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Helping through touch: The embodiment of caring

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Abstract

There is a power to touch, and a magic. Some call it mystery. The purpose of this paper is to reflect on the various meanings and uses of touch, particularly within the context of relationship and helping. There will be no attempt to formulate a protocol for touch or to lay claim to a definitive meaning for touch. Reflection about touch may instead clarify some of its meanings and dynamics while encouraging care providers to embrace the experience of helping-through-touch. This paper supports a considered use of empathie touch because of its power and its ability to embody care.

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  1. School of Allied Health Sciences at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, Texas

    Suzanne M. Peloquin M.A., O.T.R. (Assistant professor of occupational therapy)

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Peloquin, S.M. Helping through touch: The embodiment of caring. J Relig Health 28, 299–322 (1989). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00986067

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