'New age' healing in the U.S.

New Age healing, a phenomenon largely overlooked in social science research, is conceptually defined and analyzed. Drawing on diverse sources, the authors first define 'New age' and discuss the medical, spiritual, and sociocultural developments that explain its rise in the U.S. A comprehensive review of over a dozen schemata of healing and medical systems fails to classify new age healing satisfactorily. Analyzing data from 81 self-identified new age healing systems or techniques, an inductive typology yields three general modes: mental or physical self-betterment, esoteric teachings, and contemplative practice, which respectively emphasize body, mind, and soul.

Study at a glance

Abstract

This paper provides a conceptual overview of the 'New Age' phenomenon and of 'New age healing,' concepts which have gone virtually unaddressed in social science research, health-related or otherwise. First, drawing upon diverse sources, the authors attempt to define 'New age,' after which they discuss those medical, spiritual, and sociocultural developments which help account for the rise of new age healing in the U.S. Next, a comprehensive review of over a dozen schemata of healing, healers, and medical systems fails to provide a satisfactory classification of new age healing. Finally, by analyzing data derived from primary and secondary source materials on 81 healing systems or techniques identifying themselves with the new age, a typology of new age healing itself is inductively generated. Three general modes are found: mental or physical self-betterment, esoteric teachings, and contemplative practice. These types of new age healing place primary emphasis, respectively, on body, mind and soul.