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.

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.

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.

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.

£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.
 

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