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Touching a sore point actually eases the pain, suggests new research, which found brushing the skin within an inch or two of the site of pain can reduce its intensity and sharpness. It is thought the effect comes from the nerve fibres that process touch interfering with those that deal with pain, resulting in ‘tactile analgesia’.
Volunteers were blindfolded and wore headphones to block out other sensory information. A laser was then briefly directed on to their forearms, to cause pain. Some volunteers also had a touch sensation applied 1cm away at the same time, by nylon hairs from a robot.
Healing touch: It is thought the soothing effect comes from the nerve fibres that process touch interfering with those that deal with pain, resulting in 'tactile analgesia'
The results showed that when the laser and touch were applied simultaneously, people were less likely to report ‘high’ pain. Without the added touch, the laser was described as pricking 93 per cent of the time; with touch applied, that dropped to 28 per cent.
In a second experiment, the distance between the laser and tactile sensation was increased up to 9cm. Results showed that the greater the distance, the less the painkilling effect.
‘Our experiments demonstrate that touch can inhibit pain,’ say the researchers from University College London.
Stodgy food is now 'band'
No binging: The Malory band is designed to stop you overeat
If you need to watch your waistline at all times, you might like a new weight-loss device called the Malory Band.
It sits round your waist and bites into your stomach when you eat too much.
The band is not, however, a high-tech gadget but an adjustible polyester cord costing £24.95 (maloryband.com).
The company claims it harks back to the ancient art of belly-binding for losing weight.
The band is designed to create a constant awareness about what you are eating and the size of your stomach.
A new scheme plans to help elderly patients feel more dignified in hospital by displaying a photograph of themselves in good health next to their bed.
There would also be three interesting facts about them, to help nurses and clinicians interact with them on a more personal level – for example, by asking about hobbies as they take their blood pressure.
Forte Medical has set up a pilot of the ‘Face to a Name Campaign’ at Yeovil District Hospital in Somerset and wants it introduced nationwide.
The ultimate hope is for a website for online uploads which hospitals can access on admission.
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