Energy, body therapy and healing

We are constantly in touch with energy. Universal energy exists all around us and we are capable of sensing objects, people, animals, emotions by using our sense of touch from our own energy fields which surrounds each of our bodies. "Every one has an energy field or aura that surrounds us and interpenetrates the physical body" (Brenan, B. 1988:5). We can sense someone across a room or get a feeling about someone when meeting them for the first time. We sense their energy and we respond by exuding energy which they can to pick up on.

Barry Kapke (2001) states that "[o]ur bodies are constantly sensing and responding to energy fields. In the same way that we develop tactile sensitivity for palpation or that we can develop greater acuity with any of our senses, through practice and awareness we can cultivate a refined sensitivity to energy fields and energy fluctuations." As therapists who work with the energetic body as well as the physical, we have to be cognisant of this interrelationship and communication. We can develop our own energy fields to be more acute in sensing and responding to others however we have to be cautious of transference, being too invasive and just making assumptions. Working with the energetic body as a therapist requires responsibility, maturity, self-confidence and a generally well-rounded individual who can maintain a strong sense of self yet, proceed with empathy, understanding and compassion.

Brenan (1988:40) regards the universal energy field (UEF) as a flowing, synergistic body with varying densities which exists in more than 3-dimensions. It can be sensed by all the senses and it pulsates. She also associates the UEF as "a form of consciousness" with a range of vibrations depending on how highly developed it is. To bring about healing, you have to work with the whole body and that includes the auric/energetic body. There needs to be an intuitive understanding. The therapist can use other senses to help read the aura or to help the patient rebalance through techniques that appeal to different senses.

Ultimately though, whether the therapist has / has not developed his/her consciousness to pick up higher vibrations, s/he needs to be mindful when entering a patient's space. Your intuitive understanding and development will also determine whether you are a technician or a therapist. It will affect how you touch and how you aid healing.

References:

Brenan, B. 1988. Hands of light: A guide to healing through the human energy field. New York: Bantam Books.

Kapke, B. 2001. Wheels of Light: Clearing, Balancing & Connecting Chakras. http://www.massagetherapy.com/articles/index.php/article_id/220 [7 March 2007]

Touch and human growth and development

If one defines growth and development of humans as an ongoing, lifelong change in behaviour, physiology, psychology and spirituality, then touch definitely plays an influential role, as everything we touch or are touched by will affect these developments.

Research at the TRI claims that babies in the womb are already touch-sensitive and touch is essential for learning and development to take place. "The first sensory input in life comes from the sense of touch while a baby is still in the womb, and touch continues to be the primary means of learning about the world throughout infancy, well into childhood. Touch is critical for children's growth, development, and health, as well as for adults' physical and mental well-being." (Field, T.)

In the 50s, Harry Harlow conducted research at the University of Wisconsin on infant monkeys and surrogate mothers. His findings showed that infant monkeys preferred cloth surrogate mothers without milk to wire surrogate mother with milk. (Connelly, J. E. 2002). The infant monkeys' reaction suggests a preference and perhaps a need for a tactile mother-like figure above and beyond the basic need for food at this stage in the monkey's life.

The world we have created today is stressful and leads to many imbalances within our bodies which result in disease. It has been estimated that between 80-90% of disease today is stress-related (Massagetherapy.com). One of the greatest benefits of touch is its stress-releasing properties. It can improve circulation, the immune system, joint mobilisation, release endorphins, relax tense muscles or just give you a sense of general well-being and security when administered in a professional manner. We therefore need touch to help us create a healthy space for ourselves in this world we have created.

When we get older, we often become more touch-deprived. There are also many people who are marginalized in society which could lead to touch deprivation. In some societies we restrict touch in certain contexts eg the classroom. Research has shown that touch can improve the general well-being of touch-deprived individuals.

Without touch, we are like monkeys with a wire mother.

"Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.” Leo F. Buscaglia

“I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Maya Angelou