Therapeutic TouchTM as a body of knowledge and practice has numerous benefits for both the recipient and the practitioner. Stress is widely recognized as one of the leading causes of illness and accidents in the home and the workplace. There is a direct connection between the demands placed upon one’s life and the physical and mental health of the individual. The demands placed on many in society today are the type of stressors that can lead to over-extension of the body’s ability to function well. Stress relief and self-care are important components to overall health and well-being and help to promote safe home and workplace environments.
Holistic healthcare recognizes the integrative nature of the human condition, the unique physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual aspects of each individual. lt recognizes that they are interrelated and inseparable from one another. lt focuses on a wide range of findings and on restoring order and balance to improve health and well-being. lt promotes healthy lifestyle practices.
Therapeutic Touch is portable and can be provided in almost any situation. There is no need to remove clothing; it can be done in any position. lt has been known to be effective in first aid situations, in birthing situations, in end of life care, and for self-care and health promotion. lt is used in many hospitals and hospices around the world, as well as in wellness clinics, and within families to promote well-being and relieve the stress of day to day living.
Therapeutic Touch benefits to recipients can include:
RELAXATION RESPONSE
A physiological response including:
- lowered blood pressure
- improved circulation
- lowered heart rate
- slower respirations
- pupils dilate
- skeletal muscles relax
- metabolism slows down
A health benefit that improves general bodily functions and allows healing to take place. It reduces the effects of stress on the body and mind.
REDUCES ANXIETY
Anxiety is a companion of illness and is a result of stress. lt varies with the circumstances of disease. Anxiety can itself become a form of constant stress that compromises the immune system. lt deprives the body of its ability to sleep, eat, and function in a restorative manner and therefore to heal. Therapeutic Touch has been shown to reduce anxiety from a variety of causes.
ALTERS THE PERCEPTION OF PAIN
All pain produces anxiety which exacerbates the pain effect. Therapeutic Touch has been shown to alleviate pain and/or alter the perception of pain. People report they either have less pain or are better able to cope with their pain. Often, as a result, they will require less pain medication.
ACCELERATED HEALING
Research has shown an acceleration of the normal process of repair and regeneration. Bone healing can be up to 50% faster and wound healing 30% – 50% faster. Any effect on infections seems to be due to a boost to the immune system.
IMPROVED SENSE OF WELL-BEING
An improved sense of well-being naturally follows when relaxation is reachable, anxiety is reduced, pain perception is improved, and there is faster healing. Recipients feel a sense of being supported, heard, and valued.
COMFORT AT END STAGE OF LIFE
“Therapeutic Touch restores an inner order which contributes to the dying person’s emotional and mental strength and fosters peace of mind.” Susan Wager, MD. A Doctor’s Guide to Therapeutic Touch.
The use of Therapeutic Touch in our day to day lives can help to restore order and balance, and to replenish depleted energy levels. lt provides a concentrated focus of healing, wholeness, and movement toward the restoration of energy within the body.
Learn more about the journey to becoming a Therapeutic Touch Recognized Practitioner.
Therapeutic Touch is a Registered Canadian Trademark held by The Therapeutic Touch Network of Ontario, April, 2014
About Julia von Flotow
