Time, touch, and compassion: effects on autonomic nervous system and well-being

Explore : the Journal of Science and Healing
Hossam A ShaltoutKathi J Kemper

Abstract

Compassion is critical for complementary and conventional care, but little is known about its direct physiologic effects. This study tested the feasibility of delivering two lengths of time (10 and 20 minutes) and two strategies (tactile and nontactile) for a practitioner to nonverbally communicate compassion to subjects who were blind to the interventions. Healthy volunteers were informed that we were testing the effects of time and touch on the autonomic nervous system. Each subject underwent five sequential study periods in one study session: (1) warm-up; (2) control-with the practitioner while both read neutral material; (3) rest; (4) intervention-with practitioner meditating on loving-kindness toward the subject; and (5) rest. Subjects were randomized to receive one of four interventions: (1) 10 minutes tactile; (2) 20 minutes tactile; (3) 10 minutes nontactile; or (4) 20 minutes nontactile. During all interventions, the practitioner meditated on loving-kindness toward the subject. For tactile interventions, the practitioner touched subjects on arms, legs, and hands; for nontactile interventions, the practitioner pretended to read. Subjects' autonomic activity, including heart rate, was measured continuously. Subjects comp...Continue Reading

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Citations

Jun 22, 2019·American Journal of Physiology. Heart and Circulatory Physiology·Ashley L WagonerHossam A Shaltout
Aug 8, 2020·BMC Medical Education·Shane SinclairNeil A Hagen
Jun 3, 2021·International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·Rosa Cabanas-ValdésJordi Calvo-Sanz

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