Which option correctly characterizes the energy-based practices discussed?

• A. Qi gong uses no touch and focuses on breathing only.
• B. Therapeutic touch uses physical manipulation of tissues to relieve pain.
• C. Therapeutic touch involves using hands to consciously direct an energy exchange from the practitioner to the patient to facilitate healing or pain relief.
• D. Qi gong is a strict martial arts discipline.

Answer: (C)

Energy-based practices focus on balancing or directing subtle energy to support healing. The description that best fits this idea is that therapeutic touch uses hands to consciously direct an energy exchange from the practitioner to the patient to facilitate healing or pain relief. In therapeutic touch, the emphasis is on energy fields and intentional contact or near-contact, rather than manipulating tissues with physical force. This approach aims to support the body’s healing processes through the practitioner’s focused intent and the perceived flow of energy.

Qi gong, while also energy-related, is typically a practice of coordinated movement, breath, and posture to cultivate and balance qi. It is not accurate to say it uses no touch or that it is solely about breathing, since many forms include dynamic movements and mindful breathing, and the practice is broader than a martial arts discipline.

The option describing therapeutic touch as physically manipulating tissues would be more aligned with massage-type therapies, not the energy-exchange approach characteristic of therapeutic touch. Likewise, labeling qi gong as a strict martial arts discipline overlooks its health, meditation, and balance aspects.