Dora Kunz, born Dora van Gelder in the Dutch East Indies, was a prominent figure in the Theosophical Society, known for her psychic abilities and work in alternative healing. From a young age, she practiced meditation and claimed interactions with ethereal beings, which her mother encouraged. Her abilities were further nurtured by C. W. Leadbeater. She later moved to the United States with Fritz Kunz, whom she married, and together they established the first Theosophical camp in Washington state. Kunz became president of the Theosophical Society in America in 1975 and remained in that role for twelve years.

Kunz co-developed the healing method known as Therapeutic Touch with Dr. Dolores Krieger, a technique she believed originated from ancient Sanskrit texts describing pranic healing. This method, intended to promote healing and reduce pain, is now taught globally in numerous educational institutions. Kunz also applied her clairvoyance to assist physicians with diagnoses by observing the energetic effects of diseases in patients' auras, identifying energy centers (chakras) and their relation to endocrine glands. She also wrote about her experiences with nature spirits and fairies, including observations in Central Park.

Born in the Dutch East Indies to parents who were members of the Theosophical Society, Dora van Gelder's spiritual path began early. Meditation was a daily practice from the age of five, and she reported experiencing interactions with ethereal beings from childhood. Her mother supported her claimed clairvoyance. At eleven, she moved to Australia to study with C. W. Leadbeater, an influential figure in Theosophy, who guided her in developing her psychic skills. Through Leadbeater, she met Fritz Kunz, whom she later married in 1927 after moving to the United States. Together, they established a Theosophical camp on Orcas Island, Washington, laying foundations for their continued involvement in the movement.

Dora Kunz was instrumental in developing the healing practice known as Therapeutic Touch, which she co-created in 1972 with Dr. Dolores Krieger, a nursing professor. Kunz stated that this method, which aims to facilitate healing, relaxation, and pain reduction, draws from ancient Yogic texts describing pranic healing. The technique involves working with the human energy field and is taught in many universities and countries. Kunz also utilized her clairvoyant abilities to aid medical professionals, interpreting the energetic disturbances in patients' auras to assist in diagnoses. She described energy centers within the body, known as chakras, and their connection to specific endocrine glands and diseases.

In 1975, Dora Kunz assumed the presidency of the Theosophical Society in America, serving for twelve years before retiring to focus on writing and lecturing. Her book 'The Real World of Fairies,' published in 1977, detailed her lifelong communication with nature spirits and her observations of fairies. She also discussed the connection between devas, vital energy, and the Earth's preservation, suggesting that increased environmental awareness could foster better communication between humans and these beings. Kunz's work often explored the spiritual dimensions of healing and the human energy field.