
What Ancient Healing Rituals Teach Us About Energy Work
Across many cultures, the act of healing isn’t just about physical intervention—it’s about the power of belief, intention, symbolic action, and connection. One incredible example of this I came across in my university studies is a Zuni healing ritual.
The Zuni Healing Ritual: A Symbolic Act of Transformation
The Zuni people are a Native American tribe primarily based in the Zuni Pueblo in western New Mexico. In Zuni tradition, a healer—often called a shaman—might perform a ritual where they appear to "extract" an illness from the body. Using sleight-of-hand, the shaman symbolically removes the source of pain or imbalance, often displaying an object, like a stone or a feather, as proof of the extraction.
Both the healer and the patient understand that the objects were not literally removed from the body - what they do believe is that the sleight of hand act itself invokes the healing powers of the cosmos. In this way, the shaman activates the patient's belief that healing is underway. The externalization and symbolism of the illness as an object helps to anchor the imagination and belief.
It doesn't truly matter if we believe in the metaphysical explanation for the healing or the psychological effects of the act. The key is that an intention has been set in a clear way. Science does not have a strong grasp on the placebo effect, consciousness, or the nature of reality, so there is a lot of room for interpretation. We can see patterns across cultures and time - symbolic action can trigger physical and emotional healing processes.
How Reiki Aligns with Symbolic Healing
Reiki, too, can tap into the power of intention and belief. During a session, a Reiki practitioner focuses on creating a flow of energy that restores balance and promotes healing. While there’s no dramatic “extraction” like in the Zuni ritual, the process is deeply symbolic and even includes multiple symbol systems.
The experience itself is an intentional act, signaling to the mind and body of the patient that it’s okay and safe to let go of stress, pain, or emotional blockages. Like the Zuni ritual, Reiki taps into your body’s natural healing potential by combining trust, belief, and a shared focus on your well-being.
Why Symbolism Matters in Healing Healing is more than just fixing what’s physically wrong. It’s about addressing the spiritual, emotional, social, and psychological layers of wellness. By engaging with symbolic acts—whether it’s the shaman’s extraction or a Reiki session—we open ourselves to the possibility of transformation.

Experience the Power of Reiki
We don't understand the metaphysical foundations of Reiki, but its efficacy has been well documented. If you’re ready to experience the same power of symbolic healing that has been practiced for centuries, Reiki is a noninvasive, save, supportive, holistic option. Through intention and energy work, Reiki creates a space for you to be cared for and create an intention for transformation.
Book your Reiki session in Boulder CO today and discover how this gentle, intentional practice can help you feel more connected and whole in your many layers of being.