Bioenergy refers to the bio-currents that reside in all sentient beings. In short, it is the vital force of life. It is believed that this energy force envelops every cell of the body and serves as the "hard wiring" of the individual that channels information between energy points and fields. This energy also exists outside the body as an electromagnetic field, an extension of bioenergy commonly thought of as the astral body or aura.
Bioenergy therapy embraces the importance of maintaining a balanced flow between energy points within the body as well as the external energy field. Through the use of various forms of bodywork, or energy healing, a bioenergy practitioner strives to correct or improve impaired energy flow in order to promote wellness. This type of mind-body approach to healing recognizes the connection between the body and the brain, and endeavors to trigger physiological changes by manipulating the energy fields between them.
While the concept existed in many cultures for quite some time, Mietek Wirkus is credited as being the pioneer of bioenergy therapy. According to many first-hand accounts, the Polish born healer seemed to possess an innate understanding of bioenergy from an early age. In fact, he reputedly used this knowledge to ease his sister’s asthma when he was just four years old in 1943. It would be many years, however, before Wirkus would fully develop his theory of bioenergy as a therapeutic tool and dedicate his life to the practice of it. Eventually, Mietek Wirkus, together with his wife, Margaret, would establish The Wirkus Bioenergy Foundation and provide training classes and workshops to medical professionals and bodywork therapists.
The method of energy healing taught by Wirkus includes Tibetan breathing and meditation exercises, as well as a focus on khorlo, or the series of chakras that serve as distribution points between energy fields. It is within this system that Wirkus believes the ‘binding matter’ that stems from the mind to exist. In other words, the mind essence or imprint that connects the physical, emotional, mental, astral and spiritual aspects of a living being. According to Wirkus, without this integration of bioenergy death and decomposition of the whole being would occur (i.e., clinical death).
The Wirkus Bioenergy Foundation continues to promote further research and education on this type of healing and its therapeutic applications. Since Mietek Wirkus' increased the popularity of bioenergy therapy in the Western medical community in 1985, interest in it has continued to grow. In fact, bioenergy therapy is now being studied and taught in numerous countries throughout the world.