Spiritual concepts in therapeutic touch

Canning, Barry (2002) Spiritual concepts in therapeutic touch. Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

[English] PDF (Migrated (PDF/A Conversion) from original format: (application/pdf)) - Accepted Version Available under License - The author retains copyright ownership and moral rights in this thesis. Neither the thesis nor substantial extracts from it may be printed or otherwise reproduced without the author's permission. Download (22MB) [English] PDF - Accepted Version Available under License - The author retains copyright ownership and moral rights in this thesis. Neither the thesis nor substantial extracts from it may be printed or otherwise reproduced without the author's permission. (Original Version)

Abstract

This work examines the partial acceptance by the Western medical establishment of Therapeutic Touch as a form of medical treatment in Western orthodox medicine. The primary focus of this thesis is on how Dolores Krieger, founder of TT, was able to successfully introduce this healing practice into Western medical establishments such as nursing schools, medical clinics, and hospitals, despite its basis in Eastern philosophical, metaphysical, and medical concepts such as prana , ch'i , chakras , and the theory of yin-yang . Therapeutic Touch emphasizes the concept of "human energy" transference, an idea borrowed from Eastern belief systems that suggest that humans are energy systems, interconnected with all things in the cosmos. Within Indian cultural context, for example, the concept of "human energy" has historically been known as prana. Within the cultural context of China, the term ch'i has been used to refer to human energy systems. Krieger borrows these concepts of "energy" to explain her own system of healing. By examining and comparing the work of Dolores Krieger with these Eastern concepts in their historical, philosophical and spiritual contexts, this work will illustrate how Dolores Krieger minimized, Westernized, and medicalized these concepts in order for the practice of Therapeutic Touch to gain partial acceptance in the field of Western, allopathic medicine.

Actions (login required)

View Item