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Healing/Therapeutic Touch
Also Known As:
Spiritual healing, Healing touch, Therapeutic touch
Summary:

Healing, sometimes called spiritual healing, healing touch or therapeutic touch, is a gentle and calming therapy which involves a light touch or hands close to the body. Most approaches, or methods, of healing are based on the belief that energy flows around the body and that blocks or imbalances in this energy, may lead to disease. The therapist will start by scanning the energy field around a person with the hands, and will then perform the relevant technique to redistribute and unblock the flow of energy within the body, which is believed to activate the individual’s own natural ability to heal. Unlike therapeutic touch, spiritual healing incorporates ideas from other approaches, such as the traditional Indian concept of energetic or etheric Chakras or subtle bodies. You do not need to have a religious faith for healing to work for you. Although there are some variations amongst healers as to the philosophy and belief systems associated with it, most healers practice in a way that is non-denominational, yet respectful of all faiths and religions.

Description:

During your first visit the therapist will take a medical history and explain about the therapy and what will happen in the session. You may be asked to sign a consent form agreeing to the therapy. Healing is usually given while you lay on a couch, although you can be seated if you find it more comfortable. You can remain fully clothed for the therapy. The therapist may gently hold his/her hands on your body or off your body if preferred. In simple terms, healers work with a conscious intention to help and support.

The process focuses on using the hands, placed on or above different areas of the body, often in sequence, in order to facilitate a natural sense of wholeness and wellbeing. The experience of healing varies between individuals. Most clients report feelings of relaxation, but at the time may be aware of experiencing little else. Some clients are aware of heat sensation, or energy, or of pins and needles . Some clients are aware of emotions coming to the surface. You will be able to discuss your experience with the therapist after the session.

History:

Healing is an ancient therapy that has been practised for thousands of years and is linked to both Eastern and Western traditions. In America, Therapeutic Touch (TT) was derived from ancient healing practices by nurse-healers Kunz and Krieger in the 1970s. Janet Mentgen, RN, founded Healing Touch (HT) in 1989 as a continuing education program for nurses, massage therapists, other health care professionals, and lay persons. Today both approaches are used in a wide variety of settings including hospitals, long term care facilities, private practices, hospices, and spas.

Notes:

There are no known adverse effects and healing is considered a safe and non-invasive complementary therapy for people with cancer when used alongside usual treatments and practised by a trained healer. Good quality research has demonstrated that healing may be particularly beneficial for cancer related pain and has positive effects on quality of life, for example feelings of relaxation and comfort and reduced mood disturbance. Although some studies suggest that healing can reduce fatigue; lower blood pressure, respiratory rate, and heart rate, and improve vitality, there is too little evidence to draw firm conclusions regarding other symptoms and much more high quality research is needed.

Costs:

£15-60 . Some clinics are able to offer an initial package of up to eight free or low cost sessions. If, after these sessions, the clinic is unable to offer you more, they should be able to refer you to individual therapists or centres that offer this service.
 

CancerChoices

For more research and science on Healing Touch and Therapeutic Touch, visit CancerChoices



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Practitioners
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Dr Sosie Kassab
London, UK - England (South East)

Dr Sosie Kassab specialises in homeopathy, acupuncture and Iscador (a mistletoe preparation); therapies used to help with symptom relief, side effects of conventional cancer treatments and quality of life. ...
Lisa Steele
Lisa Steele is anaccredited counsellor and Chief Executive of Chai Cancer Care ...
Clinics
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Action Cancer
Action Cancer is a Northern Ireland cancer charity, established in 1973 by cancer specialist Dr George Edelstyn. Services include counselling and support services for cancer patients and their families. ...
Arthur Rank House
Cambridgeshire, UK

The Arthur Rank House Day Therapy Service aims to help people live their lives to the full and to improve the quality of life for all who are affected by life limiting illness. ...
Cherry Lodge Cancer Care
Barnet, UK

Cherry Lodge Cancer Care is an independent charity committed to improving the quality of life for people living with cancer, their carers and families. ...
Commonweal
Bolinas, United States

The Commonweal Cancer Help programme is a week-long retreat for people with cancer. An integrated programme of healing, support sessions, massage, yoga and relaxation. ...
Holistic Centre (The)
Godalming, UK - England (South East)

A requirement of the Holistic Centre is that all therapists are fully qualified members of their appropriate Professional Body and that they all hold Public Liability Insurance. ...
Macmillan Cancer Resource Centre (The)
Macmillan Cancer Resource Centres provide a safe and welcoming environment for people affected by cancer. Services for people with cancer and their families ...
The Holistic Cancer Centre at Wirral Holistic Care Services
Claughton, UK

The Holistic Cancer Centre at Wirral Holistic Care Services is a nurse-Led therapeutic cancer support centre for people who have a cancer diagnosis ...
Information & Advice
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Cancer Information and Support Society (CISS)
St Leonards, Global (ie: web based)

CISS promotes non-toxic holistic medicine. The educational organisation promotes prevention, self-help and freedom of choice in therapies for cancer...
Cancer Options Ltd
Nottingham, Global (ie: web based)

Led by Patricia Peat, an experienced oncology nurse, Cancer Options offers support and information on orthodox treatments, clinical trials and developments worldwide. ...
Canhelp Inc
Livingstone, United States

CANHELP serves patients and/or family members who wish to take an active part in the healing process and are willing to think outside the conventional medical box. ...
Yes to Life
London, UK - England (South East)

Yes to Life is a charity that offers support to people with cancer in the UK who want to take a proactive role in their treatment ...
Organisations
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Chai Cancer Care
Chai Cancer Care is the Jewish community’s national cancer support organisation, enabling patients, family and friends to manage the impact of a cancer diagnosis. ...
Penny Brohn UK
Bristol, UK

Penny Brohn UK is the cancer health and wellbeing charity with a wide array of services free and online ...
Pickering Cancer Drop-in Centre (The)
Tunbridge Wells, UK - England (South East)

The Pickering Cancer Drop-in Centre provides complementary therapies, such as reflexology, reiki, healing and massage, along with nutritional advice, yoga and counselling, free of charge ...
South East Cancer Help Centre
South East Cancer Help Centre aims to give any person affected by cancer an opportunity to explore ways which may help them to cope with their situation ...