The TFH approach is to become aware of even subtle symptoms that may affect the whole system. But our focus is on balancing the whole system rather than trying to diagnose the cause of the symptom. What we think about, what we take into our hearts and minds and what we put into our bodies, affects the whole person.

The TFH approach links certain muscles with certain organ systems—including the vascular and lymph systems—and with acupuncture meridians. When a particular muscle is balanced, it may benefit the related organ or system. But it should be understood that we are not treating the organ or system directly. We aren’t even treating the muscle itself; we are simply monitoring the muscle response as an indication of energy flow and balance.

In the TFH model, we are interested in the meaning that the disease or discomfort has in the life of the person. We look at what a person wants to improve in their experience of life and balance their energy to support those goals. We often find that symptoms or signs of disease are alleviated as part of the natural process of balancing the posture and energy.

Whether or not the symptoms or signs disappear, people consistently feel more empowered to achieve their goals and seek healing modalities appropriate for them. When energy and posture are in balance, the treatment of symptoms is often more effective, with less medication and fewer side effects. Health is defined as our ability to feel fully alive and vital, regardless of whether we are “sick” or not. We work towards a realization of goals and a sense of fulfilling our mission in life with some happiness.

TFH and Life Force

Energy or Life Force is called “Chi” in Chinese, “Ki” in Japanese, while others interpret it as a “universal energy.” The Hebrew account of creation describes the life energy as the “breath of life” breathed by God into the first human, who then became a living being. This hand of God holds the life of every creature and breathes the breath of all humanity.

In the Christian tradition, the energy or life force is synonymous with the “Word of God” by which all things were made—in which was life—and that life was the light of mankind. That divine lights gives life to every person who comes into the world, sustains all things together. In this tradition, which is my personal belief, energy or life force is not merely a nebulous force or impersonal universal energy. Rather, this energy is in the person of Jesus Christ, who is the Word, the Truth, the Life and the Light of the world, in whom we live and move and have our being. Learning the laws of how this energy force is used for wholeness and health is one of the purposes of becoming fully human. Discoveries by people all over the world help us to understand our intelligently designed bodies, how to conduct our behavior and perform our personal best.

(Excerpts taken from Touch for Health: The Complete Edition. 2005. John Thie, DC)