Is there really such a thing as ‘no-touch’ therapy?

Many people are drawn to the idea of “no-touch therapy” because it sounds gentle, safe, and non-invasive. Yet for some clients, these sessions can still feel deeply physical and emotionally powerful, even when no direct contact takes place.

When we talk about “no-touch therapy”, in reality there is no such thing.

As energy workers, we create a stronger energy field around ourselves through the heart field in order to connect with the client’s own energy field, often referred to as the aura or energy bodies. This creates a space in which spiritual beings and healing energies can interact with the client to support healing through recalibration and belief.

Whether I am using Angelic Reiki, Angelic Ancestral Healing, or Atlantean Healing, I always let the client know that if I am not physically touching them, the beings I work with may still be experienced as touching them.

For some people, this results in feeling the presence of those beings around them, and in some cases feeling what seem to be hands working on them. These experiences can feel very physical, even though there is no direct contact.

I believe this happens because these energies interact with the body’s memories of touch. They may stimulate stored physical memories or the body’s own touch receptors so that the person feels comforted and supported rather than frightened.

However, I always discuss this with clients beforehand, because for some people it can feel unexpected or unsettling. Consent and choice are essential.

Why people may still feel touched

Some clients feel as though there are hands working on them, even though there has been no physical contact.

I believe this happens because the body holds powerful memories of touch. During a healing session, those memories may be activated. The nervous system can respond to the energetic experience by recreating familiar physical sensations, allowing the person to feel supported, held, or comforted.

For many people, this feels reassuring. For others, it can feel unexpected or even unsettling.

Because of this, I always speak with clients beforehand about what they might experience and check that they feel comfortable. Consent, choice, and a sense of safety remain essential throughout the session.

Healing as part of a wider support system

I often work with people who are dealing with emotional, energetic, or physical difficulties, including illness and recovery from cancer.

In these situations, I believe energy healing should never stand alone.

I have been fortunate to learn from teachers who valued a team approach to healing. Although some alternative practitioners present themselves as the answer to everything, I do not believe this truly serves the client.

People are complex. We are not simply a body, a mind, or a spirit—we are all of these things together. Real healing often happens when emotional, physical, and spiritual support work alongside one another.

For this reason, I never advise clients to rely solely on my sessions. Energy work can be a valuable complement to medical treatment, therapy, and other forms of care, but it should not replace them.

Where someone is navigating cancer treatment, for example, my role is to support them emotionally and energetically alongside the care they are already receiving.

Knowing when to ask for help

No practitioner can meet every need.

Part of working ethically is recognising when we are out of our depth and being willing to refer a client to someone with more appropriate knowledge or expertise.

Holding on to a client because of pride, fear, or the desire to “fix” everything can delay the support they truly need.

For that reason, I believe it is important for every practitioner to have a trusted network of professionals they can call upon—a wider team that may include doctors, therapists, complementary practitioners, and specialists.

Healing is rarely the work of one person alone.

Ann-Marie Spittle is an Angelic Reiki Master Teacher practising in London Bridge and online, specialising in Angelic Reiki, Atlantean Healing, and Angelic Ancestral Healing  |  spiritofthewind13@outlook.com