A gentle touch can really help with the side effects of cancer treatment, making life better. Healing touch therapy is becoming a key part of the treatment for cancer patients. It offers both physical and emotional help. More and more cancer centers in the United States are using this method. It helps with pain, stress, and trouble sleeping.
Research shows that healing touch therapy really works. Studies prove it can help with nausea, pain reduction, and making life better. It also lowers tiredness and boosts mood among cancer patients1. Clinical trials say that healing touch brings more relaxation and better mood than regular care1.
Half of the women with cancer choose treatments like healing touch, along with the usual cancer treatments2. Healing touch therapy is made to fit each person’s needs. It is a big support during someone’s fight with cancer.
Key Takeaways
- Healing touch therapy is a non-invasive, supportive approach for cancer patients.
- Clinical studies have demonstrated its effectiveness in reducing symptoms like pain, nausea, and anxiety1.
- Approximately 50% of female cancer patients use complementary and alternative medicine, including healing touch2.
- The therapy is tailored to address individual patient needs, enhancing overall well-being and quality of life.
- Healing touch is becoming an integral part of patient care plans in cancer centers across the U.S.
Understanding Healing Touch Therapy
Healing Touch Therapy is a way of healing that uses gentle touch. It helps clear and balance the body’s natural energy fields. This supports physical, mental, and emotional health. It’s especially helpful for cancer patients, offering them natural relief from treatment side effects and stress.
What is Healing Touch Therapy?
Healing Touch Therapy is a type of biofield therapy. It uses hands to help the patient’s energy fields. The practitioner aims to bring harmony and balance. Touch is not needed; it’s about guiding energy to the patient. This support is crucial for those seeking holistic healing for cancer.
The Origins and Development
Healing Touch Therapy started in the late 20th century. It was influenced by nurses and holistic health in the 1970s3. Janet Mentgen, a nurse, created this therapy. It has become a supportive care option for cancer patients, offering a gentle yet effective form of healing.
Basic Principles of Healing Touch
The key idea behind Healing Touch Therapy is natural self-healing. It focuses on balancing the body’s energy systems. Practitioners aim to care for the patient’s whole well-being, not just illnesses. This treatment seeks to fix energy imbalances, improving health and recovery. This is vital in helping cancer patients heal holistically.
The Role of Healing Touch in Cancer Treatment
Cancer patients often turn to Healing Touch. It helps with both body and mind issues caused by cancer treatments. This method boosts the immune system, lessens side effects, and makes life better for those fighting cancer4. It’s used with regular treatments like chemo and radiation in integrative care4.
Why Cancer Patients Consider Healing Touch
Healing Touch complements traditional cancer care. It aims to improve the patient’s overall health5. Patients seek it for relaxation, which can help lower stress and make sleep easier4. It’s a safe choice that can help ease stress and make life during treatment better5.
Clinical Benefits for Cancer Patients
Healing Touch offers big benefits for those with cancer. It’s highly recommended for reducing anxiety, with evidence to back it up5. It helps lessen pain, nausea, and trouble sleeping. These are big worries for those getting treated4.
It also helps fight the extreme tiredness that often comes with cancer treatments5
Places like Levine Cancer Institute use Healing Touch with standard treatments. This shows how valuable it is in helping patients recover and feel better. Nurses, faith leaders, and therapists all support it, showing its role in caring for cancer patients4.
How Healing Touch Therapy Works
Healing Touch Therapy is built on the idea that we are full of energy that’s always moving and interacting. It’s a kind of care for cancer patients that uses different touch methods to keep physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual health in check. By working with the body’s energy in defined ways, those who practice it aim to heal and help with cancer symptoms.
The Techniques Used
In a healing touch session, therapists use various techniques to affect the body’s energy. They might use gentle hand motions near or directly on someone, and sometimes just light touching. Whether it’s just for five minutes or up to an hour, they tailor the time to fit what a person needs6. In hospitals, it’s getting more common to see Healing Touch used to help patients feel less scared or stressed before a procedure7.
Many who battle cancer say Healing Touch gives them hope and lowers their worry during treatment6.
The Science Behind Healing Touch
While some may doubt therapies like Healing Touch, calling them unscientific, studies have shown it can actually ease pain for cancer patients right away7. Research found Healing Touch can affect how the body handles pain and defends itself. A big study with 572 cancer patients found that it helped manage their pain quickly, showing it’s a good additional therapy7. It’s not just about easing pain; it can also make heart rates better and lessen worry, helping overall health7.
There’s more evidence that Healing Touch is helpful for those dealing with long-lasting pain, especially in extended care settings7. Despite some doubts about its science, using this therapy along with regular medical treatment for cancer is getting more accepted.
Healing Touch Therapy for Cancer Patients
Healing Touch Therapy is showing great promise for cancer patients. It helps with symptoms and boosts their quality of life. This type of care is becoming a key part of cancer support services. More and more, health pros see its value.
Specific Benefits for Cancer Patients
This therapy works by balancing the body’s energy. It aims to boost the immune system and ease cancer treatment side effects. Patients say it makes them feel better, physically and emotionally4
At the Barbara Posner Wellness and Support Center, lots of patients have seen big improvements. It’s now suggested as an extra aid in their cancer fight3.
Managing Pain, Anxiety, and Fatigue
Healing Touch is great for reducing pain, anxiety, and tiredness among cancer patients. Studies show both kids and adults feel less pain and tiredness after sessions8.
It also drops anxiety big time. This is super helpful during stressful procedures like biopsies and chemo8. Barbara Jackson, fighting breast cancer, found it really cut her stress3.
Impact on Sleep and Mental Clarity
It’s not just about reducing pain. Healing Touch can also improve sleep and focus. Patients often feel more relaxed. Some even sleep during their sessions4.
This calmness is critical. It helps patients handle treatment better and boosts recovery outcomes. Plus, it’s good for maintaining physical and mental strength8.
Case Studies and Research Findings
Experts have done a lot of research to see how Healing Touch helps cancer patients. A notable study at Levine Cancer Institute showed that Healing Touch greatly eased pain in breast cancer patients. This proves it’s a powerful way to help heal cancer holistically9. This study also found that patients felt less pain the first and second day after surgery when they received Healing Touch9.
Patient Testimonials
What patients say backs up these findings. People who got Healing Touch therapy talked about feeling much better overall. They noted fewer side effects from usual cancer treatments. They felt more emotionally steady, less anxious, and more at peace during their treatment.
Clinical Research and Evidence
Scientific studies highlight the benefits of Healing Touch. One study found that patients felt less pain before therapy when they got Healing Touch compared to Oncology Massage10. Their pain scores dropped significantly after therapy. Also, more patients reported a big drop in pain with Healing Touch and Oncology Massage, showing it works well for managing pain10.
This shows combining Healing Touch with standard cancer treatment can greatly help patients. It offers a meaningful way to support their healing journey.
Integration of Healing Touch with Conventional Cancer Treatments
Integrative oncology melds standard cancer treatments like chemotherapy and radiation with complementary therapies such as Healing Touch. It not only bolsters the effectiveness of conventional treatments but also lessens side effects. More patients are opting for this holistic care approach to get an all-encompassing, more supportive treatment plan.
The Role of Integrative Oncology
The main methods of traditional cancer care are surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy11. Integrative oncology aims to blend these with holistic treatments to boost patient outcomes. For example, using Healing Touch alongside traditional methods can ease symptoms and enhance well-being12.
This fusion ensures patients receive precise treatments for cancer and the much-needed supportive care that looks after their emotional and physical health.
Combining Healing Touch with Chemotherapy and Radiation
About 40% of cancer patients also turn to complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies with their standard treatments12. Healing Touch is especially beneficial with chemotherapy and radiation. While chemotherapy attacks cancer cells, it can cause nausea, tiredness, and weakened immunity11. Likewise, radiation therapy can irritate the skin and sometimes lead to radiation dermatitis11.
Healing Touch focuses on easing these side effects through relaxation, stress reduction, and aiding the body’s healing. Studies show it can lessen feelings of depression and boost mental clarity in cancer patients2. For instance, one study showed patients receiving Healing Touch maintained their immune system’s strength better than those who did not2.
Encouraging patients to take part in their treatment decisions is vital in integrative care, fostering independence and choice11. By adding Healing Touch to conventional treatments, healthcare providers tailor a more personalized, effective cancer care method. This approach aims for better outcomes and a higher quality of life for patients.
Healing Touch vs. Other Integrative Therapies
In the world of holistic cancer care, there are many paths to comfort and healing. Healing touch stands out for focusing on the body’s energy and spiritual wellness. When we compare it to oncology massage, we find both offer unique benefits that help cancer patients.
Comparison with Oncology Massage
Studies have shown healing touch and oncology massage both decrease pain in patients. Specifically, 57% of patients receiving healing touch and 43% undergoing oncology massage reported less pain13. These treatments also led to less anxiety and better sleep, proving they can ease many discomforts13. Beyond pain relief, they’ve improved blood pressure, tiredness, and depressive feelings offering wide-ranging benefits13. However, most insurance doesn’t cover these therapies. Thankfully, some organizations provide funding support13. This fact underlines the need for more recognition and backing of these helpful therapies.
Other Holistic Healing Options
Apart from healing touch, cancer patients have many holistic therapies to choose from. These treatments often enhance standard care. Healing touch, a biofield therapy, focuses on energy to promote health and is safe and gentle14. In numerous developed countries, up to 80% of people use complementary therapies. This shows a significant global trend towards integrating them with regular health care14. Acupuncture, aromatherapy, and mindfulness are also beneficial, improving both physical and emotional health in cancer care.
| Therapy | Focus | Common Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Healing Touch | Energy Fields, Spiritual Healing | Reduced Pain, Anxiety, Improved Sleep |
| Oncology Massage | Physical Manipulation | Reduced Pain, Anxiety, Improved Sleep |
| Acupuncture | Energy Flow, Pain Relief | Pain Management, Reduced Nausea |
| Aromatherapy | Senses Stimulation | Reduced Anxiety, Improved Mood |
| Mindfulness Meditation | Mental Focus, Emotional Balance | Stress Reduction, Improved Mental Clarity |
Getting Started with Healing Touch Therapy
Beginning with healing touch therapy means learning and choosing a skilled practitioner. They should be good at healing touch, especially for cancer care. The National Institutes of Health sees it as a helpful therapy. It can lessen depression, fatigue, pain, and stress15.
Finding a Qualified Practitioner
It’s important to find a certified healing touch therapist. Look for someone with a good background and cancer care experience. Donna Cahill, with 47 years as a nurse, leads these quality programs6.
What to Expect in a Session
A healing touch therapy session involves hands-on or nearby touches to your energy field. These sessions last from five minutes to an hour. They’re done in a calm place6.
Patients often feel peaceful and rejuvenated after. This therapy helps with both acute and chronic issues6.
Healing touch therapy can reduce pain and anxiety and strengthen the immune system. It has shown great benefits for cancer treatment in studies, like better immune function in cervical cancer patients during chemotherapy15. This supportive therapy boosts well-being and quality of life, making treatment more bearable.
Coverage and Accessibility of Healing Touch Therapy
Healing Touch Therapy is getting more known in cancer therapy and overall care. Yet, insurance for it is not always available. With its benefits getting noticed, more insurance companies might include it soon.
Insurance and Cost Considerations
Many cancer patients are trying Healing Touch Therapy. About 57.3% of 407 patients analyzed got Healing Touch10. But, not all insurance plans cover it. This makes it hard for some patients to get this treatment.
Since Healing Touch falls under complementary medicine, it’s tough to get insurance coverage. But there is a push to change this. For instance, 26% of breast cancer and 9% of bowel cancer patients use it16.
Availability of Services
More cancer centers and private professionals are offering Healing Touch Therapy. It’s becoming a part of cancer care. A good amount of patients getting chemo, surgery, or radiation also use complementary therapies10.
Healing Touch sessions are usually affordable. Some are even free, and they’re safe to use. There are no known bad effects, making it a good choice for extra care16.
For instance, women on long-term hormone therapy felt better with Healing Touch. They had fewer side effects and felt more relaxed16. This shows how Healing Touch can be a helpful part of cancer care.
Long-Term Benefits and Survivorship
Healing Touch Therapy helps cancer patients in the long run. It encourages ongoing self-care and works well with other support services. This way, patients keep feeling good even after their main treatment is over.
Ongoing Self-care After Treatment
After treatment, taking good care of oneself is key for survivors. Healing Touch is very important here. It offers a gentle way to deal with lasting symptoms and issues. A study in 2013 showed that massages, part of Healing Touch, lessen anxiety and tiredness in patients. This makes it easier for them to take care of themselves17.
St. John’s Health’s Cancer Survivorship Program is all about long-term care. It provides many services like acupuncture, massages for cancer patients, yoga, and advice on eating well18. These help survivors in many ways, keeping them healthy and preventing the illness from coming back.
The Role in Long-term Survivorship
Healing Touch Therapy helps patients recover fully and keep a good quality of life. Techniques like special massages help with pain, tiredness, and swelling17. Services such as massages for cancer help reduce anxiety and other symptoms. They also improve mental sharpness, tackling “chemo fog”18.
Being part of support groups and attending mindfulness sessions are crucial. They give survivors and their families a way to deal with mental health issues18.
Ultimately, Healing Touch Therapy and other alternative therapies aid in long-lasting recovery and a happier life. This complete approach lets survivors lead healthier and better lives.
Conclusion
Healing Touch Therapy plays a vital role alongside traditional cancer treatments. It helps relieve pain, anxiety, and fatigue that usual treatments might not fully address. An impressive 90% of people with pain and about 89% with anxiety have found relief through touch therapies1920. The Healing Care Program has made Healing Touch a key part of care plans at many cancer centers in the U.S20..
More and more, holistic healing is being embraced in the fight against cancer. It shows a growing acceptance of energy healing among doctors, patients, and those who care for them. Healing Touch programs, with their levels of completion and certification, fit well with traditional treatments20. About 36% of people use both, improving their care experience19.
The use and popularity of Healing Touch Therapy are on the rise. In Australia, for instance, more cancer patients are choosing integrative practices, leading to a more comprehensive approach to care19. This trend highlights the critical place of holistic methods in future cancer treatment, pressing the need for more treatment centers to offer such options.
FAQ
What is Healing Touch Therapy?
What are the origins and development of Healing Touch Therapy?
What are the basic principles of Healing Touch?
Why do cancer patients consider Healing Touch Therapy?
What are the clinical benefits for cancer patients?
What techniques are used in Healing Touch Therapy?
What is the science behind Healing Touch?
What specific benefits does Healing Touch offer for cancer patients?
How does Healing Touch Therapy help manage pain, anxiety, and fatigue?
What impact does Healing Touch have on sleep and mental clarity?
What do patient testimonials say about Healing Touch Therapy?
What do clinical research and evidence say about Healing Touch?
How does integrative oncology include Healing Touch Therapy?
How does Healing Touch Therapy complement chemotherapy and radiation?
How does Healing Touch Therapy compare to oncology massage?
What are other holistic healing options for cancer patients?
How can I find a qualified Healing Touch practitioner?
What should I expect during a Healing Touch Therapy session?
Are Healing Touch Therapy services covered by insurance?
How accessible is Healing Touch Therapy?
What are the long-term benefits of Healing Touch Therapy?
What role does Healing Touch play in long-term survivorship?
Source Links
- Effect of Therapeutic Touch in Patients with Cancer: a Literature Review – https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4860206/
- The Use of Healing Touch in Integrative Oncology – https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3907587/
- Healing Touch therapy can help complement cancer treatment – https://www.wbaltv.com/article/healing-touch-therapy-cancer-treatment/41412658
- Can Healing Touch be beneficial during cancer treatment? – https://www.piedmont.org/living-real-change/can-healing-touch-be-beneficial-during-cancer-treatment
- How do experts use healing touch? – CancerChoices – https://cancerchoices.org/therapy/healing-touch/expert-use/
- What is Healing Touch Therapy? – https://www.outerbankshealth.org/health-wellness/stories/the-healing-touch-story/
- What Is Healing Touch Therapy? – https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-healing-touch-therapy-5214494
- How can healing touch help you? What the research says – CancerChoices – https://cancerchoices.org/therapy/healing-touch/evidence-regarding-healing-touch-and-cancer/
- Integration of Reiki, Healing Touch and Therapeutic Touch into Clinical Services – https://www.ohsu.edu/sites/default/files/2019-04/Integration-of-Reiki-Healing-Touch-Therapeutic-Touch-into-Clinical-Services-Evidence.pdf
- Pain Improvement After Healing Touch and Massage in Breast Cancer: an Observational Retrospective Study – https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7892332/
- Integrating Conventional & Complementary Cancer Care – https://nhcancerclinics.com/blog/bridging-conventional-and-complementary-therapy-to-provide-comprehensive-healthcare-for-cancer-patients/
- Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) – https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/cam
- New Study Proves the Power of Oncology Massage and Healing Touch for Cancer Patients – https://atriumhealth.org/dailydose/2021/05/24/new-study-proves-the-power-of-oncology-massage-and-healing-touch-for-cancer-patients
- Healing touch as an integrative therapy for cancer care: A review of evidence and implications for nursing – https://commons.lib.jmu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1517&context=honors201019
- Healing Touch – CancerChoices – https://cancerchoices.org/therapy/healing-touch/
- Healing and cancer – https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/treatment/complementary-alternative-therapies/individual-therapies/healing
- Power of touch: How specialized massage helps cancer patients – https://www.fredhutch.org/en/news/center-news/2014/02/healing-hands–oncology-massage.html
- Cancer Survivorship Program | St. John’s Health – https://www.stjohns.health/services/cancer-care/cancer-survivorship-program/
- The Experiences of Touch Therapies in Symptom Management of Rural and Regional Cancer Patients in Australia – https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8887860/
- PDF – https://www.ahncc.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Healing-Touch-and-Other-Supportive-Therapies-for-Outpatient-Cancer-Centers-Reis-July-Aug-2021.pdf