The intention of this website is to provide documented research on Healing Touch and related modalities. Research articles are presented for educational and substantiating purposes.

Research on the benefits of Healing Touch continues to grow as new studies are completed. Staying current with the most recent evidence-based research on Healing Touch and understanding the findings of these studies is critical.

It is important to stay current with other Complimentary and Alternative (CAM) modality research as well. Finding the latest research and watching current trends is not a one-time effort and should become a periodic process. Research is continually being conducted, it is important that you stay current. Check back frequently to stay abreast of the latest findings.

Healing Touch (HT) is one of many energy-based modalities that is being increasingly studied. Many science disciplines are turning to the study of subtle energies in their quest to understand the phenomena of energy-based therapies. One can look to new literature within almost every discipline to find the shifting openness to the belief in subtle energies and its impact on our lives. The science of physics and psychoneuroimmunology are publishing increasingly sophisticated theories and research about energy.

The Basis of Healing Touch Research webpage will introduce you to the purpose and types of research, the links between theory and research, considerations in being a good consumer of Healing Touch research, topics in HT research and how to access this research for your own information and use.

What Types of Studies Have Been Done to Date?

It is important to know that a great deal of research is being done involving Healing Touch therapies and other healing modalities. Whole journals are devoted to reporting of research so the body of knowledge is continually growing.

Many studies in Healing Touch modalities have been funded by internationally recognized funding bodies such as the National Institute of Health, NASA and special interest groups. Published and unpublished studies and pilot studies have been conducted looking at the impact of HT therapies on many disease conditions and symptoms such as:

• Cancer
• Heart Disease
• Palliative (Hospice) Care
• Elder Care
• Immunological
• Endocrine Conditions (HIV And Diabetes)
• Headaches
• Postoperative Wounds
• Pediatric Conditions
• Alcoholism
• Premenopausal Syndrome
• Dementia

Symptoms explored have included but are not limited to:

• Pain
• Fatigue
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Agitation
• Stress
• Nausea

Current research and studies support the use of Healing Touch in a variety of ways.

Quantitative studies support the use of Healing Touch to:

• Reduce anxiety, tension, and stress
• Reduce fatigue
• Reduce pain
• Reduce hospital length of stay
• Improve immune function in cancer patients
• Ease effects of trauma and PTSD

Suggested Benefits of Healing Touch from Qualitative Research, Anecdotal Support, and Pilot Studies:

• Facilitate wound healing
• Assist in the preparation for, and recovery from, medical treatments, surgeries, and procedures
• Support individuals and families through the dying process
• Support individuals and families through chronic illnesses
• Assist in management and treatment of side effects from medical treatments
• Support illness prevention and health promotion activities
• Improve quality of sleep
• Enhance sense of spiritual connection

The intention of this website is to provide documented research on Healing Touch and related modalities. Research articles are presented for educational and substantiating.