Energy field disturbance

Energy field disturbance is a nursing diagnosis listed by NANDA (North American Nursing Diagnosis Association) that is rooted in alternative medicine.

Definition
According to NANDA, energy field disturbance is defined as the disruption of the flow of energy, or aura, surrounding a person's being that results in a disharmony of the body, mind, and/or spirit.

Defining characteristics

 * Perception of changes in movement
 * Perception of changes in sounds (tone or words)
 * Perception of temperature change (warmth or coolness)
 * Perception of visual changes (image or color)

Nursing intervention
According to NANDA, the recommended way to respond to energy disturbances is to explain the benefits of practices such as therapeutic touch and then to administer this care to the client.

Criticism
Critics of alternative medicine and energy field theories point out that the alleged benefits of therapeutic touch are not supported by any scientific evidence. This is reflective of the general trend of NANDA and other nursing organizations to lean toward postmodern approaches to nursing care, and away from the scientific, biological approach -- a trend that often proves dangerous for the health of the client.