Julianne Hough has come to the defense of her unusual “energetic treatment” session, which went viral years ago. The 36-year-old actress believes that the practice of energy healing has gained wider acceptance since the 2020 clip sparked criticism and was likened to an “exorcism.”

Hough shared her thoughts on Monday’s Off the Vine podcast with Kaitlyn Bristowe, recalling the experience that left many people baffled. “I did this energy work session, and it went viral, and people were like, ‘She’s got demons and an exorcist coming out of her butthole…’ and that was almost five years ago,” she said.

During the 2020 session, Hough lay face down on a massage table while body healer John Amaral demonstrated how waves of stored emotion can be released through movement. The video showed Hough’s body moving in a wave pattern, with Amaral miming the removal of something from her backside, leading to her screaming.

Amaral explained that Hough’s body was redirecting and dissipating stored energy, “freeing up the system to be more adaptable.” Hough has since spoken about the experience, saying it was a release of “stored emotion” that came out of her.

The 36-year-old Dancing with the Stars alum shared that she believes the practice of energy healing has gained wider acceptance since the 2020 clip faced criticism and was likened to an ‘exorcism’ (2020 viral video pictured)

Hough commended Gwyneth Paltrow for having the courage to promote her “woo-woo” practices, which have faced criticism in the past. “I am so grateful for her,” Hough said. “When you’re a pioneer in something and you have the courage and the guts to put it out there, you will absolutely get backlash, completely. I give her props.”