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EnglishWhat Is Therapeutic Touch (TT) and How Does a Session Work?
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Therapeutic Touch (TT) is an energy-based therapy in which the practitioner uses their hands as a focus to detect blockages in the flow of energy and help the body re-pattern its energy field toward wholeness. According to Therapeutic Touch® Networks of Canada (TTNC), a session typically lasts 5 to 20 minutes, the client stays fully clothed and may sit or lie down, actual touching of the body is not necessary, and a session can even be done at a distance. It may suit you if you are curious about a gentle, non-invasive relaxation approach; it is not a substitute for medical diagnosis or treatment.
What TT is based on
TTNC describes the underlying idea this way: everyone has an energy field known as the human biofield that flows down, through and around the body to maintain health physically, emotionally, spiritually and mentally. Illness or dis-ease in the body is often accompanied by blockages in that flow. The practitioner uses a series of techniques to help the body re-pattern its energy field toward wholeness.
Two elements run through the whole process — intention and compassion. TTNC notes that the only equipment needed is your hands, and that TT can be done anywhere.
What happens in a session
| Aspect | What TTNC states |
|---|---|
| Clothing | Client remains fully clothed |
| Position | Sitting or lying down, whichever is more comfortable |
| Physical contact | Not necessary — hands move a few centimetres or inches from the body |
| What the practitioner does | Moves hands through the client's energy field, assessing for imbalances |
| Duration | 5 to 20 minutes, depending on the individual and/or situation |
| Permission | Getting permission before the session begins is very important |
| Distance | A session can be done at a distance |
The sequence is therefore: permission is obtained first, the client settles into a comfortable position, and the practitioner works with their hands near — not on — the body for a short period. Because no special equipment or physical contact is required, the setting is flexible.
Self-care and self-healing
TTNC notes that TT is also used for self-care and self-healing, since the overall relaxation response is important for the body to promote its own healing. If you want to try the approach on yourself, the same elements apply: intention and compassion, with the hands used as a focus rather than as a tool that requires contact.
Where TT is taught
According to TTNC, these techniques are taught in workshops, universities, colleges and nursing programs by Recognized Teachers. That matters if you are deciding whether to learn TT rather than receive it — the training route runs through recognized instruction rather than self-study alone.
Origins
TT was established in the United States in 1972 by the founders Dolores Krieger, PhD, RN, and Dora Kunz, an intuitive healer.
How to decide whether to try it
- Consider it if you are looking for a short, non-invasive, fully clothed relaxation session, you prefer an approach where physical touch is not required, or you want something that can be done at a distance.
- Look elsewhere if you need diagnosis, treatment or advice for a specific medical condition — TTNC presents TT as a therapy that supports the body's own healing, not as a replacement for medical care.
- Ask before you book how long the session will run and whether it will be in person or at a distance, since TTNC states sessions range from 5 to 20 minutes and can be done remotely.
TTNC's site also lists volunteer opportunities, a contact route for requesting a TT session, drop-in sessions, and a Facebook page — useful next steps if you want to experience a session before deciding.