Importance Of Therapeutic Touch In Physiotherapy Practice

"EXPERIENCE OF TOUCH" Therapeutic touch in Physiotherapy practice- 546112 Student Id: 14848157

Therapeutic touch was first described by Dora Kunz and researched by Dolores Krieger, co-founder of therapeutic touch, in 1973. Therapeutic Touch is a holistic, evidence-based therapy that incorporates the intentional and compassionate use of universal energy to promote balance and well-being in all aspects of the individual: body, mind, and spirit. (www.therapeutic-touch.org). Kolb 's cycle reflects that when we want to learn something from something that has already happened to us, we need to recall our observation of the events and then reflect on those observations. Kolb 's describes

Maori people have shorter life expectancy than Europeans and are more likely to die due to respiratory disease, diabetes, rheumatic fever and heart disease(Kaja,2016). Maori are only aware of their "appalling health status in which they find themselves" and that poor Maori health statistics are a health service delivery problem, not a Maori problem (Kaja,2016). This indicates cultural variation in terms of perspective towards health care services. The clinician should have a significant knowledge of different cultures to avoid any compromises in therapeutic processes. For instance, if my practitioner had no knowledge of my culture, I would have felt uncomfortable and might not allow her to touch and practice. According to Kaja,2016 in New Zealand, the dominant culture, Western model of health either sees other realities as being merely perspective in addition to their own views or ignores them

Meaning of touch for men and women is different, it depends on factors like interpersonal relationship, comfort and respect and not based on any cultural difference. Heslin, 1983 found that for women, the meaning of touch is primarily influenced by how well they know the other person; whereas for men, the meaning is primarily determined by the other person 's sex. For instance, my practitioner, first made me, comfortable, built trust and then started practicing therapeutic techniques. I was very conscious, firstly to take my top off and then being touched by a strange person. Heslin,1983,suggested that women 's show a marked lack of enthusiasm for touches by a strange man. I agree to this statement, when we were asked to pick partners in class, I was very shy and concerned to choose a male as my partner. I would have never been comfortable to work with a male in therapeutic touch class. This largely stems from my culture, which views women 's bodies as being more vulnerable and sensitive than men. Additionally a women 's life, body and mind should be devoted to the care and welfare of solely her husband and children and /or