From an experiential standpoint, Healing Touch (“HT”) Therapists use gentle placement and movements of their hands either lightly touching the body or several inches above it to balance and restore the energy field. The effect of this therapy has been described as similar to “acupuncture without the needles.” It is generally more relaxing than receiving a massage.

2. What is the basis for Healing Touch?

Healing Touch (“HT”) is an energy-based medical practice that incorporates the energetic model of quantum physics, the body-mind understanding of psychoneuroimmunology, and the holistic view of interacting systems. HT supports the body’s natural healing processes.

3. What kind of energy are you referring to?

If you have ever entered a room and felt tension in the room or been around someone who “radiates happiness” you have experienced the effects of the energy we each possess. Although most people are aware of “feeling tension” or recognizing the positive energy of happiness, many people are just now learning that healing touch therapists can work with these forms of energy as well as other forms of body energy.

4. What will happen if I come for a Healing Touch session?

First you will sit in a chair and discuss with the HT Therapist why you are here, a brief version of your medical history and how you wish to benefit from the session. Your clothing remains on and it is suggested that you wear comfortable clothes, not something that feels too tight. You will be asked to remove your shoes and lie on a massage table.

The HT Therapist will begin to assess and treat your energetic condition by very gently touching you or by moving her hands over your body.

Most people sleep during a portion of their session. Each person I’ve worked with has felt better in some way. Some people feel dramatically better and some feel mildly better, but it is reasonable to expect to feel better in some way after the session.

What you experience during the session is unique to your situation. The most common comments I hear after a session are: “Wow” “ I feel lighter”, “I didn’t know I could get this relaxed”; “I don’t want to get up, can I lie here longer?”; “I feel peaceful”, and “How did you do that?”

5. Is this like hypnosis? Will you be in control or will I be in control?

HT is not like hypnosis. You are in control. The HT therapist follows the flow of energy in your body and helps it to flow more smoothly, rather than controlling it.

6. Where did it originate?

Healing Touch International was begun by the Holistic Nursing Association in 1976. A nurse at New York University first developed Therapeutic Touch which was later incorporated in the Healing Touch curriculum.

7. What education is required to provide Healing Touch?

The Healing Touch International Program provides training through the Colorado Center for Healing Touch in Denver. There are five levels of training to complete the program with independent study protocols between each of the five levels. For instance, before moving to Level III you must treat and write up at least 100 cases and have completed a year of study in a mentorship program with a certified HT Instructor. Because each student can move forward at an individual rate, there is no set time period for completing the five levels. The average student completes the program in 4 to 6 years. After completion of the HT Program, continuing education is required (as is typical for most professions).

8. Can science explain Healing Touch?

Yes. Science has discovered and proven that between each atom is a wave of energy. Science cannot explain what that wave of energy is but does confirm that it exists. Several studies have confirmed that HT relaxes the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. Science can prove that HT has an effect, in the same way that they have proven that prayer has a positive effect. There are several books available to answer this question in depth. Please contact me if you would like a list.

9. How is Healing Touch used in a hospital or other setting?

HT can be done anywhere. I have worked in a hospital setting for several years as well as having a private practice. In the hospital I have worked on patients in their rooms; in the holding area before surgery, in the surgical suite during surgery, in the recovery room after surgery or in treatment or diagnostic areas while they undergo procedures. Although the optimal setting is a quiet office where a client/patient can lie down, it is not required.

10. Is there any research on Healing Touch?

Yes, there is a great deal of previous research on HT, as well as ongoing research that is not yet published. You can obtain copies of some of the research by contacting the Colorado Center for Healing Touch.