Healthwise

Our Health Library information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Please be advised that this information is made available to assist our patients to learn more about their health. Our providers may not see and/or treat all topics found herein.

Healing Touch

Treatment Overview

Like other complementary medicine therapies, healing touch starts with the idea that people are naturally healthy. The way people live and think may disturb their natural energy, and they may become ill. The aim of healing touch is to focus (or channel) healing energy to restore natural health.

Practitioners of healing touch believe they can use their hands to change a person's energy flow and restore health. During a session, the practitioner moves his or her hands several inches above the person's body, often making sweeping hand motions. The practitioner also may place his or her hands lightly on specific parts of the person's body.

How Well It Works

Some research studies have shown that, like yoga and meditation, healing touch reduces anxiety and stress.

Research studies have been done on the effects of healing touch, but there are not consistent results. The practice is difficult to study using scientific methods.

Risks

You can safely use healing touch along with conventional medical treatments.

Talk with your doctor about any complementary health practice that you would like to try or are already using. Your doctor can help you manage your health better if he or she knows about all of your health practices.

Related Information

• Cancer Pain
• Chronic Pain
• Complementary Medicine
• Stress Management
• Therapeutic Touch

Credits

Current as of: July 31, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

Top of the page

Current as of: July 31, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.