Therapeutic touch. A viable link to midwifery practice.

Area of Science:

• Complementary and Alternative Medicine
• Midwifery Practice
• Integrative Healthcare

Background:

• Midwifery traditionally emphasizes a noninterventionist approach to labor and childbirth.
• Therapeutic Touch (TT) is a contemporary healing modality utilizing gentle touch for patient healing.
• Both midwifery and TT value holistic and noninterventionist patient care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the potential of Therapeutic Touch (TT) as a complementary tool in midwifery.
• To provide an overview of TT's theories, history, and practice.
• To analyze existing research on TT and suggest applications in midwifery.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of TT theories, history, and practice.
• Analysis of studies supporting and critiquing TT.
• Exploration of potential applications within midwifery.

Main Results:

• TT is a healing modality focused on facilitating healing through touch.
• Shared values exist between TT practitioners and midwives regarding holistic care.
• Evidence for TT's efficacy is mixed, with ongoing debate.

Conclusions:

• Therapeutic Touch may offer a complementary approach to traditional midwifery care.
• Further research is needed to fully understand TT's role and efficacy in childbirth.
• Integrating TT could enhance the holistic care provided by midwives.