Research
USA
In 1996, research was carried out at Columbia Presbyterian Medical Centre, New York. The ‘M’ technique® was applied to the legs of volunteer medical students were connected to an 8 lead ECG monitor to measure parasympathetic response. The ECG shows positive response within 5 minutes.
In 2005, research was carried out at University of Pennsylvania using SPECT (Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography) analysis. A radiopharmaceutical was injected intravenously into subjects before and after SPECT. The scans following a full body 'M' technique® and conventional (Swedish) massage were compared in 65 areas of the brain. It appears that the 'M' technique® has a different effect on the brain than conventional massage, and that the effect is more profound. The research was funded by The American Massage Foundation. The research findings were presented at the American Massage Therapy conference in Cincinnati, Ohio, USA in September 2007.
The results were published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine in October 2008. For abstract please click here.
In 2003, a small pilot study in the pediatric unit at Harris Methodist Medical Centre, Fort Worth, TX showed a trend of reduced perception of pain in infants following circumcision. The pilot study was followed in 2006-2008 with a randomized, controlled trial which has just been completed. Results replicated the original findings.
The Netherlands
Research into the effects of the ‘M’ technique® on chronic pain in infants in critical care is being carried out at Sophie Hospital, Rotterdam. This is a funded, randomized, controlled trial.
United Kingdom
Amanda Richards completed a small pilot study on the effects of the hand ‘M’ technique® on dementia carers. She won a joint prize for best dissertation from Elsevier Publishing and gained a first class BSc (Hons) Complementary Therapies. Her research showed a trend of reduced perceived stress and increased wellbeing.
Pilot studies in Hospices
We have completed several small pilot studies. Research at Beth Israel Hospice, New York, Scranton Hospice, Pennsylvania and Harris Methodist hospice unit, Fort Worth, Texas) found the hand ‘M’ technique® reduced terminal agitation. Another study at Banner Desert Medical Centre, Mesa, Arizona found the hand ‘M’ technique reduced anxiety and speeded delivery for women in labour. Lori Mitchell, a critical care nurse in Kalispell Hospital, Kalispell, Montana found the hand ‘M’ technique calmed patients in intensive care prior to extubation. Other nurses found the ‘M’ technique helped patients with multiple sclerosis who were ventilator-dependant to relax.
Case-series with Carers and Sitters
Carers and sitters have found the ‘M’ technique a valuable tool to enable their patients to relax prior to invasive medical procedures.
Case-studies
We have many, many case-studies and testimonials from patients, patients’ relatives and medical/nursing staff telling us what an enormous difference the ‘M’ technique has made.
