Therapeutic Touch™ (TT) is an energy field modality first developed in 1972, as a modern healing method by Dolores Krieger, PhD, RN and her colleague, Dora Kunz. Therapeutic Touch is a consciously directed process of energy exchange during which practitioners use their hands as a focus for facilitating healing. The intervention is administered with the intent to enable people to re-pattern their energy field toward wholeness and health. Therapeutic Touch can be used by itself, or in collaboration with allopathic medicine and is recognized to;
- elicit a relaxation response and reduce anxiety
- change the perception of pain
- facilitate the body’s natural restorative process and
- enhance the rapport between a client and a practitioner.
Therapeutic Touch supports allopathic medicine and works in collaboration with it. Therapeutic Touch is one of the complementary modalities recognized by both the College of Nurses of Ontario and its professional association the Registered Nursing Association of Ontario (RNAO) . Nurses are able to offer Therapeutic Touch, provided the nurse has the necessary training and demonstrates competence in the practice. They must also work within the parameters of the client’s choice and wishes and adhere to the agency’s guidelines within which they work.
Therapeutic Touch is taught and practiced throughout the world, including numerous universities and colleges in Canada and the United States. Healthcare professionals, holistic practitioners, therapists, counselors, clergy, educators, security, police and army personnel and private individuals use Therapeutic Touch in diverse settings. It is accepted in the policies and procedures of an increasing number of health care institutions worldwide and as an intervention in a number of Ontario hospitals, clinics, hospices, and palliative care units.
Therapeutic Touch, with a base of continuing research, much of which has been peer-reviewed, supports the allopathic system and can do no harm. Recent research published in The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine entitled “Therapeutic Touch Stimulates the Proliferation of Human Cells in Culture” 14:3 (2008): 233-239 states, “TT was chosen for our studies, because it is a highly disciplined method, and requires extensive training to become an advanced practitioner.”
The Therapeutic Touch Network of Ontario (TTNO) , is the governing body of Therapeutic Touch in Ontario and has developed both standards for practice and curriculum guidelines for Recognized Practitioner status and Recognized Teacher status. Anyone with a compassionate intent to facilitate healing or be of service can learn Therapeutic Touch. To achieve Recognized Practitioner status, practitioners, after completing the basic (3 levels) training. must do a minimum 1 year of additional study which includes educational hours and case studies, detailing sessions they have given and received. With a minimum of 2 years additional study, Recognized Practitioners may work towards becoming Recognized Teachers. Status is renewed annually on evidence of continuing education for both categories. The TTNO Statement of Ethics must be signed by members annually.
Therapeutic Touch, the name of this modality, is a bit of a misnomer as ‘TT’ can be done with or without physical contact. In fact, practitioners are required to have the client’s permission to touch.
The TTNO has under copyright, a Bibliography of Therapeutic Touch Published Research from 1974 to 2004 and updated list from 2004 – 2012. Ultimately the vision of the Therapeutic Touch Network of Ontario is to have Therapeutic Touch widely recognized and practiced in Ontario collaborating with the medical community to better serve patients.
Originally created and compiled by Patricia Tamosetis, RPT Gail Lafortune, RPT in 2011 for the Therapeutic Touch Network of Ontario; adapted with permission, July 2014.
About Julia von Flotow
