Therapeutic Touch

This is a clear and concise introduction to therapeutic touch, a healing art based on the ancient practice of lying on hands. Although still considered experimental, therapeutic touch is used in many hospitals alongside more conventional medicine to alleviate a variety of injuries and illnesses. Macrae, who taught nursing at New York University, gives a balanced presentation of theory and practice. The theory is based on the concept of an energy field surrounding the bodymuch as a gravitational field surrounds objects. When a person is ill, the flow of energy around his body is congested or obstructed. A trained practitioner can feel these blockages and use his hands to help clear them and to redirect the patient's energy flow to a more healthy pattern. Readers are encourage to try to cure their friends' headaches; helpful illustrations are included. (February)