What is Therapeutic Touch?
Therapeutic Touch was developed in 1972 by Dolores Krieger, a Professor of Nursing at New York University and her mentor Dora Kunz. Therapeutic Touch is a type of energy work, an interpretation of several ancient healing practices. It is a consciously directed process of energy exchange during which the practitioner uses the hands as a focus for facilitating healing.
One of the premises of Therapeutic Touch is that we are all made of energy and energy extends beyond one's skin, like heat radiates from a fire. If our energy is running smoothly, we will feel better mentally, physically, spiritually, and emotionally.
Who is Using Therapeutic Touch?
Therapeutic Touch is currently taught at many colleges and universities around the world. It is used in a variety of settings including hospitals and many organizations. Nurses, doctors, social workers, hospice workers, AIDS caregivers, veterinarians, addiction workers, midwives, and physiotherapists use Therapeutic Touch in their practices.
What Happens During a Session?
The practitioner moves his/her hands approximately 2-3 inches above your body sensing the differences in your energy. He/she then directs and rebalances your energy with his/her hands. He/she reassesses and notes any energy change throughout the session. If a practitioner chooses to touch you, he/she asks permission to do so.
How Can I Help?
During the treatment, relax and let your mind be quiet. After the treatment be quiet for 10-20 minutes to allow your rebalanced energy patterns to take hold.
What Credentials Do You Look For in a Practitioner?
The minimum certification for Therapeutic Touch Practitioners in Canada and the U.S. is a 12 hour course in Therapeutic Touch including hands-on experience. However, you may want to choose a practitioner who has studied either at an intermediate, Level III, or advanced level of Therapeutic Touch. You may also want to ask how many years of experience the practitioner has.
Where Does the Treatment Take Place ?
The treatment is usually done in the practitioner's office but can be done in most locations. Ideally, the treatment is done with the person sitting on a stool or a chair or lying down. The treatment can also be done while the person is standing or even walking. You will remain fully clothed during the treatment.
Length of Treatment?
The average treatment takes 20 minutes. However, other factors such as size of the individual and the individual's overall state of health need to be considered.
What Does it Cost?
Treatment sessions usually range in cost from $30.00 to $70.00. Rates are set by practitioners. Treatments are not covered by B.C. Medical, however, they have been covered by the Workers' Compensation Board.
Will it Interfere With Your Medication?
Therapeutic Touch does not interfere with any medication or treatments you may be taking. It may even decrease the need for pain medications.
Why Consider Therapeutic Touch?
Therapeutic Touch is a safe, gentle, non-invasive type of energy work which facilitates the body's own healing process. Research has shown that Therapeutic Touch is effective in:
- Promoting relaxation
- Decreasing anxiety
- Alleviating or reducing pain
- Accelerating healing
- Alleviating or decreasing migraine headaches
- Creating feelings of calmness, peace, well-being, and balance.
Therapeutic Touch is one of the most highly researched complementary therapies.
Sources for 3 research studies are given below.
- Heidt, P. (1981). Effects of Therapeutic Touch on the anxiety level of hospitalized patients. Nursing Research, 30 (1), 32-37
- Krieger, D. (1997). Living the Therapeutic Touch. New York : Dodd,Mead.
- Meehan, T.C. (1993). Therapeutic Touch and postoperative pain: A Rogerian research study. Nursing Science Quarterly, 6 (2), 69-78.
Who Can Benefit From Therapeutic Touch?
- Infants
- Children
- Youth
- Adults
- Expectant mothers
- Plants
- Pets and other Animals
- Individuals with mental, behavioral, or physical disabilities
- Those dealing with stress or loss
- Those with minor ailments
- Those who desire relief from symptoms of chronic or serious illnesses
- Those seeking health maintenance/balance.
Energy Healing Therapies include:
