practitioners will consciously focus their attention and intention on slowing the
energy flow, stimulating the energy flow, or reestablishing the rhythm of the energy
flow in problem areas. This redirection is done by placing one hand on the recipi-
ent’s middle back at the level of the kidneys while holding the other hand two to
three inches in front of the corresponding area on the abdomen. Practitioners visual-
ize universal energy entering their bodies through their feet or their crown chakras.
This healing energy then moves through their body, pouring out through the hand
that is on the recipient’s back, and flowing through the recipient’s body to the hand
on the front of the abdomen. This process lasts as long as it is comfortable or effec-
tive, typically for 5 to 15 minutes. The ending phase of TT is similar to the begin-
ning phase as the hands are swept over the body from head to toe, smoothing out
the energy field. The treatment session often ends in helping clients “ground” or
become aware of their current physical experience. Often it is accomplished by gen-
tly holding the tops of both feet for a minute or two.Healing Touch
The process of an HT session is usually similar to TT, though more emphasis is
placed on the practitioner’s intuition and its role in working out the problems in the
client’s energy field. Treatment time will therefore be more variable than in TT.
Practitioners generally use their hands to assess the recipient’s energetic state. The
goal is to smooth the flow of energy, to mobilize it if stuck, and to leave the client
with an energy flow that feels smooth, powerful, and unobstructed. HT techniques
are developed intuitively and derived from various approaches such as TT, Native
American medicine, and other energy healing modalities. HT treatments might last
as little as five minutes or as long as necessary, depending on the problem, the tech-
nique chosen, the practitioner’s skill, and the recipient’s response.Reiki.
A Reiki session typically lasts one hour and consists of practitioners channeling uni-
versal life-force energy to the clients. The goal is to restore balance in the client’s
energy field. During sessions, practitioners lay their hands on or above a specific
problem area while transferring universal life energy to the recipient. A series of 15
hand positions are designed to cover all body systems. Each hand position is held for
five minutes or until the flow of energy is reestablished.174 ABSOLUTE BEGINNER’S GUIDE TOALTERNATIVE MEDICINE