Results from Therapeutic Touch Interventions in the Newborn: A Systematic Literature Review

• Main Authors: Ana Cristina Ramos, Ana Frias, Sandra Risso
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Universidade de Évora 2016-04-01
• Series: RIASE
• Subjects: Therapeutic Touch; Newborn; Intervention Results
• Online Access: http://www.revistas.uevora.pt/index.php/saude_envelhecimento/article/view/131/172
• ISSN: 2183-6663; 2183-6663

Therapeutic Touch (TT) is a contemporary approach to several ancestral healing practices. As one of the oldest vibrational therapies still in use, it is expected to act on the balancing of the human being’s energy field, by the laying hands on. The hands are, therefore, vehicles of comfort, affection, support and healing. This article illustrates a systematic review of the literature (RSL), on the effects of TT in the newborn. Objective: To know the effect of TT in the newborn. Methods: We carried the research on the Online Knowledge Library platform (Biblioteca do Conhecimento Online/B-On) by researching on the available electronic databases. The articles which addressed the TT as an intervention in the newborn were included. From the 237 articles found, eight ones were selected according to the inclusion criteria previously established. Results: All studies demonstrated benefits of applying TT, such as calming effect after nursing procedures, because it reduces pain, reduces the motor activity, decreases the level of cortisol, facilitates feeding, suction/ swallowing and thus increases weight, stabilizes vital signs, promotes rest, improves interaction with the environment and saves energy for growth and healing. Conclusions: The practice of TT in the newborn can contribute to his well-being, bringing him physical, psychological and spiritual benefits.