Opinion
Biofield therapy extends health of strained students
March 30, 2012
When people feel pain, anxiety, depression, frustration, fatigue and other such symptoms, they seek treatment from doctors, therapists or psychiatrists. These professionals often use medication or talk therapy to manage symptoms.
Unfortunately, medication comes with detrimental side effects and risks while talk therapy may take many weeks to become really helpful. Because of this, people may view their options as few and undesirable. However, the United States is slowly adopting more eastern health approaches, “Healing Touch” being one of them.
Healing touch is a biofield therapy; it deals with the magnetic/energy field around the body. Typically, the client lies clothed on a massage table for 15-60 minutes while the practitioner uses either off body touch (hands close to the body but not touching) or a gentle (still) touch; it is not a massage. As a pamphlet for healing touch explains, practitioners works to “clear, balance, energize and support the human energy system to facilitate and support healing for the whole person: mind, body, spirit” with the different touches. Essentially, healing touch works to clear and balance energy fields (or auras) and energy centers (chakras) so that the body is in an optimal state to heal.
Healing touch is used to help patients through experiences with cancer, heart disease, immune functioning, pain, recovery and psychological aspects like anxiety and depression. It is meant to complement the current treatment clients are receiving for their problems, although for problems like mild pain or anxiety that do not demand medical attention, it may be sufficient alone.
While the effectiveness and results of healing touch varies a bit from person to person, much like any medical treatment, research consistently shows that it helps patients with these and other problems to feel better both physically, mentally and spiritually.
In addition to helping with a variety of problems, healing touch is an excellent option to try because it is non-invasive, effective, non-toxic and economical. Since it only needs a patient and a practitioner, the procedure can be performed in many settings without the use of injections, surgery or medications. Because of the very nature of the process, there are no known side effects or interactions.
Finally, healing touch is a very affordable option; practitioners typically charge $40-90 for a one hour session, and some even offer one free session as a “trial.” Occasionally, insurance will cover the cost, although it is not common yet. Other than the slight cost, the extremely low-risk nature of healing touch makes it an excellent healing method to try.
While it is typical to feel skeptical of an unfamiliar healing method, remember the huge benefits and small risks involved in working to better your health. By learning more about the therapy, you can become more comfortable with it.
Unlike conventional medicines, healing touch can be used both preventatively and as a treatment to keep or restore a body to balance and health. So whatever your health concern or intention, consider this alternative medicine as your pathway to healing.
Jaime Haines is an exuberant puppy-lover and “House” addict and plans to use her psychology degree to encourage activism and well-being through counseling, workshops, speeches, and the written word.