Reiki, Healing Touch, and Therapeutic Touch are gentle, non-invasive energy-based practices originated in Japan and grounded in the current understanding of biophysics, all aimed at restoring the body’s natural and healthy flow of energy to promote relaxation, healing, and overall wellbeing. While they differ slightly in technique, all three are considered holistic and complementary practices — meaning they are intended to work alongside conventional medical treatment, not replace it. Research published in peer-reviewed literature has demonstrated that these interventions may improve anxiety, fatigue, pain, and quality of life in people living with cancer, making them a meaningful addition to a broader supportive care approach. Wellspring offers these sessions free of charge to members, performed by certified, vetted practitioners in a safe and comfortable setting. published in peer-reviewed literature has demonstrated that these interventions may improve anxiety, fatigue, pain, and quality of life in people living with cancer, making them a meaningful addition to a broader supportive care approach. Wellspring offers these sessions free of charge to members, performed by certified, vetted practitioners in a safe and comfortable setting.
All three energy sessions are appointment-based, and you remain fully clothed throughout — simply removing your shoes and resting comfortably on a massage table, or in a chair if that is more comfortable for you. Before the session begins, the practitioner will give you an overview of what to expect and invite any questions, ensuring you feel informed and at ease. Depending on the modality, the practitioner may use light intentional touch — as in Reiki, which involves gentle hand placements on the body with full permission — or work with the energy field around the body without physical contact, as Therapeutic Touch practitioners typically do, working 2 to 4 inches above the person. During the session, members may feel a warming sensation, tingling, or a sense of calm and light — and it is not uncommon to fall asleep.
Yes, energy-based practices are considered completely safe and are designed to complement, not interfere with, conventional cancer treatment. Wellspring’s energy sessions are offered as holistic and complementary care — encompassing body, mind, and spirit — and are performed by certified practitioners who are thoroughly vetted before working with Wellspring members. There is no physical pressure, no manipulation of the body, and no requirement for touch if you are uncomfortable or experiencing pain — you can always request that the practitioner work with your energy field rather than making physical contact. Research in supportive oncology has specifically examined these practices in the context of cancer care and found them to be valuable supportive therapies for some cancer survivors, with no reported safety concerns.
All three practices share the same foundational goal — restoring the body’s natural energy flow to enhance relaxation and improve wellbeing — but they differ in technique and the way the practitioner works with the body’s energy field. Reiki typically involves light intentional touch at various positions on the body, with hands hovering above the body as well, as the practitioner works to bring energy fields into balance through centred, focused presence. Healing Touch and Therapeutic Touch both use the hands as a focus to facilitate the healing process, but Therapeutic Touch practitioners generally work 2 to 4 inches above the body rather than making direct contact — making it a particularly good option for those who are sensitive to touch or experiencing pain. All three are safe, gentle, and offered free of charge to Wellspring members, and all can be experienced without any prior knowledge of energy practices. Different Wellspring locations may offer different options.
Yes, while energy therapies are complementary rather than primary treatments, a growing body of peer-reviewed research suggests they offer genuine supportive benefits for people living with cancer. Multiple published studies have found that Reiki, Healing Touch, and Therapeutic Touch may improve anxiety, fatigue, pain, and quality of life in cancer survivors, with research appearing in journals focused on integrative oncology and supportive care. These practices are grounded in the current understanding of biophysics as well as in thousands of years of Chinese and Indian healing traditions, and they are increasingly recognized within integrative oncology as valuable additions to a comprehensive cancer support plan. Wellspring’s energy sessions are offered by certified practitioners in a safe, structured setting — not as an alternative to medical care, but as a meaningful complement to it.
Wellspring members are offered a total of three complimentary energy sessions depending on the program and location. These are appointment-based and available at no cost as part of Wellspring’s broader commitment to holistic, whole-person cancer support. Members describe finding the deep relaxation and symptom relief they provide to be a meaningful part of their overall wellbeing during cancer.