How Healing Touch is Used in Healthcare
What Is Healing Touch?
Healing Touch is an evidence-informed, non-invasive biofield therapy that supports whole-person health by working with the human energy system. Using gentle touch or hands placed near the body, trained practitioners help restore balance and support the body's natural capacity for healing.
Developed by a nurse, Healing Touch has been used alongside conventional medical care in hospitals and other healthcare settings since the 1990s.
🡢Learn more about how Healing Touch worksOn this page:
Healing Touch Program is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.
Evidence-Informed Practice
Healing Touch Program is committed to evidence-informed practice, bringing together the best available research and clinical expertise. Healing Touch and other biofield therapies have been studied in a variety of healthcare settings and patient populations, with research exploring outcomes such as pain, anxiety, stress, fatigue, relaxation, and quality of life.
Research on Healing Touch and the broader field of biofield therapies continues to grow, strengthening our understanding of their role in integrative, whole-person healthcare.
🡢Visit the Healing Touch Research WebsiteAbout Biofield Therapies
Biofield therapies are a group of complementary health approaches in which practitioners use their hands on or near the body with the intention of supporting health and well-being through interaction with the human biofield.
Biofield therapies are used alongside conventional healthcare and are not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure disease or replace medical treatment. Instead, they may be used to support relaxation, comfort, stress reduction, and whole-person well-being as part of an integrative approach to health. Research continues to investigate their mechanisms, effectiveness, safety, and potential role in supporting health and well-being.
🡢Visit the VA.GOV Whole Health Library for more information on biofield therapies.
What Sets Healing Touch Apart
Healing Touch, Therapeutic Touch, and Reiki are among the practices commonly identified in the scientific literature as biofield therapies. While they share similarities and a common focus on the human energy system, each has its own origins, philosophy, methods, educational approach, and professional framework.
Healing Touch was developed by Janet Mentgen, RN, in the 1980s. Drawing on the foundational principles of Therapeutic Touch, she expanded the practice by incorporating energy-based healing techniques from diverse traditions around the world to create a comprehensive educational program for nurses and other healthcare professionals.
Today, Healing Touch is distinguished by its standardized, competency-based curriculum, established Scope of Practice and Code of Ethics, formal mentorship process, and pathway to professional certification. Practitioners who complete advanced education, mentorship, and practice requirements may pursue the board-certified Healing Touch Certified Practitioner (HTCP) credential, demonstrating advanced preparation and competency in professional Healing Touch practice.
Healing Touch Use in Healthcare
Why Healthcare Providers Use Healing Touch
SUPPORTING PATIENT COMFORT AND COMPASSIONATE CARE.
Healing Touch is used in a wide variety of healthcare settings as a complementary, evidence-informed approach to support whole-person care. Because every patient and healthcare environment is unique, Healing Touch is adapted to the individual's needs and integrated alongside conventional medical care.
From hospitals and outpatient clinics to hospice programs and employee wellness initiatives, Healing Touch offers healthcare professionals a non-invasive approach that supports patient comfort, therapeutic presence, and compassionate care.
ADAPTABLE. FLEXIBLE. PATIENT-CENTERED.
Whether supporting a patient receiving cancer treatment, a family navigating hospice care, or a nurse seeking greater resilience, Healing Touch is adaptable to many healthcare environments. Its flexibility, non-invasive nature, and emphasis on compassionate, patient-centered care make it a valuable complement to conventional healthcare. It aligns with many of today's healthcare priorities, including:
Patient-Centered
Care
Supporting each person's unique needs, preferences, and healing journey.
Patient
Comfort
Helping create a calming environment that supports comfort during illness, treatment, and recovery.
Whole-Person
Care
Recognizing the interconnectedness of physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being.
Non-Pharmacologic Care
Expanding supportive care options that complement conventional medical treatment.
Integrative Healthcare
Combining evidence-informed complementary approaches with traditional healthcare to optimize patient care.
Evidence-Informed Practice
Integrating the best available evidence, clinical expertise, and patient preferences into care decisions.
Staff Well-Being
Providing healthcare professionals with practical self-care skills that may help build resilience and support personal well-being.
Therapeutic Presence
Strengthening the nurse-patient relationship through focused attention, compassionate presence, and intentional care.
Where Healing Touch is Used in Healthcare
Healing Touch is integrated into a variety of healthcare settings to support whole-person, patient-centered care.
Because it is a flexible, non-invasive approach, Healing Touch can be adapted to meet the unique
needs of patients, families, and healthcare professionals across the continuum of care.
Hospitals
Healing Touch may be incorporated into inpatient and outpatient care to support patient comfort, relaxation, and overall well-being.
Cancer Centers
Healing Touch is often offered as a supportive therapy to help patients navigate the physical and emotional challenges associated with cancer treatment.
Cardiac Care
Healing Touch may be integrated into cardiovascular care to promote relaxation and support patients throughout treatment and recovery.
Veterans Care
Healing Touch is used in Veterans Medical Centers and Clinics as part of a whole-person approach to supporting the unique needs of Veterans.
Hospice & Palliative Care
Healing Touch can provide a calming, compassionate presence that supports comfort, dignity, and quality of life for patients and their families.
Rehabilitation
Healing Touch may complement rehabilitation programs by supporting relaxation and overall well-being during the recovery process.
Behavioral Health
Healing Touch can be integrated into behavioral health settings to support stress reduction, emotional well-being, and therapeutic presence as part of comprehensive care.
Women's Health
Healing Touch may be used to support women during pregnancy, childbirth, recovery, and throughout other stages of health and wellness.
Employee Wellness Program
Healthcare organizations use Healing Touch to support the well-being of nurses, physicians, and other staff by promoting self-care, resilience, and stress management.
Healthcare Providers Who Use Healing Touch
Healing Touch is practiced by healthcare professionals, complementary care providers, and trained practitioners from diverse backgrounds who share a commitment to compassionate, whole-person care.
Whether you want to enhance your professional practice, expand Healing Touch services within your organization, or learn Healing Touch for yourself, your family, or others, there is an educational pathway to support your goals.
Registered Nurses (RNs)
Integrates Healing Touch into patient-centered nursing care.
Advanced Practice
Registered Nurses (APRNs)
Combine Healing Touch with advanced clinical practice.
Nurse Educators
Teaches holistic and integrative approaches to care.
Physicians
Value complementary approaches as part of whole-person healthcare.
Physical Therapists
& Occupational Therapists
Incorporate Healing Touch into rehabilitation and recovery.
Massage Therapists
Expands their therapeutic skills through energy-based care.
Chaplains and Spiritual
Care Providers
Supports the emotional and spiritual well-being of patients and families.
Social Workers and Behavioral Health Professionals
Embrace a holistic approach to supporting individuals and
families.
Integrative Medicine and Integrative Health Programs
Offers Healing Touch as part of comprehensive patient care.
Trained Volunteers
Provides Healing Touch in organizations with established volunteer programs.
Patients and Family Caregivers
Learns Healing Touch to support personal well-being or care for loved ones.
Professional Standards & Ethical Practice
Healing Touch is a professional biofield therapy guided by established standards that support ethical, responsible, and consistent practice. The Code of Ethics, Scope of Practice, and Standards of Practice provide a framework for professional responsibilities, appropriate boundaries, informed consent, client-centered care, documentation, and collaboration with other healthcare providers.
Together, these standards support the safe, ethical, and professional practice of Healing Touch in healthcare and community settings.
Healing Touch practitioners are supported by a comprehensive professional framework that includes:
Code of Ethics
Promotes integrity,
respect, and compassionate care.
Scope of Practice
Clearly defines the role and responsibilities of Healing Touch practitioners.
Mentorship
Supports skill development, self-care, and personal and professional growth.
Standards of
Practice
Establish expectations for safe, consistent, and professional care.
Standardized Continuing Education
Emphasizes knowledge, practical skills, and demonstrated proficiency while supporting lifelong learning and ongoing personal and professional development.
Professional
Certification
Recognizes advanced education, experience, and demonstrated competency.
Explore how Healing Touch Program supports quality, professionalism, and excellence in practice.
🡢Explore the Professional StandardsTestimonials
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