Dear Eva,
Its universally accepted that energy feels better at a distance(especially the sender).
When it comes to healing others its more important how the recipient will feel the energy than rather what we feel. See whats comfortable (& believable if I may add) for them.
about an inch or two away from the body
This way its feels more intense.
But again we have discussed about intensity, it can be for various other reasons.
Anyways
Touch healing cannot be discounted.
It works great. I have been a part of many group Touch healings at Reiki camps in the 90's . Even at Reiki 1 there were miracles happening in front of us. We were given by the assigned leader various tasks & instructions(mostly Usui level 2, Masters were rare & they had to divide their time). Each one was given a position etc. The Usui 2 leader would handle issues & the masters would also come & do a session. miracles were very common at camps. People were ready to pay huge amounts for attunements & group sessions.
Children are great Touch healers. They were there too.
The belief in the healing system was so strong that nobody cared for protection, karma etc. Just a prayer of Gratitude & Reiki Light protection & the session used to start. Conclude again by prayer of gratitude.
Sorry for lengthening the post. Just wanted to share.
Blessings,
Steve