The Practice of Therapeutic Touch

The practice of Therapeutic Touch is not limited to health care providers and has moved into the community. Practitioners include people of all ages in all walks of life. Practitioners who fulfill specific requirements may become Recognized Practitioners of the TTNO. Some municipalities require licensing according to Municipal By-Laws.

For a detailed description of Therapeutic Touch please go to the article "What is Therapeutic Touch?" in our Newsletter/Other Articles section. The Therapeutic Touch Network of Ontario has produced a DVD, Therapeutic Touch™ - The DVD, designed as an educational view of Therapeutic Touch as developed by Dolores Krieger and Dora Kunz.

The Practice of Therapeutic Touch by Nurses In Ontario
Therapeutic Touch can be administered under clause 7.1 of the Standards of Nursing Practice that states "…promotes comfort by using touch, massage and stress reduction techniques". The College of Nurses maintains that "The decision as to whether Therapeutic Touch is an acceptable treatment modality is the responsibility of the nursing, and administrative authority of the agency/institution. Once this decision has been reached, Therapeutic Touch can become a part of the recognized plan of care". Hospitals, nursing agencies and visiting nurses are now accepting Therapeutic Touch as a nursing procedure. The booklet, Guidelines for Policies and Procedures for Institutions is available from the TTNO.

Learning Therapeutic Touch
Therapeutic Touch is a natural human potential which can be actualized through the intent to help or enhance the recipient's own ability to support themselves towards wholeness. It is a skill that requires sensitivity and needs to be initially practised with supervision and feedback. The Basic Levels Workshops in Therapeutic Touch consist of a minimum of three days of instruction addressing the cognitive and experiential aspects of the modality.

Common Effects of Therapeutic Touch
Over thirty doctoral & post doctoral dissertations as well as master theses have been done on Therapeutic Touch. In early 1994, Therapeutic Touch was the recipient of a research grant awarded to alternative therapies by the United States National Institute of Health, Washington, D.C. Research and clinical experience have shown its effectiveness in:

• promotion of relaxation and eliciting the Relaxation Response.
• reduction of anxiety.
• changing the patient's perception of pain.
• facilitating the body's natural restorative processes.

Considerations:
Therapeutic Touch is a process that is always individualized and usually does not exceed 20 minutes. The recipient remains fully clothed.

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