The Power of Touch

Our time here in India is coming to a close and it's time to reflect on the work we've done at the hospital. When I travel with Heart Touch to other countries, it is always an amazing reminder that the language of touch is universal. Even when we reach cultural taboos that we need to be sensitive of (like not touching the top of someone's head in Cambodia, or opposite genders touching in India), once we show what we are here for, the power of touch breaks down all of the barriers.

Our last day here consisted of a mini Heart Touch Training for several doctors and nurses (this training usually takes place over a few days when it's done in the US, but we wanted to let them experience it in the time that we had). We got to watch them, as the day continued, open up to receiving touch and giving touch--even to those of the opposite gender. And at the end of the training, we were all enveloped in hugs from every single participant. This was incredibly unusual for us, since most of the doctors and nurses didn't even shake our hands during the trip (the exception to that was when a male doctor would great our male volunteer).

 Shawnee starts the Heart Touch workshop.

 I start the NICU presentation

 Apparently, I am a very animated speaker. ha!

 Shawnee demonstrates some compassionate touch techniques.

 Eyes closed, ready for some interesting touch exercises.

Hopefully they will continue to use the tools we shared with them after we leave. And we now have enough of a foundation that when Heart Touch returns, they can train the hospital staff to be the trainers, so the education will continue and massage and compassionate touch will be regular part of the education at the hospital and a regular service that the patients receive.

Some of the Heart Touch volunteers with a few of the doctors who attended our workshop.

And I suppose this makes the constant headache I've had since arriving here worth it. ;)