Healing Touch is a complementary or integrative energy therapy in which practitioners use light touch or near-body touch in a variety of techniques which help clear, balance, and energize the human energy field to promote self healing of the mind, body and/or the spirit. Formally created in 1989 by a nurse for nurses, Healing Touch is now taught not only to nurses and other health professionals but also to any other individuals who are interested in gaining an in-depth understanding of healing work using energy based concepts. Healing Touch can be done in conjunction with other methods of healing such as massage, aromatherapy or mainstream medical treatments or as a standalone technique. Because this therapeutic process affects the body, mind, emotion and spirit of the individual receiving the work, each recipient is empowered to participate fully in his or her healing journey.
More and more research is being done to document the benefits of Healing Touch. The following results have been documented in one or more research studies: Decrease in pain level; acceleration of post-operative recovery; calming effect on those with dementia; decrease in depression, anxiety and stress; relaxation, peace and acceptance during the dying process; increased mobility following surgery; decreased need for pain medication following surgery; decrease in negative effects of trauma, chronic pain and post-traumatic stress; as well as immune system strengthening and support.
Currently, Healing Touch is being used in many different settings including private practices, hospitals, nursing homes, churches and anywhere else there is a need for healing. To find a Certified Healing Touch Practitioner, go to www.healingtouchprogram.com and check the listing of practitioners. Classes for this modality are taught world-wide and are listed on the same website.
Healing Touch Spiritual Ministry In 1997 a need was identified for presenting and teaching energetic healing from a Christian perspective. Thus, the Healing Touch Spiritual Ministry program was born within the Healing Touch Program reframing the language to emphasize spiritual healing. This approach attracted those who wanted to learn about hands on healing and anointing using a Christian model preparing them to present these materials for healing ministries in church, parish nursing, hospice, and other places with necessarily a clinical emphasis.
Today the Healing Touch Spiritual Ministry program is a program within the Institute of Spiritual Healing and Aromatherapy (ISHA). It is independent of the Healing Touch Program. ISHA offers a Certificate of Completion after completing the five basic classes of the Healing Touch Spiritual Ministry program. There is also a track within ISHA for becoming a Certified Clinical Aromatherapist (CCA) after completing the requirements for the 260 hour program in clinical aromatherapy.
Gayle Mohr has a private practice in Champaign at Harmony Healthcare. She is a Registered Nurse, Licensed Massage Therapist, Certified Healing Touch Practitioner, and teaches in the Healing Touch Spiritual Ministry program.