Informed Consent for Touch During Breathwork

When appropriate, and according to the facilitators’ qualified judgment, safe (non-sexual) touch may be utilized during the journey. The facilitators will draw from a number of techniques gained through certifications and trainings.

Touch can act as an important healing mechanism during journeys. Research shows that healthy physical contact has an impact on the health of people of all ages. Physical touch is beneficial for many reasons as it can relieve stress, decrease anxiety, and increase comfort (Barnard & Brazelton, 1990, Field, 1993).

The Zur Institute notes the following significances of touch in therapy:

  • Touch is one of the most essential elements of human development: a form of communication, critical for healthy development and one of the most significant healing forces.

  • The effects of touch deficiencies can have lifelong serious negative ramifications.

  • The medicinal aspect of touch has been known and utilized since earliest recorded medical history, 25 centuries ago.

  • Touch unleashes a stream of healing chemical responses including a decrease in stress hormones and an increase in serotonin and dopamine levels.

  • Touch increases the immune system’s cytotoxic capacity thereby helping our body maintain its defenses.

  • Therapeutic touch has been shown to decrease anxiety, depression, hyperactivity, inattention, stress hormones, and cortisol levels.

If a participant has experienced physical or sexual abuse, physical contact can be reduced and proceeded with slowly. The facilitators will work with the participant to be attuned to reaction and adjust the use of touch if the participant is averse to touch. If a participant declines being touched, the facilitators will find another way of providing a nurturing, calming experience needed.

During our work together, various kinds of touch can be important in session:

  • Structuring touch may involve coordinated movements, touch, and sensory engagement.

  • Engaging touch is used as an important tool in creating relationships and communicating with safety, acceptance, playfulness, and empathy.

  • Nurturing touch is important in building skills that allow the participant to improve ability of self-regulation.

  • Calming touch may be used to support the participant when dysregulated.

During work together, touch may appear in (but not be limited to) the following situations:

  • Guiding and encouraging the discharge of self-protective mechanisms.

  • Bodywork touch - craniosacral, myofascial release, or intuitive.

  • Supporting a release with a comforting hand on the back, craniosacral points, or holding a hand.

  • Shamanic-style healing touch with essential oils or on pressure points to support a release or relaxation.

  • Bioenergetic release with use of pressure points (usually on stomach, chest, neck, and feet) or guiding the participant into a certain position for release.

  • Touch with feathers, tuning forks, or chakapa (bundled leaves).

  • Touch requested by participant if safe and non-sexual.