Originally published in Energy Magazine: The official Publication of the Healing Touch Program June  2010 Issue.  Book Review:  Healing Touch Guidebook  Practicing the Art and Science of Human Caring; by Dorothea Hover-Kramer, Ed.D., RN, D.CEP

What a wonderful tribute to the legacy of Janet Mentgen, the founder of Healing Touch (HT). This book takes the reader on an inspiring twenty-year journey from Janet’s initial vision, to the creation, naming, and early development of this remarkable energy healing art and science – to the current state of the art Healing Touch Program (HTP). I felt the author’s pride and triumph as she reported in 2009 there were more than 700 HTP classes taught. Cur­rently there are more than 3000 practitioners certified in the original HTP curriculum.

Dorothea was instrumental in both launching and teaching HT from its inception in 1989. As a result of her close professional and personal relationship with Janet, she has had an unob­structed view of the origins of Healing Touch and the psyche of this dedicated, humble healer who was recognized in 1988 by the American Holistic Nurses Association as Holistic Nurse of the Year. From the author’s unique perspective she is able to state unequivocally that despite the phenomenal growth of HT, the standard curriculum of the HTP remains consistent with the intention and vision of the original collegial group who partici­pated with Janet Mentgen in co-creating this beautiful, profes­sional, and effective program of hands-on healing. To me, this statement supports the book’s credibility as the authoritative reference for Healing Touch.

As a certified practitioner, I felt re-inspired after reading the book. I found it to be comprehensive, clearly written, well organized, and highly instructive for both practitioners and neo­phytes. I liked the way the author established the basis for Heal­ing Touch within Energy Healing. In the scientifically-focused world of health care, this is an especially challenging subject to present. I have per­sonally struggled for years in teaching this vitally important topic to my medical colleagues. The chapter on HT Research strongly reinforces the science of Energy Healing. I think she has done an excellent job in clearly and concisely present­ing what I strongly believe will soon become the foundation of twenty-first century health care, what integrative holistic physi­cians are calling energy medicine. The chapter on the applications of HT throughout the life cycle was well done. The value of her many excellent contributing authors is obvious throughout the book, which is replete with client/patient stories. For anyone who is not familiar with Healing Touch, the pre­sentation of HT practices is quite thorough. At the same time, I thought it also provided the practitioner with a brief but ade­quate overview of Levels One through Five. However, the great­est benefit for the practitioner lies in the last section of the book – the ongoing development of the Healing Touch practitioner. Far more than technique, this is the most critical component of HT practice — healing oneself.Dorothea, a visionary in her own right, has a good grasp of the bigger picture and how health care is evolving. I think she is accurate in her assessment of how Healing Touch will comple­ment integrative health care, and in her projection of the extent of public recognition. Although I am in complete agreement with her vision of the future for HT, it was thrilling for me to connect with this kindred soul through her book and realize that we shared a similar vision. As a Guidebook to the energy healing modality of Healing Touch, this book sets the standard. As both an historical and visionary reference on the integration of HT into 2lst century health care — it is inspirational. For me, what most distinguishes this work of art and science, are the success stories of people whose lives have been transformed through Healing Touch. I am proud to be a Healing Touch practitioner. The power of Healing Touch and its increasing impact on changing the face of health care lies in its simplicity and efficacy. Pure and simple– it works! Thank you Dr. Dorothea Hover-Kramer for elegantly conveying that message.

 

About the author:

Dr. Rob Ivker is a physician healer, health educator, and best-selling author. He is a board-certified holistic physician (ABI­HM), a Fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians, and Healing Touch Certified Practitioner (HTCP). He has been practicing medicine since 1972. For the past 20 years his holistic medical practice has focused on the treatment of respi­ratory disease – chronic sinusitis, asthma, and allergies – and the creation of optimal health.

Dr. Ivker is the Co-Founder and Past-President of the American Board of Integrative Holistic Medicine (ABIHM); co-creator of the Annual ABIHM Review Course, ABIHM certification exami­nation, and the ABIHM evidence-based curriculum. He is also a Past-President of the American Holistic Medical Association (AHMA). Dr. Ivker is a former Assistant Clinical Professor in the Department of Family Medicine and is currently a Clinical Instructor in the Department of Otolaryngology at the University of Colorado’s School of Medicine.

He is the author of four editions of the best-selling SINUS SUR­VIVAL: The Holistic Medical Treatment for Sinusitis, Allergies, and Colds. Dr. Ivker has also written six other books including Asthma Survival, Arthritis Survival, Headache Survival, Back­ache Survival, The Complete Self-Care Guide to Holistic Medi­cine, and Thriving: The Holistic Guide to Optimal Health for Men.

Married for 42 years to Harriet, a psychiatric social worker, they have two daughters and sons-in-law and four grandchildren. They live in Littleton, CO. His website: www.physicianhealer.com.