Studies show that touch therapy is efficacious. Though, it is unclear how exactly it works. Many who practice touch therapy offer an explanation based on energy, which is sometimes referred to as chakra.
The word “energy” suggests a metaphysical element. But, light touch therapy, though it is an alternative form of treatment, it has a tenuous connection to modern medicine and science.
Firstly, it typically focuses on removing physical pain. At least the layperson’s idea of science today is rooted in empiricism. In other words, change has to occur in the material world in order to be considered real. Of course, science is an amorphous term, and there are exceptions. Still, despite the fact that pain can originate in the physical plane, pain in general is subjective.
Secondly, proponents of touch therapy assert that it conduces to the bodies natural healing process. The energy work only initially catalyzes the healing process, and power is transferred to the body’s physical components.
Light touch therapy is predicated on the belief that energy can be manipulated. Any imbalances in one’s energy can lead to fatigue, pain, illness, mental health problems, or a general feeling of malaise. These imbalances are sometimes described as blockages. Touch healing practitioners redirect the flow of energy to balance energy levels.
That is the simple definition of touch therapy. Within touch therapy, however, there are a variety of subbranches. Both healing touch (HT) and therapeutic touch (TT) fall under touch therapy.
The Difference Between Healing Touch and Therapeutic Touch
In therapeutic healing, practitioners may not actually touch the individual. Practitioners will slowly graze their hands over their patients. Healing touch, on the other hand, congeals a number of healing practices including chakra connection and lymphatic release and does involve touch.
How does touch therapy take place?
A practitioner will start with some deep breathing and grounding exercises. Practitioners will repeat slow hand movements over certain areas. The slow movement of their hands adds to the calming experience. This process is call “unruffling” and its purpose is to remove blockages. They also attempt to transfer positive energy toward the blockage through visualization techniques.
Does touch therapy work?
A 2019 study found that there could be a correlation between increased well-being and therapeutic touch therapy in children with cancer. Even more convincingly, a 2010 study found that therapeutic touch therapy leads to lower levels of cortisol, the stress hormone. Thus, all of a sudden an observable, physiological reaction is confirming the benefits of TT treatment.
Many skeptics point to a possible placebo effect. This is a fair assumption. Multiple studies have found that sugar pills can have perceived effects on a person’s well-being. If a person believes their well-being is improving, it is. Rene Descartes said it best: “I think, therefore, I am.” Regardless, touch therapy has undeniable benefits. It can reduce afflictions from anxiety to arthritis. And if it’s conducive to well-being, should we really be scoffing at it?
