Therapeutic Touch (TT) is a bio-energetic technique for rebalancing the body’s energy through touch, visualisation and the working through of emotional blocks.
     It was first developed as a healing modality in the early 1970s, based on the collaboration of Dora Kunz and Dolores Krieger. It is now used by health care workers around the world in hospitals, hospices and other healing centres.
     The technique depends very much on the interrelationship between patient and therapist during the healing process.
     Dora Kunz (1904 – 1999) was a past president of the Theosophical Society of America, a medical intuitive and fifth generation clairvoyant. Dolores Krieger is a pioneer researcher on the dynamics of healing. Their unique collaboration has put genuine healing into health care.
     The material in the book is made up of never-before-transcribed lectures and case studies by Dora Kunz, with commentary and neat editing by Dr. Krieger. It is at once engaging and informative in the areas of the nature of consciousness and healing.
     Seven of the book’s sections deal with progressively more complex ideas and concepts, starting with a valuable introduction to TT itself and the life work of Dora Kunz. Readers will learn about how to centre the self and then engage their inner self in order to help others.
     At the very front is a List of Exercises that has dozens of exercises which are embedded as sidebars in the text. The value of this list becomes clear once you have read the book and want to refer to specific exercises.
     Readers should not be surprised that much of the material is based on a Theosophical view of the universe and its hierarchy. From the initial section on levels of consciousness through the purpose and nature of meditation in healing, those with a metaphysical background will notice those familiar signposts of Theosophy.
     The discussion of death as transition is a much-needed look at what peace may be possible at the end of our lives. The later section on Dynamics of TT and TT in Personal Growth shows that the whole process works two ways, in that both the healer and the healee are affected by the TT process. It is presumed that the personal journey of the TT worker will be one of continuing self-development.
     Section 4 is pleasantly large, dealing with the Chakras and TT. As TT is a technique for rebalancing the body’s energies, including those of the subtle bodies, it is crucial to know all about the chakras, where they are and what they do.
     The overall concept that I received from this section was that chakras cannot themselves be ‘sick.’ The energy driving them can be unbalanced due to a number of factors. These might include disease or environmental and emotional factors but the broader circumstances are simply reflected in the chakras.
     Intuitive healers are able to perceive the disruptions in energy. The aim of training TT healers is that they will learn to focus their sensitivity allowing them to discern where energy needs to be rebalanced. Further sections deal with clinical applications of TT, and an interesting set of questions and answers.
     A bonus section not specifically related to TT is a wonderfully engaging area about the angelic kingdom and humanity. Dora Kunz had the privilege of being able to see non-physical beings. She manages to describe the hierarchy of angels and nature spirits in a way that is not overly religious, although it owes much to Theosophical concepts.
     She also answers questions on the nature of the ‘network of intelligence’ which exists in the energy matrix of our planet. Most questions bear on the possible aid that non-physical beings might render in intuitive healing. Apparently intervention is not the norm. However, these beings are very much attracted by prayer in all its forms and may render help if it is in the karmic interests of the person who is being healed. Spontaneous healings are not unknown, but are infrequent.
     This book will be of great interest in a number of areas. For those who wish to know more about intuitive healing, it will whet the appetite for further study. If you wish to have a more metaphysical view of human consciousness, this is a perfect primer.
     TT workers who are furthering their study or training others will find this a solid manual containing all the basic concepts. I believe that this type of healing will enjoy a marked increase in the future and be coupled with modern medicine for the benefit of patients in all areas.
     Many of us know the comfort of a loved one holding our hand when we are not well and the immense benefit of a simple touch or hug. Whether a person has a disease, is mentally ill, traumatised, or dying, TT can help. It may not be the complete answer, but is a valuable therapy that will calm the patient and rebalance the energy of the subtle bodies.