Touch therapy

Definition

Touch therapy involves using physical touch to promote healing and improve overall wellness. It is a complementary therapy often used alongside conventional medical treatments.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Touch therapy can help reduce pain and anxiety in patients.
2. Common forms of touch therapy include Reiki, therapeutic touch, and acupressure.
3. Studies suggest that touch therapy may enhance the immune system's function.
4. It is considered a safe and non-invasive technique with minimal side effects.
5. Nurses can be trained in basic touch therapy techniques to support patient care.

Review Questions

• What are three common forms of touch therapy?
• How can touch therapy benefit patients in a clinical setting?
• Why is touch therapy considered a complementary treatment?

Related terms

Reiki: A form of energy healing where practitioners use their hands to channel energy into the patient's body.

Acupressure: A technique similar to acupuncture but uses finger pressure instead of needles on specific points of the body.

Therapeutic Touch: An energy-based approach where practitioners move their hands over a patient's body to balance energy fields.