Distant Healing

Harry Edwards described absent healing as “healing from a distance,” distinct from contact healing where the healer is physically present with the patient. He considered it a more advanced form of healing, and it has a long and respected history across many cultures and traditions. In some religions and faith practices it is known as prayer healing or intercessory prayer—the directed offering of compassionate intention for the wellbeing of another.

Distant healing is especially valued because it reminds us that healing is not limited to physical proximity. It can be offered quietly, respectfully, and consistently—often when contact healing is not possible.

How does distant healing work?

Distant healing rests on the understanding that universal healing energies exist beyond ordinary physical reality—multidimensional or trans dimensional in nature. If healing is not confined by space and time, then distance becomes far less relevant. From this perspective, an intentional act of healing can be offered without the healer being in the same room as the client.

For some people—healers and recipients alike—the physical presence of another person feels central to safety, trust, and the overall healing experience. It is therefore natural that some may question whether absent healing can be as effective. However, many practitioners and recipients report that healing can be transmitted with equal quality across any distance, and that it can be profoundly supportive.

The Sanctuary has a worldwide reputation for its distant healing work, and the many letters and messages received over time speak to the impact recipients have experienced.

When is distant healing carried out?

Distant healing may be offered at any time, and is particularly helpful when contact healing is not practical or appropriate, for example when:

  • The client is too unwell to attend in person
  • The client is geographically distant from the healer
  • There is urgency and time constraints make travel or appointment impossible
  • The client is in hospital, prison, or otherwise unable to leave
  • There is risk of contagious illness
  • Healing is offered for communities, humanity, or the wider world

While it is preferable that the recipient is aware they are receiving healing, distant healing may still be effective even if the recipient is not consciously aware—particularly when the healing has been requested by another person. In these situations, ethical sensitivity and good practice are essential.

Consent, ethics, and good practice

When an individual requests distant healing for themselves (in writing, by phone, or in person) and a healer responds by offering one-to-one healing, there is a clear agreement between healer and recipient—even if it is only verbal. The person’s wish is explicit, and there is usually no ethical concern (though a factual record of the healing offered should still be kept).

Requests made on behalf of another person are different. When such requests arrive—by letter, email, phone, or via the Distant Healing Book at Burrows Lea—the Sanctuary has no direct confirmation that the intended recipient would welcome the healing. Although the risk is likely very small, it is possible the recipient could feel uncomfortable or offended and experience the healing as intrusive.

For this reason, when distant healing is requested for someone else, the Sanctuary’s approach is intercessory: rather than “sending healing to” the person in a direct manner, the healer asks that healing from a higher source be made available for the highest good, in a way that is appropriate, welcome, and supportive.

This helps maintain respect, consent, and spiritual integrity.

What might recipients experience?

People vary widely in how they experience distant healing. Some recipients may notice:

  • A sense of warmth, tingling, or gentle energy
  • Deep relaxation or sleepiness
  • Emotional release (tears, relief, calm)
  • A quiet clarity or feeling “held”
  • Vivid dreams or a sense of being supported

Others may feel nothing at all, especially if they are very unwell, medicated, exhausted, or overwhelmed. This does not mean the healing is not effective—it may be working at a level that is not immediately available to conscious awareness, or in ways that unfold gradually.

A helpful attitude for recipients is: be open, but don’t strain to feel something. Healing is not a performance, and subtle work does not always come with obvious sensations.

Preparing to offer distant healing

As with all healing practice, the healer should take time to prepare:

  • Ground: feel connected to the body and the earth
  • Centre: settle attention into calm, alert presence
  • Attune: align with healing intention without strain or personal agenda

After the session, it is equally important to close, release, and ground again, so the healer returns fully to ordinary awareness and daily functioning.

A simple structure is:

  1. Ground and centre
  2. Set intention (for highest good)
  3. Offer healing / intercession
  4. Close with gratitude and release
  5. Ground again

The Healing Minute

The Sanctuary holds the Healing Minute twice daily—at 10am and 10pm—as a focused time of absent healing.

  • At 10am, staff at the Sanctuary pause to focus on those seeking help and to hold in mind the troubles of the world, asking for healing and support.
  • At 10pm, many people of goodwill around the world unite in prayer and thought, holding the intention that healing may reach all who are sick, and that there may be greater understanding and peace.

Everyone is invited to join at these times, and there is also an opportunity to become a registered member of the Healing Minute.