Therapeutic and Healing Touch, Research Paper Example

Therapeutic touch, also known as healing touch, is a natural massage therapy treatment that is often effective in relieving pain and promoting healing by relaxing body tension, improving circulation and enhancing emotional states. It is a means of alleviating physical and mental stress and is administered by experienced massage therapists. In addition, therapeutic massage is believed to help body tone and eliminate toxins in the body (Chen, 2012). Following is a review of the literature as it relates to therapeutic touch, its uses and its benefits.

Massage Therapy vs. Simple Touch

An article by Kutner, et al. (2008), in Annals of Internal Medicine, examines how massage therapy improves pain and alters moods in terminally ill cancer patients and this is compared to how simple touch therapy does the same. The aim of the research focuses on the notion that pain and symptom relief is important for patients who are facing the end of their lives due to terminal illness, particularly advanced cancer. According to the article, these patients can experience physical, mental and emotionally pain and distress, and massage therapy is an available treatment to help with this by inducing a relaxation response in the patient. Massaging also increases circulation, decreases inflammation and swelling, and provides a release of muscle spasms, as well as initiates the release of endorphins than can interrupt pain signals (Kutner, et al., 2008).

The objective of this study was evaluating the effects of massage as a method of decreasing pain and distress in patients with advanced cancer, as well as improving their quality of life. The research was conducted via a randomized, single-blind clinical trial. Study participants were recruited from palliative care centers and consisted of 380 adults with advanced or terminal cancer who reported moderate to severe pain levels. The participants received a total of six half-hour massage or simple touch therapies over a 2-week period. Data collection methods included interviews via questionnaires and statistical analysis of the data was completed by descriptive statistics and frequency distributions, adjusted for the patients’ demographics, disease characteristics, prior exposure to massage therapy, expectations, and levels of pain.

Research results concluded that massage therapy produced some benefits immediately on pain and mood. However, both the massage therapy and the simple-touch therapy showed to be significant statistically for improving physical and emotional pain and distress, absent of increasing medications. The study findings also show that message therapy may be a better alternative than simple-touch for reducing pain and improving mood in these patients. Recommendations include massage therapy for immediate relief of symptoms and simple-touch therapy for therapeutic benefits related to healing touch.

Healing Touch in Clinical Practice

An article in Journal of Holistic Nursing (Anderson & Taylor, 2011) focuses on hands-on, energy-based healing interventions, originating from ancient cultures, and used today in traditional mainsteam medical settings. The article states that the practice of healing touch began in the late 1980s in the field of nursing and offers desired benefits such as pain relief, decreased anxiety, reduced depression, increased relaxation and an enhanced sense of well-being. The research study aim examined in this article evaluated clinical trials to determine the effectiveness of healing touch practices as a viable method of care for medical conditions. The article highlights the process of healing touch therapy (biofield therapy) which is initiated on or above the body and proports to restoring imbalances as well as energizing and equalizing the body.

A review of data served as the research method where five randomly selected studies on the subject and focusing on “imagery, stress-relaxation therapy, prayer, therapeutic massage” (Anderson & Taylor, 2011, para. 6), with sample sizes between 62 and 237 participants of both genders, with a mean age range of 50 to 65. In addition, participants presented with various medical conditions. Findings showed that one study showed no significant findings with only healing touch therapy; however, the remaining four studies did show significant findings such as respiratory and heart rate improvements, as well as blood pressure, pain and mood issue improvements. The study also showed the healing touch positively affected mental health, stress and satisfaction. It is noted that additional studies are required for complete clinical effectiveness of findings. However, overall results for touch therapies for pain relief were reported as promising.

Touch Therapies for Pain Relief

The Cochrane Database of Systematic Review highlights an article that focuses on the global health issue of acute and chronic pain in many patients with various illnesses and conditions. The purpose of the study is evaluating touch therapies and their efficacy in relieving pain, as well as determining adverse effects of touch therapies. According to So, Jiang, & Qin (2012), types of touch therapies include Healing Touch (HT), Therapeutic Touch (TT) and Reiki. The article explains the prevalence of acute and chronic pain in both adults and children, and also how pain can have negative effects on a person’s psychological well-being as well as physical and mental functioning. Constant pain can hamper a person’s quality of life and leave them in a depressed state. There are various analgesic therapies prescribed for pain; however, touch therapies are also a popular and growing form of pain management. According to the article, touch therapy is useful for speeding up the healing process, alleviating pain and other symptoms, reducing stress and anxiety, restoring positive emotions, inducing relaxation and a sense of well-being.

Methods used for the research study were two types of controlled trials (randomized and clinical), for the purpose of evaluating how touch therapies affect pain intensity. Participants of the study included both male and female adults presenting with acute or chronic pain from any illness or condition. Interventions included HT, TT and Reiki. The research included measuring pain levels and comparing the results between non-controlled and controlled treatment groups. In addition, description studies were also conducted to gather data identified in electronic databases. According to the article, the research findings were inclusive for determining the effect of pain therapies, based on a lack of quality data.

The author concludes that, based on the research study conducted, does show the positive analgesic effects of touch therapies. In addition, the research identified no adverse effects of touch therapies. Further implications are noted to be the necessity for more studies in this area of research to determine the effectiveness of touch therapies on pain relief of chronic conditions such as fibromyalgia.

Reiki and Fibromyalgia

An article by Assefi, Bogart, Goldberg, & Buchwald (2008), in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, explains the purpose of “Reiki,” which is a Japanese term that refers to a higher power of energy as a life force, and its use in treating fibromyalgia (a chronic condition that causes pain and tenderness on the body in musculoskeletal regions). The objective of the study aimed at determining whether Reiki, as an alternative medicine, is beneficial in reducing or eliminating the symptoms of fibromyalgia. Methods for the study included recruiting study participants from various sources. Participant criteria for the study included English-speaking adults with physician-diagnosed fibromyalgia and a significant pain score of at least a 4 on the 10 scale. In addition, participant requirements included willingness to use medicinal and non-medicinal therapies during the study and over-the-counter (OTC) pain meds for breakthrough pain. The trial consisted of a double-blind study that included 16 Reiki sessions over a period of 8 weeks, as well as placebo-controlled trials.

Results of the study showed that although improvements in biological and psychological stress improved with Reiki (not including the placebo treatments), it does not show a significant benefit for fibromyalgia. In addition, future study recommendations were blinding staff handling data and increasing control of placebo interventions (Assefi, Bogart, Goldberg, & Buchwald, 2008). Reiki is just one form of therapeutic touch used for fibromyalgia.

Reiki and Rehabilitative Pain Management

The article by Pocotte & Salvador (2008), in the journal of Rehabilitative Nursing, focuses on a case study about using Reiki for managing pain as a rehabilitative nursing intervention. The purpose of this study is examining the nurse’s role in managing chronic pain patients and developing a high level of standard care for them. The article points out that chronic pain is not just physical, but also psychological and that managing it is best done through more than one approach. When patients are in pain they are distracted in many ways and it can complete their healing processes. This study looks at the efficacy of Reiki, an alternative pain management therapy, as a low-risk approach that is both cost-effective and non-invasive.

The article explains how the practice of Reiki was developed in Japan in the 19^th century and came to prominence in the United States in the early 1990s. In addition, it explains that Reiki is a biofield energy force that surrounds the body. Thus, managing this energy helps balance body energy that may be causing disease and other adverse conditions. Reiki is a nursing approach that is in the realm of holistic beliefs, and is successfully used by rehabilitation nurses in the rehab setting.

The study participant was a paraplegic person presenting with chronic pain in the back and legs from complications from a gunshot in the back. He was wheelchair bound. He followed his usual therapy and medicinal protocols, during the study, but his nurses incorporated Reiki into his program. He subsequently reported that his pain had decreased and he had gained some feelings of relaxations and well-being. Findings were that “Reiki therapy is an adaptable, cost-effective method for achieving pain relief and increasing feelings and well-being in rehabilitation patients” (Pocotte & Salvador, 2008).

Therapeutic Touch and Fibromyalgia Syndrome

A study by Denison (2004), in Holistic Nursing Practice, highlights new therapeutic touch research for resolving pain due to fibromyalgia syndrome, a chronic and painful musculoskeletal disorder. Symptoms include flu-like illness such as fatigue, pain and stiffness. The condition affects between 3 and 6 million people in America, mostly women. No definitive medical treatments for the condition exists; however, therapeutic exercise, adequate sleep and relaxation therapy is reported as beneficial. The purpose of the study is determining the significance of alternative medicine, such as therapeutic touch (TT), in the treatment of fibromyalgia.

The article reports therapeutic touch intervention is a nursing modality that falls under the category of alternative medical treatments. Study findings suggest therapeutic touch is helpful for decreasing pain, promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety. Therefore, it is suggested that it is a possible treatment option for treating fibromyalgia, even though critics label it a placebo effect treatment. The study evaluated 128 participants with fibromyalgia and showed therapeutic touch was significant in decreasing pain and improving functional ability. The research was done via a single-blind randomly controlled trial.

According to Denison (2004), “It has been theorized that an energy exchange may occur between a TT practitioner and the individual receiving TT. The potential to restore order within the dynamic human energy field with TT is also supported…” (p. 144). This supports findings that TT is significant for decreasing pain in individuals in treatment groups. It is noted that the research sample was small and larger samples are needed for further research in determining the efficacy of TT and relief of fibromyalgia syndrome. Healing touch practices are also recommended as positive nursing interventions.

Healing Touch as a Nursing Intervention

An article in Orthopaedic Nursing examines healing touch (HT) as a biofield energy therapy with holistic implications that is used for compassion care of patients experiencing pain. The concept of health touch centers on gentle hands-on touch therapy that energizes and balances energy fields in the body, which has a positive effect on physical, mental, spiritual and emotional health (Hardwick, Pulido, & Adelson, 2012). The purpose of the study examines the influence of nurses on healing touch success by improving postoperative pain and initiating the healing process. This article particularly focuses on pain from postoperative bilateral total knee replacement. The research sample consisted of 41 patients, each with a diagnosis of severe arthritis or osteonecrosis in both knees.

The research methods used measure the patients’ levels of pain and anxiety levels, as well as an assessment questionnaire given to patients. Limitations of the study included the idea that the experience of pain is subjective and personal, which can be influenced by many factors such as age, pain tolerance, depression, etc. Conclusions of the research findings show that nurses can use healing touch in conjunction with medicinal therapies to help alleviate pain and anxiety in postoperative patients for knee replacement surgery. As well, healing touch is also significant for invoking a positive experience for patients and improving their perception of their pain management processes. According to the article, the assessment questionnaire results show that 52% of patients that received healing touch treatment and 28% of the patients that received standard treatment gave high ratings regarding their pain management. It is significant to note that 100% of the patients stated they were comfortable recommending their treatments to other postoperative patients.

Therapeutic Touch and Postoperative Patients

Coakley & Duffy (2010) report, in the Journal of Holistic Nursing, on the benefits of therapeutic touch as an effective treatment for pain in postoperative vascular surgery patients, as well as its effects on biobehavioral markers such as natural killer cells, which are a critical component to the immune system. This is significant due to the fact that therapeutic touch is shown to trigger the relaxation response which positively affects the immune system.

The article states pain and stress-related problems as a result of postoperative recovery are challenging when it comes to managing a patient’s symptoms. In addition, it is noted that the stress response is engaged when a person undergoes the trauma of surgery, due to pain. This can lead to depression and also has negative effects on a person’s immune system. Patients may also be reluctant to participate in their healing promotions such as physical therapy or deep breathing, due to unmanaged pain. In response to this, various intervention techniques are available, including therapeutic touch. According to the article, research shows that therapeutic touch is effective in reducing distress, anxiety and pain in postoperative patients. As well, therapeutic touch elicits the relaxation response and helps patients feel calm.

The purpose of the study, reported in the article, was determining the effectiveness of therapeutic touch intervention on postoperative pain, as well as biobehavioral stress markers (cortisol and natural killer cells). According to the article, cortisol is a hormone that is significant for proper metabolism of glucose in the body, and natural killer cells defend the body against infections and tumors. The sample for the study included 21 postoperative vascular surgery patients, 18 years old or older, for a 7-day period. The patients’ post-surgical pain was measured. Levels of biobehavioral stress markers were also measured. Findings showed that patients receiving therapeutic touch treatments reported lower levels of pain and tests showed lower levels of cortisol, but higher levels of natural killer cells. Study findings indicate that therapeutic touch benefits postoperative patients and is a positive intervention for this cause in nursing practice.

Conclusion

Evidence shows that therapeutic touch as a healing touch therapy is significant for treating patients suffering from acute or chronic pain caused by illness or adverse health conditions of any kind. This therapy is used as an effective strategy for pain management and the promotion of healing properties within the body by initiating relaxation, reduced tension, improved circulation and enhanced emotional states. Moreover, many patients of healing touch therapy state their physical and mental stress is alleviated and that they are satisfied with the results of the therapy sessions. Therapeutic touch is becoming more popular as an alternative therapy and is a subject for further research in healing interventions.

References

Anderson, J. G., & Taylor, A. G. (2011). Effects of healing touch in clinical practice: A systematic review of randomized clinical trials. Journal of Holistic Nursing, 29(3), 221-28. DOI: 10.1177/0898010110393353

Assefi, N., Bogart, A., Goldberg, J., & Buchwald, D.(2008). Reiki for the treatment of fibromyalgia: A randomized controlled trial. The Journal Of Alternative And Complementary Medicine, 14(9), 1115-1122. DOI: 10.1089/acm.2008.0068

Chen, M.D., J. (2012, January 12). The Benefits of Healing Touch. Retrieved from Huffington Post: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/julie-chen-md/integrative-health_b_1191665.html

Coakley, A.B., & Duffy, M. E. (2010). The effect of therapeutic touch on postoperative patients. Journal of Holistic Nursing, 28(3), 193-200. DOI: 10.1177/0898010110368861

Denison, B. (2004). Touch the pain away: New research on therapeutic touch and persons with fibromyalgia syndrome. Holistic Nursing Practice, 18(3), 142-151.

Hardwick, M. E., Pulido, P. A., & Adelson, W. S. (2012, Jan/Feb). Nursing Intervention Using Healing Touch in Bilateral Total Knee Arthroplasty. Orthopaedic Nursing, 31(1), 5.

Kutner, J. S., Smith, M. C., Corbin, L., Hemphill, L., Benton, K., Mellis K. B., Beaty, B., Felton, S., Yamashita, T. E., Bryant, L. L., & Fairclough, D. L. (2008). Massage therapy versus simple touch to improve pain and mood in patients with advanced cancer. Annals of Internal Medicine, 149(6), 369-379

Pocotte, S. L., & Salvador, D. (2008, Nov/Dec). Reiki as a Rehabilitative Nursing Intervention for Pain Management: A Case Study. Rehabilitation Nursing, 33(6), 231-232.

So, P. S., Jiang, J. Y., & Qin, Y. (2008). Touch therapies for pain relief in adults. Cochrane Database of Systematic Review, 4, 2-10.