Therapeutic touch is an extremely popular form of therapy in the United States. It is practiced most often by nurses. It does not actually involve touch. Instead, it is based on the ancient idea that a life force, which exists within and around our bodies, is essential to good health.
Supporters say that therapeutic touch manipulates that life energy.
Using the technique of therapeutic touch, a nurse or other practitioner stands beside the patient, who is usually lying down. Harmful energy is believed to cause blockages in the patient's normal energy flow. This procedure is thought to eliminate pain and cure illness. The practitioner serves as a channel of life energy, giving support, caring, and love to the person being treated. The idea of a central life or energy force as practiced in therapeutic touch is common in ancient Indian and Chinese thought.