By utilizing therapeutic touch, they can help people relax, reduce anxiety and stress and foster a sense of well-being, among other benefits.

 

From May 1-7, more than 50 events are taking place across Ontario as part of Therapeutic Touch Awareness Week.  The province-wide initiative, dubbed CARE 150, has been organized in celebration of Canada’s 150th birthday.

 

And two of those events are happening here thanks to the Haliburton Highlands branch of the Therapeutic Touch Network of Ontario, in partnership with the Ontario Early Years Moms and Tots Group and the Dysart branch of the Haliburton County Public Library.

 

“It’s the first [Therapeutic Touch Awareness Week],” said Bonnie Roe, a member of the planning committee and chapter lead. “It’s kind of neat because we’re all doing it the same week, but doing our events with partners we felt would be relevant to our community.”

 

The first event is May 4 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Lloyd Watson Centre in Wilberforce. It will highlight the ways families can tap into the benefits of therapeutic touch.

 

“We’ll be showing the mom or the dad how to actually do therapeutic touch [for their children],” explained Roe.

 

A few simple techniques, for example, can make a child feel better when they’ve hurt their hand, she said.

 

On May 6 from 1-4 p.m. at the Dysart library, three therapeutic touch practitioners will offer free mini-sessions. A PowerPoint presentation has been prepared and handouts will be available to visitors.

 

“People can drop by ... and they can just experience what a therapeutic touch session feels like,” she said.

 

All ages are welcome and it is not necessary to RSVP.

 

“We’re trying to reach out to a younger audience because it’s about self-care and health prevention. It’s not just when you’re ill.”

 

Therapeutic touch is described as a “holistic, evidence-based therapy that incorporates the intentional and compassionate use of universal energy to promote balance and well-being.” It was developed in the early 1970s by Dora Kunz and Dolores Krieger, PhD, RN (Professor Emerita of New York University).

 

It is currently available in more than 30 health care facilities across Ontario.

 

The local therapeutic touch branch was established in 1987 by Marilyn Annie Mighton. Since then, it has grown to 12-15 members who have various levels of training.