Issue link: http://www.bodysensemagazinedigital.com/i/693903
14 Body Sense These claims of healing may sound outlandish or overinflated, but consider this: the modality Healing Touch, for example, comes out of the nursing world and, as such, places a high value on evidence-based research. Quantitative and qualitative research suggests that Healing Touch: • Eases the effects of trauma and postraumatic stree disorder. • Facilitates wound healing. • Improves immune function in cancer patients. • Improves sleep. • Reduces anxiety, tension, and stress; fatigue; and pain. • Reduces length of hospital stays. • Supports illness prevention and promotes health. These benefits do not magically happen. Skilled practitioners create the healing environment through their own "being." They are grounded, work to foster a connection with a client, and exude a sense of unconditional love and acceptance. Energy medicine is not so much about where a practitioner places her hands, but about the healing intention behind the hand placements. This means the client- practitioner relationship is of paramount importance and finding a qualified practitioner is essential. HEALTH AND WELL-BEING To quote dance pioneer Martha Graham, "The body says what words cannot." Because the human energy system interfaces with all aspects of our being, Healing Touch practitioners start by assessing the client's physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Then, practitioners move on to assessing the energy system itself. This is done by "scanning" with their hands above the body to determine areas of energetic blockage, congestion, or depletion. They may also use a pendulum to assess the health of the energy centers. This assessment is then documented on an intake form. Then, the work of moving and balancing the client's energy begins. Energy healers may use light touch or place their hands above the body for various techniques that open, clear, and balance the energy system. The end goal is energy flowing freely throughout the system. A postassessment determines the effectiveness of the techniques and guides the next steps. The more we learn about energy medicine and/or experience the results, the more we realize that energy is integral to our bodies and, therefore, is integral to our health and well-being. As such, energy medicine belongs side by side with traditional medical practices and other wellness modalities. B S *Names were changed to protect clients' privacy. Note 1. Cynthia Hutchison et al., Healing Touch Workbook (Boulder, CO: Sounds True, 2013). Karin Ogren is a Healing Touch Certified Practitioner. Energy medicine integrates well with other health and wellness modalities such as massage, physical therapy, hospice work, social work, nursing, and more.