The use of spiritual healing can be traced as far back as the New Testament of the Bible. In modern times, a number of therapeutic techniques involve spiritual aspects, and there is overlap between these different approaches. Individuals and organizations involved with spiritual healing may use many different approaches and styles.

Some schools offer certification in healing, although there is no official licensure in this area. In England, there are thousands of practitioners registered in numerous healing organizations. Organizations may require a minimum of 2 to 3 years of training for healers. In the United States, therapies related to spiritual healing such as therapeutic touch (TT) and Reiki include thousands of practitioners. Therapeutic touch was developed by Dora Kunz and Dolores Krieger in the early 1970s, and the technique is taught at numerous United States institutions. Most American practitioners of TT are trained nurses, although there is no mandatory training.

Spiritual healing is often practiced without charge, and many different approaches and durations have been used. Treatments may be given at healing centers, in the medical setting, in hospice programs, in the home, and from a distance.

Absent healing, archaeus, bioenergy healing, bioenergotherapy, chakras, clairsentient readings, distant healing, faith healing, intercessory prayer, laying on of hands, LeShan, magnetic or sympathetic medicine, mental healing, od, odyle, orgone, paranormal healing, pneuma, prani, prayer, psychic healing, reiki, scanning, shamanism, telesomatic reactions, therapeutic touch.

Note: Also see monograph on therapeutic touch.