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In its healing form, the term "laying on of hands" is based upon biblical precedent set by Jesus Christ. However, both Christian and non-Christian faith healers will lay hands on the sick and dying during prayers for healing. Of course, Christians will invoke the name and spirit of Jesus, the metaphysical agent through which the healing of physical ailments will occur.
But before those practitioners of that other major religion in these United States---Secularism---move on to the next blog about getting laid, let me summarize a recently published study in this month's "Annals of Internal Medicine" which intimates the healing power of one human being touching another.
Those who conceived this study appreciated the continued problem of physical and emotional pain many terminally ill patients experience, despite the disseminated dogma that symptom relief is central to end-of-life care. For example, pain associated with advanced cancer can lead to decreased functionality, which in turn leads to a poor quality of life; the physical and emotional stress is reinforced by each.
It has been theorized that massage may short-circuit this cycle of stress and distress through providing the following:
1. The nurturing effect of the therapist, who provides communication and demonstrates the desire to make a difference.
2. Induction of relaxation, with improved circulation, easing of muscle spasms, in turn causing increased endogenous endorphin release.
3. Competing sensory stimuli that override pain signals (recall how we all rub our head when we whack it on that annoying shelf).
The study did show that massage appeared to have an immediate beneficial effect on pain and mood among patients with advanced cancer. And both massage and "simple touch" (that is, touching without the kneading that goes with massage) resulted in improvements in pain and quality of life over time, without the need for an increase in pain medications.
Prior studies of the value of massage for lessening pain in those patients suffering from cancer have shown variable results when it comes to improving pain, nausea, and other symptoms. However, the most consistent effect of massage has been to reduce levels of anxiety experienced by patients. Anxiety is a potent force, often resulting in the magnification of pain and suffering. Its alleviation is key in us all, terminal cancer patient or not.
Patients with advanced cancer may be touch-deprived, often because of social isolation or the fear harbored by friends and family that touching might cause harm. The research shows, however, that touching is a good thing: Symptoms are relieved. Touching is an easy medication to administer: Friends, family and hospice volunteers can make a difference through touch.
The laying on of hands may not cure cancer, but it can certainly comfort the soul.
