The field of energy medicine has a long history in the United States dating back almost two centuries. During the 19th century, there was a widespread interest in electrotherapy devices and many were sold in mail order catalogs. An overview of the development of the field of electrotherapy can be found in Dr. James Oschman’s
There are several other prominent and influential Western leaders emerging in the field of energy medicine. The Rev. Rosalyn Bruyere (link is external), founder of the Healing Light Center Church in California, has influenced many of the healers in the United States including many of the nurses who have studied therapeutic touch as well as
Over the last 20 years, the field of energy medicine has matured considerably due to the pioneering efforts of many dedicated researchers and educators. A few of the more noteworthy will be mentioned in this report (listed in alphabetical order) to highlight the growing scientific validity of this emerging medical field.
Today, energy medicine is officially recognized by the U.S. healthcare systems as a sub-specialty within the larger field of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM). The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM), a center within the National Institutes of Health (NIH), is the federal government’s lead agency for scientific research on CAM. NCCAM’s mission