The healing touch

(WTNH) - There are few drugs to treat people with dementias like Alzheimer's, but none reverse the progression of the disease. That's why some are turning to alternative therapies to give the patient a sense of calm.

Last October, 85 year old Frances Strick started falling. A lot. She was also having problems focusing and remembering things. It turned out to be a brain tumor. And she needed surgery. Before and after the operation her dentist son, Dr. Robert Strick, brought in someone to do healing touch therapy on her.

"That day and the next, less of a need for pain meds, more responsive, eating habits were better," Dr. Strick said.

Jeanne Zuzel is a nurse with a masters in holistic health. She runs the Incite Wellness Center for Integrative Therapy in Norwich. She specializes in healing touch: a light or near body touch to clear, balance and energize the body, mind and spirit, and she's treated several patients with memory issues and dementia.

"Able to sleep better, less restless, focus was incredible, recognizing people better, for a longer period of time," Zuzel said.

Healing Touch is not only being done in homes or in small centers in the community. Healing touch is now also being done in several hospitals in the state. Backus Hospital in Norwich has offered healing touch for 8 years now. Nurse Paula Novack uses light touch energy therapy here on surgery patients.

"They are calm and relaxed," Novack said. "That's how you want to go into surgery or any medical procedure. You don't want to go into it in a state of anxiety or fear."

The patient or a family member must give approval before a 20 minute session.

"They can feel warmth, from the hands, or a coolness, movement, energy," Novack said. "Most people feel a deep relaxation"

Dr. Strick says healing therapy has made it possible for his mother to stay in her home. After the session we witnessed, Frances was more alert, and speaking full sentences without trouble.

Healing touch is not for everyone, but for some, it could be an alternative therapy that could give those with dementia moments of clarity and calm.

Dr. Strick, Frances' son, is such a fan that he wants to offer it to his dental patients before they have oral surgery.