Blending Science and Subtle Energy: My Experience with Integrated Energy Therapy

As a practitioner focused primarily on Manual Lymphatic Drainage and CranioSacral Therapy, I’ve always been fascinated by how the body holds not just physical tension, but also emotional and energetic patterns. Over time, I’ve seen how stress, overwhelm, grief, and even past traumas can manifest in the body as stagnation or inflammation—especially in areas closely connected to the lymphatic system: the neck, chest, abdomen, and hips. I've been offering Reiki as a service in my practice for years, but always felt like I was missing something. While intuitive, I needed a more specific framework for an otherwise open protocol.

I recently took a class on Integrated Energy Therapy, and the experience was truly profound. The creator of this technique, Stevan Thayer, is a former engineer. And in true engineer fashion, the foundations are specific and even scientific, but the work is all energy based. I’m still absorbing and processing everything I learned, but I can already tell this work will be a powerful addition to my practice.

We began the class by drawing one of nine angel cards—each representing a specific healing quality. The card that landed in my hand was Archangel Michael, the angel of courage. Just the one I needed. (And yes, it really did feel like it jumped into my hand before I could even finish choosing.) The other student drew Ariel, the angel of manifestation and inspiration—another perfect match.

After introductions and background on the modality, we participated in an activation ceremony designed to connect our “heart link” to the angelic realm. The effects were surprisingly visual and tangible for me—something I wasn’t expecting, but deeply welcomed. From there, we explored the core principles of IET and practiced both giving and receiving sessions.

What I love about IET is that it feels like a bridge between Reiki and CranioSacral Therapy. It brings together energy work and hands-on healing in a way that’s both intuitive and structured. In a session, specific angels are called upon to assist with emotional healing, while light touch is used on points of the body believed to hold stored emotions. Once identified, these emotional imprints are released—and their opposites are gently integrated. For example: releasing fear and imprinting safety, or releasing heartache and imprinting love.

This framework makes the work easier to explain to clients and more tangible for me to track in session. And best of all, I’m not doing it alone. IET is about partnering with a greater intelligence—letting divine support move through you, instead of trying to “make something happen” with your own energy. It’s truly a way of working smarter, not harder. 

How Does This Relate to Lymphatic Drainage?

The lymphatic system is deeply connected to our parasympathetic nervous system—meaning that relaxation, emotional safety, and energetic balance all support better flow and detoxification. When I incorporate light energy work into a session, it can create a more complete release: physical, emotional, and energetic.

Because both IET and Manual Lymphatic Drainage use gentle, calming touch, they integrate seamlessly. For clients, it simply feels like an even deeper state of peace. For the body, it’s an invitation to let go—of tension, of stored emotion, of what’s no longer serving.

I’m excited to begin blending IET into sessions alongside CranioSacral and Reiki. One of the best parts of being in this field is that there’s always more to learn. My next step is the intermediate IET training, where I’ll learn how to assess whether an emotional pattern is held in the physical, emotional, mental, or spiritual field. I’m also looking forward to a class this October that deepens connection to each of the nine angels—timed beautifully with the season when the veil is said to be thinnest. ✨

Curious about what an IET-integrated session might feel like?

I’d love to share this new layer of healing with you. Whether you're navigating physical tension, emotional overwhelm, or simply want to feel more grounded and supported, IET can be a beautiful complement to lymphatic work and CranioSacral Therapy. Feel free to reach out or book a session—I’m happy to answer questions or explore what would be most supportive for you.