An Initial Study Using Healing Touch for Women Undergoing a Breast Biopsy

Area of Science:

• Integrative Oncology
• Complementary and Alternative Medicine
• Psychological Oncology

Background:

• Women undergoing breast cancer diagnostics experience significant fear and anxiety.
• Noninvasive complementary therapies are being explored to manage this distress.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of Healing Touch in reducing anxiety for women undergoing breast cancer diagnostic procedures.
• To assess the impact of Healing Touch on coping resources during breast cancer diagnosis.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled pilot study involving 73 women aged 18-85.
• Intervention group received 15 minutes of Healing Touch (magnetic clearing) prior to biopsy.
• Control group received standard care; anxiety and coping were measured pre- and post-intervention.

Main Results:

• Healing Touch significantly reduced State Anxiety, with effects sustained 24 hours post-procedure.
• Trait Anxiety also showed significant improvement post-intervention.
• The Healing Touch group reported significant improvements in Emotional and Spiritual/Philosophical coping resources.

Conclusions:

• Healing Touch demonstrates potential as a beneficial complementary therapy for reducing anxiety associated with breast cancer diagnostic procedures.
• The therapy may enhance emotional and spiritual coping mechanisms in this patient population.