach that utilizes various energy vibrations present in the world to promote healing, rather than using spiritual entities or authorities to do the work. Practitioners might use techniques like Reiki to repair wear and tear in the energy field, chi to unblock meridian lines, or prana to balance out chakras. At its core, energy healing is all about connecting with the various energies that exist in the world. Energy healers are trained to tap into this energy and channel it to help a person’s body and well-being. You don’t need a specific religious background to benefit from energy healing; we all have energy systems, and taking care of them is crucial for overall health. You can walk into an energy healing session with any belief system—or even none at all—and still experience positive outcomes. Just like you’d go to a dentist to help with your teeth, and wouldn't expect a conversation about your spiritual beliefs, attending to your energy health can be just as helpful and straightforward, no matter your spiritual background.

Choosing the Right Healer

When it comes to finding a healer—whether spiritual or non-spiritual—there’s a good chance that your personal beliefs will help guide your choice. But keep in mind that it doesn’t necessarily mean you’re looking for a healer who shares your specific views.

Both spiritual and energy healing can offer overlapping benefits. The way a session is conducted might differ, but both aim to create healing and balance within you.

No matter which approach resonates with you, taking care of your energy health is key. In the end, it’s about finding a healer who aligns with your needs and helps you on your journey to feeling better in body, mind, and spirit. So whether you’re drawn to the spiritual, curious about energy work, or somewhere in between, there’s a healing path that’s right for you.