Definition of Therapeutic Touch

Therapeutic Touch , is a contemporary interpretation of several ancient healing practices... a consciously directed process of energy exchange during which the practitioner uses the hands as a focus for facilitating healing. The intervention is administered with the intent of enabling people to re-pattern their energy toward wholeness and health. Therapeutic Touch can be used alone, or blended with other healing modalities.

Therapeutic Touch is creating a world-wide impact by profoundly enhancing the quality of nurturing care from birth to death. Of benefit to both the giver and receiver, this modality is proving to be a significant antidote for burnout in health care professionals.

Developed in the early 1970's by Dolores Krieger, Ph.D., R.N. (Professor Emerita of New York University) and Dora Kunz, Therapeutic Touch is now practiced by thousands of health care professionals and lay people throughout the world. Numerous colleges and universities teach it in their graduate and undergraduate nursing programs.

In Ontario, many major hospitals and visiting nurses organizations are encouraging their nurses to study the technique. Among those using Therapeutic Touch are hospice volunteers, AIDS care-givers, midwives, occupational health nurses, and those involved with elder-care.