Mindfulness-based touch therapy and mindfulness practice in persons with moderate depression

Abstract

The goal of the study was to explore the effects of mindfulness-based touch therapy, a passive body-therapy intervention, in combination with the practice of mindfulness as an active meditative discipline, in patients with moderate recurring or episodic depression. The method under study is seen as a possible adjunct to psychotherapy and psychopharmacotherapy. The degree of depression before and after the therapy phase was determined according to Hamilton's scale. The outcome was a highly significant improvement in depressive illness, with a general alleviation of depressed mood, reduction in feelings of guilt, in suicidal thoughts and in sleep maintenance insomnia; increase in motivation in carrying out everyday activities; reduction in feelings of anxiety at both psychological and somatic levels and easing of general somatic symptoms. The results show that the method under study can serve persons suffering from depression as an adjunct to conventional therapeutic measures.

Keywords:

• depression
• mindful touch
• mindfulness
• manual therapy
• massage
• body work