Healing Touch

by Anne H. Spencer. Ph.D.

You have healing power! This is a truism that everyone can honor if they will let the energy flow. Mother's rub their babies back and the little child falls into a peaceful sleep. Nurses stroke infants in Intensive Care and they rest easily. Daddies kiss skinned knees and they are all better. Sisters hold the dying and they slip into heavenly bliss. Therapists touch clients and relaxation occurs. What is this "Mystical Power?"

In fact, it is not mystical, it can be measured in the laboratory. At N.Y.U. Doris Kreiger, Ph.D., RN has done this as part of her research in what she calls, Therapeutic Touch. She teaches her students to feel the Universal Energy, to have a conscious involvement of self so that the patient and the student are in harmony. In other words, the student is totally present to the experience at hand. Dr. Kreiger studied the effect of Therapeutic Touch on hemoglobin. Her findings were positive. She says, "We are interconnected in a way that is to subtle for us to currently understand." It has also been demonstrated by Sister Justice Smith, Ph.D. in the laboratory in Buffalo, NY. As a bio-chemist she decided to study to see if a healer would have any effect on enzymes both whole and damaged. The findings were once again positive, the hands of the healer will have an effect on increasing the activity of an enzyme weather whole or damaged. Dr. Smith says, " There is nothing super-natural nor mysterious or occult about pare-normal healing. It can be tested and measured and demonstrated in a scientific laboratory."

The New Physics called quantum physics says that although matter may appear static, it exists in a dynamic field. Einstein with his E=MC2 began this adventure. The emergence of the new physics came at a time of the re-discovery of philosophical systems that have always assumed the indivisibility of matter and nature. Taoism, Buddhism, Hinduism have always embraced the notion of a universal force. It is a vital force beyond the microscopes and measuring devices of conventional medicine, however it is a force clearly evident in the efforts of the human body to heal itself!

Our mind/body unity is inseparable. It is one with the entire universe. This has been held as true by Native American people since their culture began. There is no separation, we are all part of the same energy and can effect the energy of other creations. Have you ever parted clouds with your mind? How about the Reed Sea? Energy flows where Attention goes.

The father of modern medicine, Paraclecus, spoke of a vital force within and around a person like a luminous sphere. In the 18th century Mesmer claimed that healing came through universal energy that he called Fluidim. He felt all physical bodies, even stones were impregnated with this magical fluid. Quimby of the 19th century healed Mary Baker Eddy using hypnosis and touch. She went on to found the Christian Science Church. In the early days of the 20th century, Edgar Cayce while in hypnosis contacted the healing force and diagnosed ailments at a distance and then prescribed remedies. These remedies are still used by many people today.

In the 1960's serious research began in the field of this "non-local" healing. The doctors Green at the Menninger Foundation began using Bio-feedback with success. Norman Shealy, M.D. at his pain clinic taught people self-hypnosis. As he said, "The healing power began to flow." His patients used the healing energy to help themselves control and/or rid themselves of the pain.

Larry Dossey, MD in his book: Healing Words: the Power of Prayer in Medicine describes this energy as a non-local occurrence. In other words we cannot, at this time, predict the outcome, however the measured outcomes are strong enough to give this energy a prime place in our treatment system. Many people are helped by prayer even when they are not aware that they are being prayed for. Others pray and their prayers are answered on the spot. Remember, St. Anthony and lost articles. He always seemed to come to the rescue. Perhaps we are just tapping into that healing energy force field and using St. Anthony as a way to focus; shades of Star Treck, Luke Skywalker, Crystals, etc.

Intent is important when learning to use this healing power, as well as focus. Going into an altered state, hypnosis, is the first step in developing your potential too use your hands to send healing energy. Doris Kreiger calls it, "centering oneself." Once centered, call upon the force. For some that force may be called Divine Energy, God, Unconditional Love, ... to assist in the healing. Then you let the healing energy flow from your hands to the place to be healed. In the training classroom this is experienced gradually so that everyone can realize exactly what this energy feels like. It is quite different for many people. Sometimes it is warm, sometimes cool, at other times it is like a soft breeze.

Many persons that I have touched felt a tingling sensation, others felt great warmth and relaxation. At times this energy has helped to heal broken bones quicker than normal, stopped coughing attacks of smokers, soothed my grandchildren, removed headaches, balance the aura and bring feelings of control back for the client, etc. As a Hypnotherapist, I have found that it helps to deepen the trance and relax the client faster. It has become a way for me to do more than is expected and with so little effort. Healing Touch is a real gift for everyone. Enjoy!

Dr. Spencer teaches courses in Therapeutic Touch twice a year at her home. She is the founder of the International Medical and Dental Hypnotherapy Association ®. Infinity Institute International, Inc. is a state licensed school to teach Hypnosis and Dr. Anne is the director and founder. Her background includes: author of CDs, DVDs, and books, radio and TV personality, frequent presenter at confernces and conventions internationally and leader/advocate for the art and science of Hypnosis.

For more information visit: www.InfinityInst.com