Exploring the research
BodyTalk is an individualised, consciousness-based system of complementary healthcare. It works with the body's innate wisdom to identify priorities and support communication and balance across the bodymind.
Research specifically examining the BodyTalk System remains at an early stage. The published studies below provide encouraging preliminary findings while also recognising the need for larger, independently conducted clinical trials.
BodyTalk and chronic pain
Evaluation of BodyTalk, a novel mind-body medicine, for chronic pain treatment
This preliminary controlled study explored whether distance BodyTalk sessions could support people experiencing chronic pain. Thirty-six participants were assigned to either a BodyTalk treatment group or a control group during the first phase. Participants in the treatment group received eight weekly distance BodyTalk sessions.
The researchers reported statistically significant improvements in:
- pain levels;
- anxiety; and
- satisfaction with social roles.
Further improvements in fatigue and measures of overall physical and mental health were observed when data from treated participants were considered together. The authors described the findings as promising and recommended a larger study to confirm the results.
Published in: Journal of Pain Management, Volume 7, Issue 4, pages 279–290
Authors: Laura L. Stuve, Honghu Liu, Jie Shen, Jill Gianettoni and Janet Galipo
BodyTalk Cortices and early-stage Alzheimer's disease
Slowing progression of early stages of Alzheimer's disease with alternative therapies: a feasibility study
This small feasibility study examined an intervention combining weekly Healing Touch sessions with daily use of the BodyTalk Cortices technique. Twenty-two people with early-stage Alzheimer's disease participated while continuing their usual medical care.
Researchers reported improvements in cognitive function, mood and depression in the intervention group compared with the control group. Because Healing Touch and BodyTalk Cortices were used together, the study cannot determine how much of the observed effect resulted from either individual component. It nevertheless provides preliminary published research involving the BodyTalk Cortices technique.
Published in: Geriatric Nursing, 2013; 34(6):457–464
Authors: Der-Fa Lu, Laura K. Hart, Susan K. Lutgendorf, Hyunkyoung Oh and Margo Schilling
Professional literature
BodyTalk: Health care redefined
This published article introduces the philosophy, principles and healthcare model of the BodyTalk System. It is an explanatory article rather than a clinical outcome study. The same journal issue included several professional articles devoted to BodyTalk principles and techniques.
Published in: Journal of Alternative Medicine Research, 2011; 3(3):241–243
Authors: Søren Ventegodt, John Veltheim and Joav Merrick
Understanding the evidence
These publications offer encouraging preliminary findings, but the BodyTalk-specific research base remains small. Further research involving larger participant groups, independent researchers, objective outcome measures and replicated results is required.
These studies are shared for education and transparency. They do not establish that BodyTalk can diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any particular medical condition.