The healing touch

Value of non-verbal communication: A warm smile,an affectionate tap on the shoulder and a friendly tone perhaps has more healing potential than an entire inventory of prescription that is written on a letterhead. Sometimes,an entire vocabulary of fancy clinical terms fails to make an impression on the patient than a concerned,reassuring touch with a smile. Many studies have proved that human touch improves performance of school children,enhances athletic abilities of players and a concerned pat from a doctor leaves patients with the impression that the visit had lasted twice as long and was extremely productive. Patients in the hospital are often stressed owing to ailments and uncertainty. A doctor who is rude,intolerant and overbearing often amplifies their dilemma. Many a time,all that the patient needs is an indulgent and tolerant hearing from the doctor. Apart from the clean and organized ambience,it is the affable and congenial behaviour of the health care staff,which matters most. There is limited literature available on the benefits of friendly mannerisms and warm affectionate behaviour of doctors. It has been observed that such gestures tend to lower the stress hormones,blood pressure and heart rate and enhance oxytocin levels,a hormone thought to calm and counter stress. There is also a rationale that relaxation therapies and familiar surroundings in the clinic enhance mood and promote healing.

The magic hug: The famous magic hug of Indian movies perhaps has a logical and scientific rationalization. Social recognition and optimism are basic to human needs and desires. For humans,it is imperative to have social support and harmonious relationship with fellow individuals. A lack of support,neglect from relations and losing sense of belonging has been linked with increased risk of disease. It is observed that long-standing social separation and isolated existence such as single parenting potentiates atherosclerosis and cancers. A doctor who shows concern and pleasant behaviour to his patient is helping by alleviating social insecurities and apathy. A patient who “feels great” after visiting his doctor may be “more healed” of his disease than his biochemical values validate. It must never be forgotten that although modern medicine has improved longevity; it has still not been able to cure most diseases. For a holistic approach to healing,it is undeniably important that a sense of appreciation,congeniality and optimism be offered to the diseased,regardless of severity of his ailment.

The writer is an interventional senior consultant cardiologist at INSCOL hospital,Chandigarh and Fortis Hospital,Mohali