In studying the healing practices of different cultures, one finds certain commonalities, the most notable of which is the “laying on of hands.” The human touch has long been considered to have healing powers, and the practice of laying on of hands can be seen even in ape families, in which grooming is an intimate [...]

I push myself off from the ground, sweat dripping down my brow, my back, my arms and my legs. I take a deep breath as I stare at myself in the mirror. My flushed face and focused eyes stare back at me, determined to finish the 90-minute stretch and sweat session.