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RATINGS
Described as a modern form of the laying on of hands, this method of healing was first used in American teaching hospitals in the early 1970s. Practitioners believe that the body has unique energy fields, defined in terms of quantum physics, and they use their hands to rebalance disruptions in the flow of energy and stimulate the patient's natural powers of self-healing. Therapeutic Touch is taught in over 80 North American colleges, and is widely practiced by nurses in American hospitals to supplement conventional treatment. It is becoming increasingly popular in Britain and Australia.
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| HISTORY
In the late 1960s, Dr. Dolores Krieger, Professor of Nursing at New York University, learned the technique of laying on of hands from a healer, Dora Kunz. Concerned about the impersonal nature of the patient-nurse relationship, she sought ways to bring the therapeutic power of this technique into nursing. In 1972 Dr. Krieger began teaching what she called "Therapeutic Touch" (TT) to her students. At least 30,000 nurses use it in American clinics and hospitals. Increasing numbers of nurses in the UK are learning TT and the British Association of Therapeutic Touch was launched in 1994. About 100 nurses practice TT in Australia. EVIDENCE & RESEARCHStudies carried out in the 1960s by Dr. Krieger showed that hemoglobin levels increased in some patients receiving TT. Later studies in the 1980s showed that TT was more effective than simple touch in allaying anxiety and relieving tension headaches. A 1997 US study revealed that TT could reduce the effects of stress on the immune system. MEDICAL OPINION A growing number of nurses are taking an interest in TT, and using it in hospitals. Despite this, the medical establishment is still fairly skeptical, although the best research in this area is difficult to deny.
CONSULTING A PRACTITIONER Therapeutic Touch presupposes that people have individual "energy fields" interacting with one another and with the environment as part of a universal energy force. These fields are thought of in scientific, rather than mystical, terms. During treatment, the practitioner will try to "attune" her energy field with yours so that disturbances in your "energy flow" are balanced and your body's healing powers can work freely. She will sit beside you and "center" herself, relaxing and focusing on the care that she will give you. When ready, she places her hands 2-6 in (5-15 cm) above your body and gently moves them over it to assess any changes or blockages in your energy field. She may feel these as "warm," "cold," "tingly," or "buzzy" sensations. Using sweeping movements, she will try to treat areas of imbalance, perhaps by visualizing healing energy directed from her body to yours.
A session may last 10-15 minutes. Many people report a sense of relaxation and relief from pain, and increased wellbeing. Pent-up emotions may be released and breathing can become easier.
PRECAUTIONS • Treatment should be given with extra care if you are elderly or pregnant, or if it is your baby that is being treated; if you have a head injury, psychosis, or shock; or if you are emaciated.
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