About Research

Research studies have found that Therapeutic Touch™ reduces anxiety, regulates and supports the immune function, alters the perception of pain and encourages general healing. One of the earliest research studies on Therapeutic Touch was a study conducted by Dolores Krieger. It was published in 1975 in The American Journal of Nursing. The article, entitled "Therapeutic Touch: The Imprimatur of Nursing", examined the effect of Therapeutic Touch on hemoglobin levels. A group of registered nurses were trained to offer Therapeutic Touch to patients as part of general nursing care. The control group received the nursing care without Therapeutic Touch. The hemoglobin levels of patients who received Therapeutic Touch changed.

Research Links

Since the early research done by Dolores Krieger, there continues to be a large number of Therapeutic Touch research studies being published. The Research Links page offers a bibliography of  the most recent Therapeutic Touch research with links leading either to the article itself, or, more often, to the abstract. From the abstract there are links to the instructions for purchasing the full-text article. For the pdf of these links to recent research in Therapeutic Touch click here.

Annotated Bibliographies of Published Therapeutic Touch Research

The TTNO has published two excellent resources to help you in your search for published Therapeutic Touch research. Consider adding these valuable resources to your library today!  While supplies last, the Annotated Bibliography Published Therapeutic Touch™ Research 1975 to July 2004, compiled by Theresa Moore, RN, MScN, is available from the TTNO at 416-231-6824 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . A donation to cover shipping and handling would be appreciated. You may also click here to download this document.

More recent research has been compiled by Mei fei Elrick, PhD, in the Annotated Bibliography of Published Therapeutic Touch™ Research 2005 to 2011. Download a copy of this resource here.

Donations to the TTNO would be greatly appreciated to support our Research Fund and the ongoing work of keeping this annotated bibliography current and available to all. Donations may be sent to The TTNO, 290 The West Mall, Suite 4, 2nd floor, Etobicoke, ON M9C 1C6.

Both bibliographies list only peer-reviewed work and are presented in the same way. The Annotated Bibliography Published Therapeutic Touch™ Research 1975 to July 2004 is a 53 page booklet listing of all published and qualitative Therapeutic Touch research done from 1975 to July, 2004.The Annotated Bibliography Published Therapeutic Touch™ Research 2005 to 2011 is a .pdf file available as a download.

Download The Therapeutic Touch Network of Ontario Research Fund: Policy and Procedures.

Download  The Therapeutic Touch Network of Ontario Research Guidelines.

The Therapeutic Touch Network of Ontario has produced a DVD, Therapeutic Touch™ - The DVD, designed as an educational view of Therapeutic Touch as developed by Dolores Krieger and Doran Kunz.