John Amaral: Celebrity Energy Practitioner on Healing & ‘The Flow’
Los Angeles, CA – Celebrity energy practitioner John Amaral is gaining wider recognition for his unique somatic healing method, attracting a clientele that includes Gwyneth Paltrow and Prince Harry. Amaral, a former chiropractor, blends bodywork, breathing exercises, mindfulness, and meditation to address a range of issues from chronic pain to anxiety, offering a holistic approach to wellness.
With over 30 years of experience, Amaral’s “Energy Flow Formula” begins with a comprehensive assessment of a client’s history, tracing back to their birth and current life stressors. “When we don’t resolve physical, mental, emotional, psychological, or chemical tensions, they become patterns stored somewhere in the body,” Amaral explained in a recent interview. “This impacts our nervous system and our ability to stay relaxed or regulated.”
Sessions take place in a calming environment designed to promote relaxation, featuring plants, crystals, and music. Clients are asked to lie comfortably on a massage table, wearing loose clothing. However, Amaral’s technique differs significantly from traditional massage. He employs minimal touch, focusing instead on verbal coaching, subtle hand movements, and what he describes as bridging the gap between measurable physiological energy and more subtle energy flows.
“I work with patterns of tension that are held and stored in the body as well as physiological energy and subtle energy,” Amaral said. “One is measurable with instruments, and the other isn’t. I’m bridging the two together in a way that’s unique.”
The experience can be deeply personal and varied. Julianne Hough’s session was famously described as “Exorcist-like” after going viral in 2020, but Amaral notes that reactions differ widely. Some clients experience shaking or vibrations as stored energy releases, while others experience a sense of melting or thawing, accompanied by feelings of lightness and buoyancy. Beyond physical sensations, clients may experience colors, images, or emotional releases like laughter or tears.
Prince Harry is among those who have sought Amaral’s expertise, with the Duke acknowledging Amaral’s role in keeping him “physically and mentally strong” in his memoir, Spare. Amaral has likewise worked with clients preparing for athletic competitions and musical tours, addressing stress and optimizing performance.
Amaral emphasizes that his work isn’t a quick fix, but rather a process of reconnecting individuals with their own inner resources. He encourages ongoing self-care practices such as yoga, Pilates, breathwork, and mindful movement. “Doing something that helps you tune into your body and reduce stress helps you listen to your inner yes,” he advises. “Over time, you will feel more courageous to live authentically and own who you are.”
For those unable to attend in-person sessions at his Los Angeles studio, Amaral offers a range of digital resources, including a free seven-day challenge, somatic energy training, retreats, and a body-centered leadership program. He stresses the importance of self-awareness, suggesting individuals track their energy levels, engagement, and creativity to identify what supports their well-being. “Knowing yourself better is what healing is all about,” Amaral stated.