Therapeutic Touch® and Healing Touch
Therapeutic Touch® and Healing Touch practitioners near you
How can Therapeutic Touch and the Healing Touch Program nourish you?
Therapeutic Touch and the Healing Touch Program (HTP) are gentle, energy-based therapies that aim to balance a person’s energy field to support the body’s natural healing processes. Both modalities embrace the compassionate use of universal energy to restore harmony and well-being, offering a powerful complement to conventional medical treatments. Despite what the names suggest, these forms differ from massage and other touch-based therapies in that actual physical touch is optional.
Therapeutic Touch (TT) and the Healing Touch Program (HTP) share a common foundation: the belief that the body possesses an innate ability to heal itself when energy flow is unblocked and balanced[1]’ .
Therapeutic Touch, developed in the 1970s by nurse Delores Krieger[2] and energy healer Dora Kunz, is a non-invasive therapy that uses rhythmic hand movements near or on the body to release blockages in the energy field[3]. Actual physical touch is optional, as the focus is on restoring balance to the individual’s energy flow. In Australia, the Therapeutic Touch Association of Australasia is the peak body for Therapeutic Touch[4]. Their accreditation program is based on international standards, and all qualified and registered practitioners are required to engage in continuing professional development.[4].
The Healing Touch Program, founded by Janet Mentgen in 1989, similarly focuses on restoring harmony to the energy field. It integrates a heart-centered approach, emphasizing compassion, intention, and connection. Practitioners of HTP are trained through a standardized curriculum that includes theoretical knowledge, practice, and certification to ensure high standards of care. There is now a worldwide community of practitioners responsible for ongoing continual professional development and mentorship.[5]
Both modalities foster relaxation, reduce stress, and promote a deep sense of connection and renewal. They can be used to address various concerns, from physical discomfort to emotional distress. In line with other energy medicine therapies, they are premised on the foundation that the free circulation of energy is essential to health and well-being.
Therapeutic Touch is a gentle, non-invasive therapy that aims to balance a person’s energies in order to enhance the body’s natural healing abilities.
Rather, it relies on practitioners tapping into the ‘compassionate use of universal energy[1] to help release blockages in the person’s energy field. In line with other energy medicine therapies, it is premised on the foundation that the free circulation of energy is essential to health and well-being. It is also based on the philosophy that our bodies have an innate ability to heal themselves, and the role of the practitioner is to revitalise the person’s healing mechanisms.
Developed in the 1970s[2] by Delores Krieger, a registered nurse and then-professor of Nursing at New York University, and energy healer Dora Kunz, it is thought to be a ‘contemporary interpretation of several ancient laying-on-of-hands healing practices'[3]. Initially taught to Professor Krieger’s nursing students, the therapy is now used all across the world.
In Australia, the Therapeutic Touch Association of Australasia is the peak body for Therapeutic Touch [4]. Their accreditation program is based on international standards, and all qualified and registered practitioners are required to engage in continuing professional development.
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Practitioners offering Therapeutic Touch® and Healing Touch
Benefits of Therapeutic Touch and the Healing Touch Program
Both TT and HTP are designed to complement conventional medical practices, offering benefits that enhance healing and well-being. Some of the key benefits include:
- Pain Relief: Both modalities can help alleviate physical discomfort by restoring energy flow and releasing blockages.
- Stress Reduction: The calming, meditative nature of these therapies promotes relaxation and emotional balance.
- Improved Sleep: By fostering relaxation and reducing tension, these practices can support better sleep patterns.
- Enhanced Recovery: Research has shown that energy-based therapies like TT and HTP may aid recovery after surgery or during chronic illness by reducing symptoms such as pain and anxiety.
A 2020 systematic review observed that Therapeutic Touch effectively manages pain and anxiety in various populations, including cancer patients and the elderly[6]’. Similarly, studies on the Healing Touch Program demonstrate its effectiveness in reducing stress, improving emotional well-being, and supporting physical recovery in diverse settings, including hospitals and rehabilitation centres.(11) Another study evaluated the use of seven sessions of Therapeutic Touch in cancer patients over four weeks and recorded a beneficial impact on participants’ pain scores[7].
Both modalities may assist with symptoms[10]such as:
- Pain relief
- Stress and anxiety management
- Emotional balance
- Energy restoration
What to expect from a Therapeutic Touch and the Healing Touch Program session
Sessions in both modalities are tailored to the client’s unique needs and preferences. They generally involve little to no physical touch, making them non-invasive and suitable for all.
Before the Session:
Your practitioner will discuss your goals and concerns, ensuring the session aligns with your needs. Sessions typically last 15–30 minutes but may vary depending on your preferences.
During the Session:
The practitioner will begin by centring themselves, often through meditation or breathing techniques, to prepare for the session. They will assess your energy field by using their hands to locate areas of imbalance or blockages. To restore balance, they may gently place their hands on or near your body and use rhythmic sweeping motions to clear and realign your energy[9].
After the Session:
Many clients report feeling deeply relaxed, with a sense of lightness or emotional release. Others notice improved energy levels and an enhanced sense of well-being in the hours or days following the session.
Therapeutic Touch, Healing Touch, and You
Both TT and HTP emphasize the importance of an individualized approach. Whether you seek relief from physical symptoms, emotional support, or simply a moment of calm in a busy life, these energy therapies provide a nurturing space for healing and growth.
As with any wellness program, it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional before beginning TT or HTP, especially if you have any underlying health conditions. Practitioners are trained to adjust their techniques to ensure safety and comfort for every client.
Discover how the compassionate energy of Therapeutic Touch and the Healing Touch Program can help you achieve balance, wellness, and renewal on your journey to health.
References
1. What is Therapeutic Touch? Therapeutic Touch; [cited on 2024 Nov 28].
2. A Close Look at Therapeutic Touch. JAMA Network; [cited on 2024 Nov 28].
3. Therapeutic Touch. University Of Minnesota; [cited on 2024 Dec 9].
4. TT Training, ongoing Education and Professional Development. Therapeutic Touch; [cited on 2024 Nov 28].
5. Worldwide Directory of Healing Touch Practitioners. Therapeutic Touch; 2024.
6. A Systematic Review of the Studies about Therapeutic Touch after the Year 2000. International Journal Of Caring Sciences;
7. Tabatabaee A, Tafreshi M, Rassouli M, Aledavood S, AlaviMajd H, Farahmand A. Effect of Therapeutic Touch on Pain Related Parameters in Patients with Cancer: a Randomized Clinical Trial. Materia Socio Medica; 2016.
8. Touch Therapy: Is It Worth Trying? HealthLine; [cited on 2024 Nov 28].
9. Complementary and Alternative Medicine. St.Lukes Hospital; [cited on 2024 Nov 28].
10. The Integration of Reiki, Healing Touch and Therapeutic Touch into Clinical Services Evidence. Office of Clinical Integration and Evidence Based Practice; 2018.
11. Healing Touch research Studies. Healing Touch Research; 2024.
Frequently asked questions
