The Distinction Between Therapeutic Touch® (TT)
and Reiki
This is a question if often hear. My answer is that there should be no confusion between which one is better. The difference between Reiki and Therapeutic Touch mainly resides in the philosophic basis of the disciplines and the way practitioners are trained; for the receiver, the outcome is basically the same. Of most importance is your practitioner’s commitment to helping others heal and your connection with her.
The following is a summary of an article about the distinctions between Therapeutic Touch and Reiki, published in the Clinical Journal of Oncology.
Therapeutic Touch and
Healthcare
Modalities Reiki Therapeutic Touch
Definition A spiritually directed healing A healing practice deduced
practice, originated by an Eastern from observing a spiritual
spiritual healer. Applicable to all healer, inductively
religions and traditions. developed by nurses, and
applicable to all religions and traditions.
Techniques Hands on or off with no specific Hand off with an assessment
assessment completed. completed.
The practitioner may place and An intentionally directed
hold their hands on a particular process of energy exchange.
area. The practitioner uses her
The practitioner follows intuition. hands, as a focus to facilitate
the healing process.
Intentionality The practitioner allows the flow The practitioner directs the
of energy, or Reiki, to go where flow.
is needed the most.
Outcome Relaxation, decrease in anxiety, Relaxation, decrease in
and increase in well-being anxiety, and increase in
and healing. well-being and healing.
