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A woman receives care services at a beauty and therapy facility. The image is not directly related to the article content. / Courtesy of Getty Images Bank

Recently, "energy therapy"—a non-medical healing technique aimed at restoring physical and mental balance through meditation, breathing exercises, and body awareness training—has been gaining popularity in Kazakhstan.

As an increasing number of people report chronic stress and burnout, a new wellness market is taking shape apart from conventional medicine to pursue psychological stability and inner recovery, though some point out that such treatment methods require sufficient scientific validation.

Aizhan Yeshenbayeva, a Kazakh former medical doctor currently working as an energy therapist, shared the growing trend of locals seeking energy therapy in an interview reported on August 1 by state news agency Kazinform.

Drawing on her experience as a healthcare professional, Yeshenbayeva runs a program called "Energy Singularity". She claims that people can aid their psychological stability and physical recovery by consciously recognizing and regulating their body's internal energy.

"While conventional meditation focuses on observing one's state, the core of energy therapy is directly feeling and regulating internal energy," Yeshenbayeva explained, adding, "It is not mere imagination; you can actually sense the movement of energy inside your body".

Non-traditional mental recovery programs—including energy therapy, meditation, breathing techniques, and Eastern practices—have been spreading across Kazakhstan recently.

Related content is gaining popularity on social media, with some energy therapists amassing hundreds of thousands of followers. Specialized centers and training programs are also emerging, growing into a full-fledged industry.

Analysts attribute this phenomenon to mental fatigue accumulated since COVID-19 alongside socioeconomic anxiety.

The prolonged Russia-Ukraine war, rising inflation, and intensifying social competition have led to more people experiencing chronic stress, anxiety, and emotional exhaustion, driving up demand for solutions to psychological issues that conventional healthcare alone cannot address.

Energy therapy emerged amid this expanding market for mind-body recovery, which encompasses psychological counseling, meditation, yoga, and alternative healing programs.

However, critics point out that objective research and verification regarding its medical effectiveness are necessary.

While fields such as yoga, meditation, and mindfulness have accumulated evidence through various studies showing partial effectiveness in stress relief and psychological stability, independent scientific research proving the efficacy of energy therapy programs like "Energy Singularity" has yet to be published. Yeshenbayeva, who runs the program, acknowledged this as well.

"Most clients do not come for a mystical experience; they seek help for chronic fatigue, stress, anxiety, burnout, and a loss of motivation," she explained, while noting that she is currently conducting research involving volunteers. No objectively verified results are available yet.

Experts analyze that as Kazakh society undergoes rapid urbanization, economic uncertainty, and heightened competition, people are placing greater value on mental stability and quality of life, leading to a sustained demand for alternative ways to complement traditional medicine for psychological well-being.

                                                                                                              Kim Min-gyu