"Therapeutic touch" is a method of healing where practitioners claim to manipulate an energy field that surrounds the human body. Practitioners of therapeutic touch typically work with their hands at a short distance from the body or by lightly touching the patient. They believe that by doing so, they can promote healing and reduce pain. Since these changes are physical in nature, this makes therapeutic touch a form of psychokinesis.

The practice was initially inspired by the laying-on of hands, which has historical roots in many cultures as a way to convey comfort and healing. It is similar to faith healing in that both involve belief in healing without direct physical contact, but it doesn't require any belief in religion.

Therapeutic touch is based more on a notion from Eastern philosophies that places great importance on a vital energy or life force within all of us. It's more aligned with holistic and...