Nurses are certified in healing touch, which is the use of hands on or near the body with the intent to help or heal. During healing touch therapy, a nurse gently places his or her hands lightly on the patient’s body or makes sweeping motions above the body. This technique has been shown to reduce anxiety, stress and pain in cancer patients and patients with chronic disease. It has also been shown to be effective in relieving pain after surgery and in promoting an overall sense of peace and wellness. Patients can arrange the free healing/touch therapy through their nurses. Service hours are limited and not all services are available every day or on all units. Services are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis.