Healing Touch is an
energy-based approach that uses both hands on and no contact
techniques for restoring harmony and balance to the energy field in
and around the body. The techniques are simple, non-invasive, and have
no harmful side effects.
History of the Healing Touch
The Healing Touch program was founded by a nurse, Janet Mentgen, in
Denver, Colorado. The program uses a collection of techniques from a
number of healers, as well as a theoretical basis for what is known
scientifically about energy work. The program offers five classes
which, along with completion of independent assignments, lead to
certification. Anyone interested may take classes. Continuing
education credits are available for nurses and massage therapists. The
program is now international, with classes being taught in Canada,
Australia, South America, Europe, and throughout the U.S. Healing
Touch is now being used in hospitals, clinics, long-term care
facilities, private practice settings, and informally in many other
settings.
Theory and Practice
The goal of Healing Touch is to restore wholeness to the human
energy field at the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual levels.
For example, a treatment may result in physical pain relief or a
decrease in symptoms of illness. Emotions may also be released.
Mentally, the person receiving treatment may acquire greater clarity
on a troubling issue. Others may feel more connected to their
spirituality or attain a sense of peacefulness and well being.
The healing process emphasized in Healing Touch is that of
self-healing. This goes hand in hand with balancing the client's
energy field as a means of facilitating the body's natural healing
abilities. Healing Touch is not a substitute for medical treatment.
However, it compliments many other approaches and often helps other
treatments work better, with fewer complications.
For the practitioner, the healing work done is a meditative, caring
process. For the client, the treatment is an opportunity to slow down,
focus inward, let go of stress, and be receptive. While the client
does not need to "believe" that a treatment will work, he or
she may have a better result if open to the possibility that something
beneficial may occur.
Healing Touch treatments include a number of general balancing
techniques, which can aid in managing stress and preventing illness.
There are also specific techniques for reducing headaches and other
pains; clearing the mind; encouraging relaxation; aiding
detoxification and lymphatic clearing; healing the back and neck;
healing wounds; helping with making life transitions; and assisting
individuals to feel more peaceful at the time of death. A central
focus of all Healing Touch techniques is to help individuals practice
behaviors to promote their own healing.
Clients remain fully clothed during treatment. This makes it
convenient for Healing Touch sessions to be offered in any setting.
Research
Studies have shown that Healing Touch can:
