Energy medicine (Topical Term)

National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine Web site, Apr. 10, 2007 ("Energy medicine is a domain in CAM that deals with energy fields of two types: veritable that can be measured and putative, which have yet to be measured. The veritable energies employ mechanical vibrations (such as sound) and electromagnetic forces, including visible light, magnetism, monochromatic radiation (such as laser beams), and rays from other parts of the electromagnetic spectrum. They involve the use of specific, measurable wavelengths and frequencies to treat patients. In contrast, putative energy fields (also called biofields) have defied measurement to date by reproducible methods. Therapies involving putative energy fields are based on the concept that human beings are infused with a subtle form of energy. This vital energy or life force is known under different names in different cultures [...] Vital energy is believed to flow throughout the material human body, but it has not been unequivocally measured by means of conventional instrumentation. Nonetheless, therapists claim that they can work with this subtle energy, see it with their own eyes, and use it to effect changes in the physical body and influence health.")

Gale encyc. of alternative medicine: v. 2, p. 86 (energy medicine is based on the belief that changes in the life force of the body, including electric, magnetic, and electromagnetic fields, affect human health and can promote healing.)

LC database, Apr. 11, 2007 (titles: energy medicine, energy healing, energetic healing)