How Touch Therapy can help the terminally ill

 How Touch Therapy can help the terminally ill

It has been proven through numerous research and reports that Touch Therapy can be a useful addition to more conventional medical treatments in the care and support of patients who are terminally ill. It can also prove to be highly beneficial to individuals who are fighting serious and life-threatening illnesses and can also provide an invaluable support to the families, caregivers and loved ones as they struggle to navigate the changes that will inevitably lie ahead.

So, what are some of the ways that Touch Therapy can help the terminally ill and what are the benefits it can provide in those precious final moments?

Relief from Stress, Anxiety and Depression

The end of life period is a very difficult and highly emotionally charged time with the degree of psychological distress felt not only for the person who is suffering but for the loved ones who are trying to support them. During this sensitive and uncertain time Touch Therapy can help to induce relaxation triggers in the brain, stimulating the release of serotonin and dopamine to help create a soothing presence whilst improving mood and reducing feelings of fear, Anxiety and Depression, hence decreasing emotional outbursts and restlessness, as the sense of inner peace and relaxation is restored. This can help provide reassurance to the patient that they are not alone and deeply cared for, which will help to promote self-esteem and self-worth, whilst reducing feelings of loneliness and isolation.

Reduces pain and physical discomfort.

Various medication and treatment could take its toll on the body, in addition if the person affected is bed ridden or in a wheelchair they will have limited mobility, causing tenderness, muscular pain, pressure sores and joint stiffness in addition to any other discomfort they may be experiencing. Touch Therapy can help to readdress that by providing a nurturing and therapeutic touch to encourage body awareness, relaxation and help to alleviate pain. Massage therapy is often unsuitable as the patients in hospices are already very frail and vulnerable and the pressure received would be too intense. However, gentle touching or stretching of the hands, arms, legs or back can help to increase circulation, thereby reducing tension and allowing tight tissues and muscles to relax, whilst improving joint stiffness to increase the range of movement and induce an overall state of relaxation.

Prior to contact, adjusting the bed or adding extra support pillows may be necessary and then a light or gentle stretching touch would be applied. Touch Therapy particularly at this time of life can be one of the most compassionate actions to share, as when words become difficult the intensity of the touch felt, is more significant than ever before.

Relieves Insomnia

In a hospital environment or even at home with carers constantly visiting, it is very difficult to establish an effective sleeping routine, due to all the disturbances and as a result quality of sleep can become reduced and very inconsistent. Touch Therapy can help to provide a deep level of relaxation therefore reducing fatigue and helping to reduce the need for medication to promote a more restful sleep.

Increased Immunity

Touch Therapy has been proven to increase the white blood cell count in the body, therefore helping wounds to heal faster and boosting immunity to help fight off further infection. In addition, blood pressure is reduced, heart rate stabilized and symptoms of chronic conditions such as fibromyalgia and lupus are decreased. Research has also reported an increase in the wellbeing of cervical and breast cancer patients as they underwent radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

Providing Touch Therapy to the terminally ill can provide numerous benefits for both the receiver and giver in equal parts and it is not uncommon for hospices to use mindful techniques such as this to provide a sense of comfort and dignity for those who are at the end of their journey. For the giver to be present in the final moments of another person’s life is a privilege and an honour. An experience that will never be forgotten. It provides a unique opportunity for infinite personal growth on an emotional and spiritual level, too witness first-hand how fragile and precious the gift of life really is and when it is our time, how easily that gift can be taken away.

For the receiver, the benefits that can be gained as mentioned previously are numerous and far reaching. In addition, when it is not possible or becomes too difficult to express feelings verbally, the gift of touch can help to release pent up emotions in other ways as even without direct physical contact the energy fields are able to connect through the energetic flow of the hands. This enables the patient to be able to communicate with loved ones in other ways in their final moments, whilst feeling validated and acknowledged for any suffering they have endured and feeling a sense of peace and acceptance for what is yet to come.

Elizabeth Lock      Holistic Therapist 
www.yourcuddletherapy.co.uk   heal@yourcuddletherapy.co.ukwww.yourinnerglow.co.uk         heal@yourinnerglow.co.ukwww.yourtantrictouch.co.uk      heal@yourtantrictouch.co.uk