A number of research papers on a large variety of conditions can be found via the Touch Research Institute.

A couple of examples follow:

1. Field, T., Ironson, G., Scafidi, F., Nawrocki, T.,Goncalves, A., Burman, I., Pickens, J., Fox, N., Schanberg, S., & Kuhn, C. (1996).

Massage therapy reduces anxiety and enhances EEG pattern of alertness and math computations. International Journal of Neuroscience, 86, 197-205.

Twenty-six adults were given a chair massage and 24 control group adults were asked to relax in the massage chair for 15 minutes, two times per week for five weeks. Group by repeated measures and post hoc analyses revealed the following: 1) frontal delta power increased for both groups, suggesting relaxation; 2) the massage group showed decreased frontal alpha and beta power(suggesting enhances alertness);3) the massage group showed increased speed and accuracy on math computations while the control group did not change; 4) anxiety levels were lower following the massage but not the control sessions.

2. Hernandez-Reif, M., Dieter J., Field, T., Swerdlow, B., & Diego, M. (1998).

Migraine headaches are reduced by massage therapy. International Journal of Neuroscience, 96, 1-11.

Twenty-six adults with migraine headaches were randomly assigned to a wait-list control group or to a massage therapy group, who received two 30-minute massages per week for five consecutive weeks. The massage therapy subjects reported fewer distress symptoms, less pain, more headache free days, fewer sleep disturbances and they showed an increase in serotonin levels.

Auricular Acupuncture:
A number of research papers have been conducted on a variety of conditions and can be found at: http://www.acupuncture.org.uk/content/Library/documents.asp

Reflexology:
A number of research papers have been conducted on a variety of conditions and can be found at: http://www.internethealthlibrary.com/Therapies/Reflexology-Research%20.htm

Hypnotherapy:
The research literature on Hypnosis is extensive. The endorsements of Hypnosis for its healing effectiveness continue to mount. In a recent report, it was revealed that a panel of the National Institutes of Health has endorsed the wider use of Hypnosis for use in conjunction with conventional medical care.  Results from research projects can be found at: http://www.counselorsassociated.com/lifechange3b.htm

Hypnotherapy remains the most effective way of stopping smoking. Countless independent research studies continue to prove this fact year after year. A 2005 study of 72,000 smokers from Europe and the US, reported in the Journal of Applied Psychology, showed that hypnosis came top as the most effective therapy in helping people to give up smoking. (Source: Guardian Unlimited, 7th Jan 2006)

Life Coaching:
From: http://www.realbuzz.com/en-gb/RSS/index?pageID=1158
While some people may be a little sceptical about turning to a coach to help them with their life issues, the fact is that people are turning to life coaches in increasing numbers – which is a sure sign that they must be serving some useful purpose.

Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT): A number of research papers have been conducted on a variety of conditions and can be found at: http://www.emofree.com/articles.aspx?id=22

Nutrition: The department of Health has recently produced a paper to support people to maintain a healthy weight. It provides detailed information on how crucial a healthy diet is in combating the UK’s obesity problems.   It can be downloaded at:
http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Publicationsandstatistics/Publications/PublicationsPolicyAndGuidance/DH_082378

Osteopathy: According to the leading osteopathic professionals, bad posture is responsible for alteration of bone and soft tissues. This can cause intervertebral disc damage, fibrotic scar tissue and many other injuries. Furthermore, research reveals how certain postural positions compromise neural tissue as it begins to change blood flow to the spinal cord.   Further information can be found at: http://www.healthy.net/scr/Article.asp?Id=1878

For further information or a no-obligation quote please contact us on 0844 357 8629 or email us at info@stress.org.uk.