Finding Healing in Times of Grief: Energy Medicine and Natural Remedies
Last week was a trying time for so many of us. For me personally, grief resurfaced around the anniversary of 9/11—a moment etched into my memory as someone who grew up in New York City. That day was shattering for countless lives, and even now, years later, the heaviness remains. On top of that, Charlie Kirk’s death stirred strong emotions across the nation and the collective reactions felt magnified by the polarization and uncertainty. Wherever you fall on the political spectrum, this isn’t meant as a political statement but rather a reflection on grief—how it moves through us and how we can support ourselves.
Grief is universal. It touches us all, no matter our beliefs, communities, or backgrounds. The challenge is how to move through it without becoming hardened, numb, or overwhelmed. Fortunately, there are many tools—ancient and modern—that can support us in navigating these moments of heartbreak.
As a Naturopathic Doctor and Holistic Nurse with a focus on mental health, here are some of the go-to’s I use to help myself and my patients move through grief. Please note: this is for educational purposes only and not a substitute for medical care.
Homeopathy for Grief
Homeopathy is a natural system of medicine that uses highly diluted remedies to stimulate the body’s own healing response.
Ignatia amara: Often used in acute grief, when tears come in waves, the chest feels tight, and emotions feel raw.
Natrum muriaticum: Helpful for deeper, chronic grief, when sorrow is carried silently, and words feel too heavy.
Rescue Remedy: A well-known flower essence blend created by Dr. Edward Bach. It combines five different essences (Star of Bethlehem, Rock Rose, Cherry Plum, Impatiens, and Clematis) and is traditionally used in moments of acute stress, shock, or emotional overwhelm. Many find it calming and stabilizing when grief feels unbearable.
Reiki and Energy Healing
Reiki is a form of energy healing where gentle touch (or even intention without touch) helps balance the body’s energy centers. Placing hands over the heart chakra can create a sense of warmth and safety, allowing the nervous system to soften.
Nutrition and the Microbiome
What we feel in our hearts often resonates in our digestive tract. Trauma and grief can disrupt the microbiome, influencing not only digestion but also mood and resilience. Supporting gut health with probiotics, fiber-rich foods, and gentle nourishment can aid in stabilizing stress metabolism.
Acupressure for Grounding and Balance
Acupressure is an ancient healing art from Traditional Chinese Medicine where gentle pressure is applied to specific points on the body to restore balance and calm.
Heart 7 (Shenmen): Found on the inside of the wrist crease, near the pinky side; applying pressure here can help to calms the spirit and eases anxiety.
Heart 8 (Shaofu): Located in the palmar aspect between the 4th and 5th finger; applying pressure here helps release heat from emotional intensity.
Conception Vessel 12: On the anterior midline, stereo-costal notch, .applying gentle pressure here supports strength and centeredness.
Kidney 1 (Yongquan): On the sole of the foot, about a third down from the toes; helps anchor and ground when grief feels destabilizing.
Flower Essences and Subtle Remedies
Flower essences are liquid extracts made from the energetic imprint of flowers, used to support emotional and spiritual healing.
Beyond Rescue Remedy, essences like Star of Bethlehem can help with shock, while Sweet Chestnut supports those moments of deepest despair. These remedies work gently, nudging the heart toward integration and healing.
The Foundations Still Matter
While these natural remedies are powerful, we can’t forget the basics: sleep, community, and rest. Grief asks us to slow down, to connect with others who hold space for us, and to allow time for the heart to heal. Sharing meals, sitting in silence with a trusted friend, or simply resting deeply can be as medicinal as any herb or energy practice.
Moving Forward Together
In a world that often feels divided, grief can remind us of our shared humanity. It is the thread that binds us together, a testament to the love and connection that exists beneath our differences. Whether remembering a national tragedy, mourning a public figure, or moving through our own private sorrows, we can choose compassion—toward ourselves and toward each other.
Energy medicine and natural remedies don’t erase grief, but they do offer gentle pathways to carry and metabolize it. They remind us that healing isn’t about forgetting but about finding balance, grounding, and strength in the face of loss.