The M Technique for assisted living

by Jane Buckle PhD

Touch is a basic need. However, as we grow older, we are touched less frequently and those who live in sheltered housing may be rarely touched. Touch is a basic form of communication: sometimes it is the only way to convey what might be too difficult to express in words. Every human being needs human touch and those who are deprived of it speak of 'skin hunger' (1).

The M Technique is a method of gentle, structured touch that is simple enough to teach a child but can calm the agitation of dementia (2). Originally created by an intensive care nurse as a means of communication, the slow repetitive strokes seem to soothe both giver and receiver and are suitable for anyone, no matter how old or how fragile (3). The technique is so gentle it can be done without oil or cream. Recent research conducted in the USA found the effects of the M Technique were different to conventional massage and appeared to have a more profoundly relaxing effect (4).

Case study
An 88-year old lady with severe dementia, osteoporosis and three broken ribs had been a challenge to care for in hospital. She was confused, agitated, constantly rambling and refused to take any nourishment. She did not like to be helped with washing and would not let anyone to touch her feet. Fiona McVeigh-Crabbe, a complementary therapist trained in the M Technique, began the M Technique sequence on the patient's hands. She repeated the sequence twice. During this time, the patient became less agitated but did not stop talking. The second visit (the next day) the patient was again restless and agitated - demanding to be taken home. Fiona stood next to the patient and tried the M Technique while the patient was still standing at the nurse's station. The patient appeared to recognize the sequence and stopped speaking. A chair was brought and the patient sat down. She began to close her eyes. Fiona was able to use the M technique on the patient's face. After this, the patient was almost asleep. When she woke up she walked to her room with assistance and then drank a glass of water and ate some food. The third visit was the next day. The patient was again agitated about an imaginary situation and refusing to sit down. Fiona again did the M Technique on her hand while they were both standing. After two sequences, the patient sat down on the chair and appeared to calm down. Fiona repeated the M technique on the patient's face and then, feeling brave, she decided to try to do the M Technique on the patient's feet. The patient remained calm and said how lovely it felt. Several nurses came in to watch and were totally amazed, as, until then, nobody had been able to touch the patient's feet. At the end of the session, the patient opened her eyes and demanded a cup of tea and some biscuits. Something she had been refusing for over a week!

References

1) Montagu A (1986) Touching: The Human Significance of Skin Perennial. New York.
2) Buckle J, The M Technique for Dementia. 2009. Working with Older People 13 (3) 22-24.
3) Buckle J (2000) The 'M' technique: physical hypnotherapy for the critically ill. Massage & Bodywork 15 (1): 52-5, 58-9, 64.
4) Buckle J, Newberg A, Wintering N, Hutton E, Lido C & Farrar J (2008) Measurement of Regional Cerebral Blood Flow Associated with the M Technique - A case-series and Longitudinal Study Using SPECT. Journal Alternative & Complementary Medicine 14 (8) 903-910.
5) McVeigh-Crabbe F (2009) Case study for M Technique Practitioner certification. Modified with author's permission.