Healing Touch is an energy therapy in which practitioners consciously use their hands in a heart-centered and intentional way to support and facilitate physical, emotional, mental and spiritual health. Healing Touch is a complementary (or integrative) energy therapy that can be used in conjunction with traditional therapies. Healing Touch utilizes light or near-body touch to clear, balance and energize the human energy system in an effort to promote healing for the mind, body and/or spirit.
The goal of Healing Touch is to restore harmony and balance in the human energy system by creating an optimal environment for the body’s innate tendency for healing to occur.
Research studies suggest that there are a variety of benefits from Healing Touch. Preliminary studies have shown results that include reduction in pain, anxiety and stress; providing support during chemotherapy and surgery; improved mood; and reduced effects from trauma and chronic pain. One study indicated that Healing Touch can impact the dying process. Other benefits of Healing Touch found in a research study included providing additional support when withdrawing from substance abuse, enhancement of the immune system and a deeper sense of spiritual connection.