Therapeutic Touch (Energy Therapy)

Various forms of energy therapies have developed through the ages in many cultures. Some of the currently practiced energy therapies include reiki, therapeutic touch and pranic healing.  These healing practices involve directing the ability to consciously modulate the energies of a living being.  These healing practices involve the healer or practitioner serving as a conduit for the universal energy to stabilize or balance the patient’s innate energy field. 

Therapeutic touch is an example of this type of therapy that is practiced throughout the world.  This practice was developed by Dolores Krieger and Dora Kunz based on the following four basic scientific premises.  First, humans and animals are physically open energy systems.  This implies that the transfer of energy between living things is a natural and continuous process.  Secondly, humans and animals, are bilaterally symmetrical, implying a pattern to the underlying energy field.  Thirdly, illness is an imbalance in an individual’s energy field; with healing being achieved by balancing this energy field.  Fourthly, humans have natural abilities to transform and transcend their conditions of living.  Other forms of energy therapy and healing arts are based on similar assumptions and current scientific premises.

Therapeutic touch and other energy therapies produce certain consistent and reliable results.  The first response experienced within a few minutes of a treatment is relaxation.  Clinically, there is a significant reduction or elimination of pain.  Healing responses tend to be accelerated, presumably by boosting the patient’s immune system. Psychosomatic illnesses are alleviated through the affects on the patient’s autonomic nervous system. 

The success of these therapies is based on the learned skills and techniques combined with intentiality.  Proper centering and focus is critical in assessing the patient’s energy field for subtle changes and asymmetry.  With practice and deliberate intent, the healing practitioner can balance the patient’s energy.  This technique is very useful in calming and soothing nervous or distressed patients.  It also helps ease the induction and recovery from surgery.  The pain and discomfort from trauma or illness can be relieved through this energy modulation, as well as boosting the body’s innate healing response.