Energy Therapies for Physical and Occupational Therapists Working with Older Adults

Abstract

The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) has begun to identify, define, and categorize complementary and alternative healing practices. The purpose of this article is to explore approaches of health and healing that are based on the assumption that subtle energy fields exist within and around the human body. Basic theories, rationales, and evidence for Qigong, Polarity Therapy, Reiki, and Therapeutic Touch will be reviewed. Applications and implications for the physical and occupational therapist working with older adults will also be discussed.

Key Words:

• Energy therapy
• Qigong
• polarity therapy
• Reiki
• therapeutic touch
• occupational therapy
• physical therapy

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Ellen Zambo Anderson

Jennifer R. Johnson was a graduate student in the School of Occupational Therapy, Texas Woman's University, Houston, TX at the time of this study. She is currently employed as an Occupational Therapist at Touro Infirmary in New Orleans, LA

Debra Stewart is Lecturer, School of Rehabilitation Science, McMaster University and staff therapist at Erinoak Centre, Missis-sauga, Ontario. She is currently completing a MSc (Design, Measurement and Evaluation) at McMaster University.

Ronald L. Mace (deceased, June 29, 1998) was also affiliated with The Center for Universal Design, School of Design, North Carolina University.

Lois Rosage and Geraldine Shaw are Occupational Therapist Consultants who provide evaluations for the housing programs at the Philadelphia Corporation for Aging.

Debbie Rand is Occupational Therapist, Beit Rivka Geriatric Rehabilitation Hospital, Petach Tikva, Israel. She completed this study in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Master of Science degree in Occupational Therapy, School of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Her mailing address is 50 Heh B'Eyar Street, Apartment 5, Rosh Ha'Ayin, Israel, 48056.

Maureen McKenna is a Licensed Physical Therapist and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California. Her Current position is: Assistant Professor of Physical Therapy, Wheeling Jesuit University, 316 Washington Avenue, Wheeling, WV 26003.