What is Therapeutic Touch Networks of Canada (TTNC)?

Therapeutic Touch® Networks of Canada (TTNC) is a Canadian organization that promotes Therapeutic Touch (TT), an energy-based therapy. Its website serves as an introduction to TT, a directory of ways to get involved, and a contact point for requesting a session. It is useful if you want to understand what TT is, find a session or drop-in, explore volunteer opportunities, or connect with practitioners and teachers in Canada.

What Therapeutic Touch is, according to TTNC

TTNC describes Therapeutic Touch as an energy-based therapy built on the idea that everyone has an energy field — the human biofield — that flows down, through, and around the body to maintain health physically, emotionally, spiritually, and mentally.

In a session, the practitioner uses their hands as a focus to detect blockages in the flow of energy, which TTNC says are often present with illness or dis-ease in the body. Through a series of techniques, the practitioner helps the body re-pattern its energy field toward wholeness.

Key points TTNC makes about the practice:

• No special equipment — the only equipment needed is your hands.
• It can be done anywhere with intention and compassion, which TTNC calls important elements throughout the process of re-establishing balance and harmony.
• It is also used for self-care and self-healing, since the overall relaxation response is important for the body to promote its own healing.
• The client stays fully clothed and can sit or lie down, whichever is more comfortable.
• Touching the body is not necessary — the practitioner moves their hands a few centimetres or inches from the body, through the client's energy field, assessing for imbalances.
• A session lasts from 5 to 20 minutes, depending on the individual and situation.
• Permission is required before the session begins.
• A session can be done at a distance.

TTNC also notes that TT was established in the United States in 1972 by Dolores Krieger, PhD, RN, and Dora Kunz, an intuitive healer. The techniques are taught in workshops, universities, colleges, and nursing programs by Recognized Teachers.

What you can do on the TTNC site

The site is organized around participation rather than lengthy explanation. Based on its own headings and calls to action, you can:

• Request a TT session — the site directs visitors to click for contact info to request a session.
• Join a TT Drop In Session — an open way to experience TT without a formal appointment.
• Find volunteer opportunities — TTNC lists volunteer options for those who want to contribute.
• Follow the Facebook page — TTNC maintains a Facebook presence for updates and community.

Who this is for

Practical things to know before you reach out

• Sessions are short — 5 to 20 minutes — so they are easy to fit into a day.
• You remain fully clothed, and physical touch is not required, which may matter if you prefer not to be touched.
• Distance sessions are possible, so you do not necessarily need to be in the same location as the practitioner.
• Permission is asked first, so you stay in control of whether a session proceeds.

To take the next step, use the site's contact information to request a session, or look for the drop-in session and Facebook links if you would rather start in a group setting.