The nurse should emphasize that the benefit of healing touch is to promote relaxation and reduce stress for the postoperative client, which can improve their overall sense of well-being and potentially enhance healing.
Healing touch is an alternative therapy that involves gentle touch or near-touch to various areas of the body, with the goal of balancing the body's energy and promoting healing. While the scientific evidence for the effectiveness of healing touch is mixed, some studies have suggested that it may be effective in reducing stress, anxiety, and pain in certain populations, such as postoperative patients.
By reducing stress and promoting relaxation, healing touch may also help to improve immune function, promote sleep, and reduce the need for pain medication, which can contribute to a faster recovery and shorter hospital stay.
While it is important to acknowledge the limitations of alternative therapies and to use evidence-based interventions whenever possible, healing touch can be a valuable addition to the care plan for postoperative patients, and can provide a sense of comfort and emotional support for both the patient and their family members.