The Process of Therapeutic Touch
Therapeutic Touch is based on the idea that human beings are energy in the form of a field. When you are healthy, that energy is freely flowing and balanced. In contrast, disease is a condition of energy imbalance or disorder. The human energy field extends beyond the level of the skin, and the Therapeutic Touch practitioner attunes him or herself to that energy using the hands as sensors.
A Therapeutic Touch treatment is a process that is always individualized and usually does not exceed 20 minutes in length. Your practitioner may ask you to sit in a chair or lie down-whichever is more comfortable for you. It is not necessary to disrobe.
Exact methods vary between practitioners, but generally, they will pass their hands over your body from head to toe, front and back, holding them between 2-6 inches from the skin. This is done to assess the condition of the human energy field. They may use rhythmical, sweeping motions with the hands, as if they are smoothing out wrinkles in your energy field. The practitioner may or may not touch you physically.
Your response is influenced by several factors, such as how long you have been ill, how much your symptoms interfere with your lifestyle, and your general health status.