Demystifying Energy Work with Insight from Wellness Pros

The ancient practice of energy work has never been a more popular method for modern healing. Many are turning to spa and wellness facilities to align their mind, body and spirit. We've gathered professional insight from experts and destinations who highlight the endless benefits of this powerful practice. 

1. Why do you think there is a resurgence of ancient energy work being used in modern spas?

-Sherrie Tennessee, Ph.D., CHE, director of Education, SpaSOS: The resurgence of ancient energy work in modern spas reflects our society's growing desire for holistic wellness solutions that address both body and spirit. As people face increasing stress and digital overwhelm, they're seeking deeper, time-tested practices that offer both relaxation and energetic rebalancing. These ancient modalities like Reiki, crystal therapy, and sound healing provide a compelling counterpoint to our fast-paced modern lifestyle, offering moments of profound stillness and energetic recalibration that many find missing from conventional treatments.

-Erika Lauren, esthetician, writer, and business owner; Art + Sol: Modern spas remember that energy work is the epitome of rejuvenation. People need rejuvenation more than ever, and the healing benefits of intention-based treatments are what clients want. 

-Gina Bolton, director of Spa, Retail and Branding, Bernardus Lodge & Spa: There is a yearning for simplification in a world that is only becoming faster and more complex. At Bernardus Lodge & Spa, we’ve seen increased interest in treatments that go beyond the physical and thoughtfully target energy and spiritual well-being. Our meditations, manifestations, and tarot card readings have become some of our most sought after wellness experiences. 

-Jacqueline Berry, director of Spa and Wellbeing, Miraval Resorts & Spas: The resurgence of ancient energy work in spas reflects a growing desire among individuals to look within and explore practices that address body, mind and spirit. In an era of heightened stress, people seek approaches that go beyond surface-level treatments, offering deeper balance and renewal. Ancient practices like Reiki, sound healing, and chakra balancing resonate because they focus on energy flow and inner harmony. Guests are often drawn to the authenticity and spiritual grounding that energy work provides. These methods also complement modern modalities, creating a more integrative and meaningful spa experience.

Related: The Aura Effect: Integrating Energy Work into Modern Spas

2. How do you recommend pros incorporate energy work into their service menu?

-Tennessee: Begin by offering energy work as an enhancement to traditional treatments - for example, incorporating crystal placement or Reiki during a massage or adding sound therapy to facial treatments. This allows clients to experience energy work in a familiar context. Provide clear, accessible descriptions of the benefits, and avoid overly esoteric language that might alienate newcomers. Consider creating hybrid services that blend conventional spa treatments with energy modalities to create unique signature experiences.

-Lauren: Highlighting the special training your spa has in the energy work you provide is the best way to draw interest from your target audience. Some therapies require extensive training and certification, and clients love to know that you have it! Also, instead of only using it as an add-on in your service menu, dedicate specific treatments around the energy work you offer. 

-Bolton: Introduce energy work alongside a treatment or experience guests might already be familiar with to make the concept more approachable — this could look like a massage or meditation with corresponding Reiki. The Spa at Bernardus offers a “Rapid Reiki” experience for a period as short as ten minutes, so guests can experience the process without feeling like they have to commit to a longer practice.

-Berry: Energy work can be integrating thoughtfully into existing treatments, as it pairs so well with other modalities. Creating signature offerings that blend energy practices with traditional techniques, such as sound healing paired with relaxation massage or chakra balancing incorporated into a meditation, can provide unique and impactful experiences. Equally important is educating both staff and guests. Training staff to understand and confidently explain the benefits of energy work ensures they can guide guests effectively.

3. What are your favorite forms of energy work to integrate into your offerings? 

-Tennessee: Among the most effective energy modalities to integrate into spa services, I particularly value sound therapy. Singing bowls or tuning forks can beautifully complement any treatment, while providing tangible vibrational healing. Crystal therapy, especially using heated stones or facial tools, can combine physical benefits with energetic properties. Reiki can be seamlessly incorporated into any hands-on treatment and requires no additional equipment.

-Lauren: Vibro-acoustic therapy (sound bowls) and chakra balancing are long time favorites of wellness-oriented clients (and myself).

-Bolton: The Spa at Bernardus is located in a destination that leans into the power of nature to support wellness, which plays beautifully into our energy work offerings. Energy experiences include Reiki, crystal healing, our brain wave vibration meditation and aqua yoga.

-Berry: My favorite energy services to incorporate into a spa menu are Reiki and Craniosacral Therapy because of their deeply restorative benefits. Reiki channels universal energy to clear blockages and create a profound sense of calm and balance. Personally, I find it invaluable for stress relief and mental clarity, as it allows me to reset and feel more centered during challenging times. Craniosacral Therapy works with the body’s natural rhythms to release tension and promote healing at a subtle yet impactful level. I’ve found it particularly effective for relieving tension in the head and quieting the mind. It leaves me feeling lighter and more aligned, both physically and emotionally.