Therapeutic Touch - A Healing Modality

The foundation for therapeutic interactions is based on the natural human potential to reach out in compassion and empathy. Therapeutic Touch (TT), which is derived from, but not the same as laying on of hands, is one such modality in its most contemporary expression.

Therapeutic Touch is a holistic, evidence based therapy that incorporates the intentional and compassionate use of universal energy to promote balance and well being.

Therapeutic Touch is based on the assumption that a human being is not only a physical body, but also a pattern of energy. Disease is associated with disorder, deficit, and/or blockage of the flow of energy. During the process of Therapeutic Touch, the practitioner helps the individual by releasing congestion and balancing dys-rhythmic areas. The individual's innate healing ability is enhanced by the session.

Therapeutic Touch is a contemporary interpretation of several ancient healing practices. It is an intentionally directed process during which practitioners use their hands to facilitate balance of the human energy field.

Therapeutic Touch was developed in 1972 by Dolores Krieger RN, PhD and Dora Kunz, a clairvoyant (see History of TT). TT has been practiced since then and has one of the strongest research bases of the complementary healing modalities. It can be used with clients of all ages from premature infants to the elderly. It has found to be extremely helpful with patients facing terminal illness.

Research on Therapeutic Touch has demonstrated the ability to elicit a rapid relaxation response; the process of TT is able to relieve pain and enhance one's comfort and sense of well-being. Therapeutic Touch is also able to reduce stress and anxiety; promote calmness and the body's ability to heal itself. It has been shown to have a positive effect on the immune system and to promote comfort for the dying person.

I have used Therapeutic Touch since 1984 with hospitalized, home health and hospice patients, with colleagues, with friends and with family. No one has experienced an unpleasant result. This modality is safe and gentle as well as extremely helpful. I used it to reduce my grandson’s fever, from 103 to 99 in less than 10 minutes; I used it to relieve the phantom pain for a patient who had an amputated limb; I used it to support a dear friend during chemotherapy, bilateral breast surgery and radiation and she said that during and after the TT sessions was the time of day when she felt most whole, pain free and able to rest; I used it to relieve respiratory anxiety for a hospice patient who then relaxed and fell asleep….and the list goes on. Because we are a pattern of energy and illness or disease has an underlying pattern of energy, TT works for many many types of conditions from acute to chronic, to smooth and clear the imbalances and restore balance and order.

Click the videos below to watch demonstration TT sessions.