Definition of Therapeutic Touch

Therapeutic Touch is an approach to healing similar to the ancient art of "laying on of hands".
It involves one or more practitioners using their hands - mainly very near the body as well as gentle touch - to promote the innate self-healing response of the client.

What does this mean?

Client and practitioner participate together in the process of healing during a TT session. The practitioner makes a point of being relaxed and "centred" (a very focussed and meditative state) throughout the session, which may last a few seconds or up to an hour.
The practitioner also uses his / her hands to sense areas around the clients body that "feel" imbalanced.
In some circles this is called (still somewhat controversially) feeling the "energy field" of the body. Much of the writing used to describe what happens in TT has drawn upon scientific theories of "energy fields".
Working in this way, the practitioner seeks to focus on the imbalances, and helps to promote a sense of wholeness and harmony for the client.
Clients usually experience a deep relaxation response. They may also feel, for example, less stressed and anxious or become clearer about problems they are facing, or find that the natural immune and healing responses of the body are enhanced.
Research suggests that TT can therefore be of help in promoting general health and well-being.

What to expect

• There is no need to undress to receive TT.
• For some people TT may begin with a gentle neck / shoulder massage.
• The client can lie or sit according to their choice.
• Once "centered" the practitioner will pass his/her hands over the patient approximately 2 to 4 inches away from the body moving from head to toe.
• The practitioner may hold his/her hands in a still position for a period of time and may gently place his/her hands on the patient for a short period.
• There is no standard length of time for a therapy to take place. It may be as short as a few seconds, or as long as 30 minutes or more.

Research shows that TT

• Promotes a relaxation response.
• Alters the perception of pain.
• Creates a sense of well-being.
• Decreases anxiety.
• Facilitates the body's natural healing processes.
• Accelerates wound healing.

Can everyone have TT?

Qualified practitioners will assess each individual patient's suitability for TT. Pregnant women, babies, psychotic people, the very elderly or very debilitated patient may be more sensitive to an interaction. This may need to be taken into consideration.

Why TT?

In our high technological age of medical care, many health care workers believe the essence of caring is being lost. Nurses and other health care professionals are being drawn to TT because it is safe, requires no special equipment, offers a more personal approach to care and enhances the therapeutic role. A few minutes of the practitioner's time is all that is needed to help patients feel better and able to return to their normal quality of life sooner. TT gives health care professionals a way to express their natural compassion, and when they use compassion to underpin their desire to help and heal, they are working with an immensely powerful therapeutic force which unlocks the potential of restoring the heart to health care practice.

Flow Chart For The Process Of BATT Membership
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