Gentle rubbing good for physical, mental maladies

29 October, 2007

The traditional concept that rubbing bumps and bruises reduces stress and pain has been endorsed by a recent research. Not only that. Gentle touch is beneficial for addressing a host of physical and psychological ailments.

Research at the University of Cumbria, the United Kingdom, has shown that the gentle touch can not only soothe minor injuries but can also decrease stress and pain.

The tests showed that patients’ symptoms improved when treated using the technique of gentle rubbing. The technique is usually applied by parents on young children.

For the study, 300 patients with a wide range of ailments were given four-hour-long treatment sessions within six weeks at the Centre for Complementary Care in Muncaster, Cumbria.

Analysis of the results showed that there was considerable progress in psychological and physical functioning – mainly in the areas of stress reduction, pain relief, increased ability to cope and increased general health.

According to the University of Cumbria researchers, the most significant improvements were seen in patients with the most severe symptoms when
they enrolled in the study.

The team also examined patients with cancer, musculo-skeletal ailments, and mental health disorders or psychological stress to find clear benefits of the technique.

The gentle-touch healing was based on sessions of about 40 minutes in which experts in complementary medicine applied light, non-invasive touches to the patient’s head, chest, arms, legs, and feet. The benefits of the therapy included improved sleep, reduced pain levels, and increased energy levels.

Helen Leathard, professor of healing science at the University of Cumbria, was quoted by Britain’s Telegraph newspaper as saying, “On the basis of this sound evidence, healing by gentle touch should play a part in the treatment of people with cancer, mental health problems or a wide variety of illnesses where help with pain or stress reduction will enhance their well-being. The treatment provided at the Centre for Complementary Care is beneficial and well-regarded by many doctors and nurses in the Cumbria area. It is very definitely complementary to conventional medicine.”

The research team was, however, keen to stress that the method can complement conventional medicine, but not replace it.