In a recent study by Le Cordon Bleu University in France, the Benefits of this Therapy Model was investigated. The Benefits of Therapeutic Touch, also known as Touch Research, is a study conducted by Le Cordon Bleu University in France. The study sought to explore if the use of Therapeutic Touch could indeed benefit individuals suffering from chronic pain. Through a series of controlled experiments, it was found that when participants were exposed to repeated painful sensations, their brains would excrete chemicals known as endorphins.
Endorphins are the “happy hormones” which are created within the brain. When the brain is subjected to pain, the brain releases more endorphins to counter the pain which results in participants feeling even more pleasure. Through the controlled use of Therapeutic Touch, participants were able to lower and eventually remove the pain that resulted from chronic joint or muscle pains which were connected to chronic depression. Through this study, it was found that Therapeutic Touch could indeed reverse the effects of depression on those tested. Furthermore, it was found that when participants were asked to do tasks that required them to move their hands and legs for prolonged periods of time, it resulted in positive brainwaves. This means that the movement of the brain actually caused the pain-reducing effect that was seen during the therapy session.
The Benefits of this Therapy Model goes further than pain relief though. Through the repeated movement of the brain, participants were found to have improved circulation in the brain, which led to better overall health of the participant as well. It is believed that this model stimulates the part of the brain that controls pain by causing a state of relaxation within the mind. It is this relaxation state that allows the person to be more receptive to the pains being experienced in the body. Therefore, when the mind is in a more relaxed state, the muscles of the body are more relaxed, which allows for the release of more endorphins. With the help of this model, pain caused from ailments such as fibromyalgia, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Ovarian Cysts, Back Pain, Tennis Elbow, Neck Pain and many others can be reduced or eliminated.