Therapeutic Touch and Healing Touch

Chapter 12: Therapeutic Touch and Healing Touch - Nursing Modalities for the New Millennium

Overview:

• A history and definition of Therapeutic Touch (TT) and healing Touch (HT) is provided
• Explains the theoretical and philosophical basis of Therapeutic Touch and Healing Touch
• Provides an explanation of differing techniques and approaches of Healing Touch
• Describes both Healing Touch and Therapeutic Touch in a clinical practice
• Lists professional organisations and educational pathways around the world and in Australia

Description:

This chapter explores two related therapies. The origin and development of Therapeutic Touch (TT) and Healing Touch (HT) by nurses makes an interesting introduction to what are contemporary nursing applications of ancient healing techniques. A considerable amount of nursing research is now available on these therapies and examples are presented along with their application in nursing.

Topics:

• Background
• History
• The theoretical and philosophical basis of therapeutic touch and healing touch
• Description and treatment approach
• Therapeutic touch: learning to extend our natural healing abilities
• Healing touch: a kaleidoscope of approaches
• Therapeutic use of self: the experience of practising therapeutic touch and healing touch
• Research base: evidence-based practice
• Therapeutic touch: research and practice in tandem from the beginning
• Healing touch: continuing the tradition of evidence-based practice
• Therapeutic touch and healing touch in clinical practice
• Professional organisations around the world and in Australia
• Learning and teaching
• Conclusion
• References
• Some contact details and websites

Speaker / Author:

Jane Hall

RN, Midwife, Bachelor of Applied Science Advanced Nursing (Education), Master of Education, FRCNA, FACM, Member Australian College of Holistic Nurses, Therapeutic Touch Practitioner, Healing Touch Practitioner, Director: Healing Dimensions.

Jane has a private practice and consultancy in healing and education. She has been interested and involved in the use of complementary therapies in nursing and midwifery since the early 1980s and was chairperson of the Nurses Board of Victoria committee which developed the first Australian guidelines for the use of complementary therapies by nurses in 1995. Jane incorporates a range of healing modalities in her practice including Therapeutic Touch and Healing Touch, pranic healing, reiki, Australian bush flower essences, guided imagery and transpersonal theory and counselling. Jane teaches Therapeutic Touch and lectures regularly at a number of universities. She also conducts seminars and workshops centered around personal/professional growth and development for nurses, midwives and other healers.

Professional Reviews: