Natural Connections
Healing Touch
Healing Touch
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Healing Touch?
A: Healing Touch is an energy therapy that supports the body's natural self healing process, promoting healing of the body, mind, emotion and spirit. Intervention methods are applied with gentle hand placement on or above the client/patient's body to bring balance and harmony to energy that has been depleted, due to stress, illness, injury, grief, medical conditions, surgery or medical treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation. It is an effective, safe, and relaxing integrative therapy used widely in healthcare and private settings for all ages from newborn to elderly.
Q: What can I expect in a typical Healing Touch session?
A: In a typical Healing Touch session, first conditions or symptoms wished to be addressed will be discussed. Mutual goals and intentions will then be identified. The session begins with you lying down or sitting up fully clothed, followed by the practitioner assessing your energy centers and surrounding energy field. Healing Touch techniques are then applied through the practitioner's hands to clear, energize and balance your energy field by placing their hands on or slightly above your body. Healing Touch treatment sessions are typically 60 - 90 minutes in length; this includes time for consultation and discussion prior to and following the treatment session.
Q: How can I prepare for a session?
A: Wear comfortable clothing and be prepared to discuss your goals. Reflect on your concerns while being prepared to share your specific health and healing needs. Perhaps you are seeking relaxation or stress management, relief from a specific symptom, such as nausea or pain, or preparing for surgery or some other procedure.
Q: What might I feel?
A: People have many different reactions to Healing Touch energy therapy. Some clients/patients feel nothing at all immediately. Others describe sensations of deep relaxation, feelings of being supported and nurtured, moving energy, or visions of images and colors. Some clients/patients experience an emotional release such as tears, or they may develop insight into specific areas of their lives.
Q: How does our body respond to energy therapy such as Healing Touch?
A: Healing Touch promotes relaxation. When your body relaxes, endorphins are released from the brain, which helps the muscles to relax. When the muscles relax, circulation is improved and the increased blood flow elevates oxygen levels throughout the body. This in turn allows nutrients to be absorbed more efficiently, enzymes are built to aid digestion, hormones are regulated, and toxins are released from the body. This allows healthy cells to regenerate and promotes a sense of well-being which then supports one's health/healing and regulates the immune system.
Q: What Research is available?
A: Healing Touch is one of many energy-based modalities that is being increasingly studied. Science disciplines are turning to the study of subtle energies in their quest to understand the phenomena of energy-based therapies. Current research & studies support the use of Healing Touch in a variety of ways.
Quantitative studies support the use of Healing Touch to:
-
Reduce anxiety, tension, and stress
-
Reduce fatigue
-
Reduce pain
-
Reduce hospital length of stay
-
Improve immune function in cancer patients
-
Ease effects of trauma and PTSD
Suggested Benefits of Healing Touch from Qualitative Research, Anecdotal Support, and Pilot Studies:
-
Facilitate wound healing
-
Assist in the preparation for, and recovery from, medical treatments, surgeries, and procedures
-
Support individuals and families through the dying process
-
Support individuals and families through chronic illnesses
-
Assist in management and treatment of side effects from medical treatments
-
Support illness prevention and health promotion activities
-
Improve quality of sleep
-
Enhance sense of spiritual connection
Q: Interested in learning more?
A: Here are a few suggested links:
Healing Touch Program Accreditations and Endorsements