Healing Touch was developed by Janet L. Mentgen, RN, BSN, (1938-2005), a practitioner of energy-based care since 1980 in Denver, Colorado. It began as the Healing Touch Certificate Program, sponsored by the American Holistic Nurses' Association in 1989 and certification began in 1993. She created Healing Touch from a compilation of works by Barbara Brennan, Brugh Joy, M.D., Roslyn Bruyere and other well-known healers, as well as concepts from shamanic and aborigine traditions.

Mentgen put emphasis on the development of the person as a practitioner, for "becoming an energy medicine practitioner in an internal and external process. The practitioners growth is important in the evolution of her or his ability to enable healing." Etched in the foundation of Healing Touch is Mentgen’s motto, "Just do the work."

Healing Touch is a heart-centered biofield therapy with the intention of balancing, clearing and energizing the human energy field. It uses a gentle touch  to support and facilitate physical, emotional, mental and spiritual health and healing. People worldwide have shared the experience of giving and receiving this modality of energy work that anyone can learn. Used in a variety of stages of health and life, Healing Touch is non-invasive and effective even for pets and plants, and is based in the concept that with balance and harmony in our energy field, we can self-heal.

Healing Touch is used extensively in the nursing profession, including medical/surgical care, psychiatric, public health, hospice, pediatrics and geriatric care. It is also used by other allied health care professionals such as massage therapists, chaplains, social workers, physical therapists, occupational therapists, respiratory therapists, chiropractors, physicians and counselors. Healing Touch is also available to non-health professionals desiring an in-depth understanding and practice of healing work using energy based concepts and principles.

Indications for Healing Touch include would healing, pain, anxiety, tension and stress, preparation for and recovery from medical treatments, surgeries and procedures and manage side effects, as well as prevention of illness and enhancement of spiritual development, cancer supportive care, support for the dying process and promoting a sense of well being.

Alexandrea McAllaster, LMT, CHTP, is co-owner of 8th Element Wellness, in Ft. Walton Beach.