Page 628 - The Veterinary Care of the Horse

paintings showing people laying their hands onto others. Two thousand year old Vedic texts

also describe how universal energy is channelled deep into the body’s cells through energy
VetBooks.ir centres called chakras. Priests in Egyptian temples are known to have used their hands to
give healing to the sick and the Ebers papyrus which dates from 1550 BC mentions that

healing by laying on the hands was given for pain relief.

The ancient Greeks practised healing for medical conditions, and followers of the Greek
philosopher Pythagoras believed that energy comprised negative and positive states, the
positive being used for healing. Pythagoras also coined the term ‘pneuma’ for the energy

associated with healing which is similar to the Chinese Yin and Yang dual energy states that
need to be in balance for mind, body and soul harmony. This applies as much to our horses as

it does to us.
Another famous Greek philosopher Hypocrites noticed that sensations of heat and

tingling were produced by healers, and were accompanied by relief of a patient’s symptoms.
Later, throughout Europe, kings practised healing, and around the world today, the touch of

the hand to comfort sick or troubled humans and animals has continued.

Studies and efficacy

Many scientific studies into healing have now been conducted and reported*. Owing to the

known benefits, registered healers in the UK are now working in NHS hospitals. Doctors
may also refer patients to healers. The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) has no

objection to healing by the laying on of hands as long as a vet has been consulted about the
animal’s problems and permission for healing has been given.

Registered healers

The largest and leading organization in the UK for healers is The Healing Trust

(www.thehealingtrust.org.uk). To become a full healer member and be accepted for the
professional referral register, people have to undertake at least two years of training and a
panel assessment. Once accepted, members adhere to a strict code of conduct including

working within the Veterinary Act. Professional healers also carry insurance.

What is healing energy?

The understanding of life force or soul energy is not new and many long-established medical
philosophies share this concept for helping recovery and rebalance. Disruption of the balance
of vital energy adversely affects wellbeing.