In September 2012 a study published in Military Medicine compared the impact of Healing Touch and Guided Imagery plus treatment as usual in the study group (HT + GI + TAU) to treatment as usual only (TAU) in the control group on PTS symptoms, depression, quality of life and hostility in active duty military personnel. The group of 123 participants were randomly assigned to receive either 6 sessions of HT + GI + TAU over 3 weeks vs. TAU over 3 weeks. Statistical analyses (repeated measures analysis of covariance with intent-to-treat) revealed statistically and clinically significant reduction in PTSD symptoms (p < 0.0005, Cohen’s d = 0.85) as well as depression (p < 0.0005, Cohen’s d = 0.70) for the group receiving HT+GI vs. TAU. This same group also showed significant improvements in mental quality of life (p = 0.002, Cohen’s d = 0.58) and reduced cynicism (p = 0.001, Cohen’s d =0.49) vs. TAU group.

This well conducted study supports the use of Healing Touch in the care of military personnel with PTS. Further study is warranted.

Healing Touch with guided imagery for PTSD in returning active duty military: A randomized controlled trial. Military Medicine, 177 (9), 1015-1021, T Jain, S., McMahon, G.F. , Hasen, P., Kozub, M.P., Porter, V., King, R. & Guarneri, E.M. (2012).

View the full article.

When implementing Healing Touch to use for patient care, the facility will want to establish policy and procedure guidelines. This sample Policy and Procedure document was taken from the Healing Touch Integrative Care Program: Integrating Healing Touch in the Clinic Setting manual.

Sample Healing Touch Policy and Procedure

The Healing Touch Integrative Care Program: Integrating Healing Touch in the Clinical Setting manual provides the structure for implementing Healing Touch that includes useful tools to assist with each step in the process.

Co-authored by Dr. Lourdes Lorenz, DHA-abd, MSN-IH, RN, AHN-BC, NEA-BC, and Healing Touch Program, this comprehensive guide provides structure, process and digital tools for implementing an integrative care program in your facility.

The complete package includes:

• Manual: 350 pages
• USB flash drive with 100 digital tools that can be customized (.docx, .pptx, .xlsx files)
• Healing Touch Scope and Standards of Practice booklet
• Brochures: Practitioner Brochure, Healing Touch Program Brochure, Introduction Booklet - What is Healing Touch?

Download the datasheet for more information. HTICP Manual DataSheet.pdf

The manual is available on the Healing Touch Store website at https://healing-touch-program-official-store.myshopify.com/collections/healing-touch-tools/products/healing-touch-integrative-care-program.

There is quantitative and qualitative research, anecdotal support and pilot studies that support the use of Healing Touch in the clinical setting. Information on Healing Touch research can be found at www.HealingTouchResearch.com.

This document lists Healing Touch supportive research, studies and articles: Healing_Touch_Research.pdf

Healing Touch is used in hospitals, VA medical centers, hospices and in other healthcare settings. This document lists of some of the healthcare facilities that use Healing Touch, and also facilities that have trained nurses in Healing Touch.

Facilities Using Healing Touch

The Healing Touch Self Chakra Connection technique is a valuable self-care method that can be used to balance energy flow and create a sense of peace and calm. Download the instructions here.

Self Chakra Connection Chart