An investigation into the phenomena and practices of spiritual ...

healer intentionally through a process of meditation, act as a channel for universal lifeenergy which actualizes the healing process or healing meditation‟. The skin is the largestorgan in the body and has some connection with all the other organs, therefore it is areasonable assumption that touching the skin or the electromagnetic field surrounding theskin may produce some effect on other parts of the body. Proximate spiritual healing iscommonly termed „laying on of hands‟ and includes therapeutic touch according to Barlowet al (2008). Moyer et al. (2004) proposes that massage therapy promotes parasympatheticresponses which result in lowering blood pressure, reduce anxiety and improve sleep. Theeffects of laying on of hands may have some similarities with the effects of massagetherapy as described by Moyer et al..Hallett (2004) in an article on „Narratives of Therapeutic Touch‟, describes healers whowork in small groups at a healing centre or church and others who work from home atspecified times. Some healers are prepared to visit patients in a hospice, hospital or eventheir own homes. In general, healers do not charge for their services, but are happy toreceive donations to cover their costs or for their favourite charity. Some healers workprofessionally and charge a fee. An example of a narrative, Hallett reports a scenario where„John‟ received healing through therapeutic touch. The practitioner moved his or her handin a downwards motion, a few inches from the body of the recipient. Following the sessionJohn‟s breathing became slower and he gave the impression of being in a relaxed state.However, John said “it was very nice, but I feel no different”. He then spent some timetelling the practitioner how angry he felt. Therapeutic touch had a cathartic effect on John.At a later session John explained what he meant. He recounted how he had spent the nightawake after therapeutic touch and commented, „I was visited by all my demons. Eventually56