How is therapeutic touch performed?

Therapeutic touch uses a practice called “laying on of hands” to correct or balance energy fields. Despite the use of the word “touch,” the hands usually hover over the body and do not physically touch it. Therapeutic touch is based on the theory that the body, mind, and emotions form a complex energy field.

What type of therapy is therapeutic touch?

Therapeutic Touch is categorized as a biofield energy therapy by the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH). Biofield therapies are techniques that intend to affect energy fields that surround and penetrate the human body.

Is Healing Touch the same as therapeutic touch?

In Healing Touch (HT) the practitioner does not actually have physical contact the patient but positions the hands above different parts of the body with the intention of facilitating healing. In contrast, in Therapeutic Touch (TT) the practitioner uses gentle touch.

What is the difference between therapeutic touch and Reiki?

Reiki is a non-invasive Japanese touch therapy. It helps the body heal by removing blocks in the body’s energy field, aligning and balancing the body’s energy centers, and straightening the body’s energy pathways. Reiki is administered by a softer touch than the deep pressure of massage.

How effective is therapeutic touch?

Data analysis showed a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in pain intensity, depression self-assessment scores and the sleep quality index. It is concluded that the Therapeutic Touch was effective to decrease pain intensity and depressive attitudes and symptoms, as well as to improve sleep quality.

Is therapeutic touch a placebo?

The results of well-designed, double-blind studies have been transient, of no significance, or are in need of independent replication. Current practice of therapeutic touch is empirically little more than practice of placebo. Considerations for further nursing research are also presented.

What is the purpose of therapeutic touch?

Therapeutic touch is based on ancient healing practices. The goal of the technique is to help people relax, relieve their pain, and help them heal faster. Therapeutic touch is thought to promote healing through restoring harmony to a person’s energy fields.