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The clinical effectiveness of healing touch
Dawn S Wilkinson1, Pamela L Knox, James E Chatman
1Department of Psychology, Tennessee State University, Nashville 37209-1564, USA. dswilkinson@mindspring.com
Summary
Healing Touch (HT) effectively enhances health by reducing stress and increasing sIgA levels, with practitioner training influencing outcomes. Clients reported significant benefits, suggesting effects beyond placebo.
Area of Science:
- Integrative Medicine
- Complementary and Alternative Medicine
- Psychoneuroimmunology
Background:
- Healing Touch (HT) is a complementary therapy.
- Its effectiveness on health-related variables requires further investigation.
- The role of practitioner expertise in HT outcomes is not well-established.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the clinical effectiveness of Healing Touch (HT) for health enhancement.
- To examine if practitioner training level moderates HT's effectiveness.
- To explore client-reported outcomes and experiences with HT.
Main Methods:
- A mixed-method design incorporating quasi-experimental and naturalistic approaches.
- Twenty-two clients experienced three conditions: no treatment, standard HT, and HT with music/guided imagery.
- Outcomes included salivary secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA), stress levels, perceived health enhancement, and qualitative feedback.
Main Results:
- Clients reported significant stress reduction after HT interventions.
- A majority of clients perceived health enhancement (59%).
- Higher practitioner training correlated with significant improvements in sIgA levels.
Conclusions:
- Healing Touch demonstrates clinical effectiveness in enhancing health, evidenced by increased sIgA, reduced stress, and pain relief.
- The findings suggest HT's benefits extend beyond placebo effects.
- Practitioner training appears to be a significant factor in achieving positive sIgA changes.