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eCAM Advance Access published online on August 25, 2006
eCAM, doi:10.1093/ecam/nel052
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© 2006 The Author(s).
Received February 19, 2006
Accepted June 28, 2006

Original Article

Healing by Gentle Touch Ameliorates Stress and Other Symptoms in People Suffering with Mental Health Disorders or Psychological Stress

Clare Weze 1 *, Helen L. Leathard 2, John Grange 3, Peter Tiplady 4, and Gretchen Stevens 1

1 The Centre for Complementary Care, Muncaster Chase, Ravenglass, Cumbria, CA18 1RD, UK
2 Faculty of Health and Social Care, St Martin's College, Lancaster, Lancashire LA1 3JD, UK
3 Centre for Infectious Diseases and International Health, Royal Free and University College Medical School, 46 Cleveland Street, London W1P 6DB, UK
4 Meadow Croft, Wetheral, Carlisle, Cumbria CA4 8JG, UK

* To whom correspondence should be addressed.
Clare Weze, E-mail: clare.weze{at}btinternet.com


  Abstract

Previous studies on healing by gentle touch in clients with various illnesses indicated substantial improvements in psychological well-being, suggesting that this form of treatment might be helpful for people with impaired quality of mental health. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of healing by gentle touch in subjects with self-reported impairments in their psychological well-being or mental health. One hundred and forty-seven clients who identified themselves as having psychological problems received four treatment sessions. Pre- to post-treatment changes in psychological and physical functioning were assessed by self-completed questionnaires which included visual analogue scales (VAS) and the EuroQoL (EQ-5D). Participants recorded reductions in stress, anxiety and depression scores and increases in relaxation and ability to cope scores (all P < 0.0004). Improvements were greatest in those with the most severe symptoms initially. This open study provides strong circumstantial evidence that healing by gentle touch is safe and effective in improving psychological well-being in participants with self-reported psychological problems, and also that it safely complements standard medical treatment. Controlled trials are warranted.

Keywords: alleviation of symptoms; complements medical treatments; gentle touch; healing; psychological well-being; relaxation; stress.
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