On the Therapeutic Efficacy of Applying Osculatory Pressure to Wounds
Posted: Monday, May 24, 2010
by Dianne Lehmann
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Kissing boo-boos has been in the news recently. I was unable to find even an abstract for the study that prompted the flurry of reporting. All the reporting agencies (especially online) presented the story with almost the exact same wording, so the parent study is out there somewhere. Even so, I am undeterred in my desire to make many and all aware of this wonderful therapy.
The actual study reported had more to do with the differences between children who received a lot of physical attention when very young and those who did not. It examined markers for inflammation in the older children of both groups and determined that those who received more care had less inflammation. While what made the news was the kissing aspect of it, it really was more about general levels of care.
I did find a study, published in 1995, that was reported by G. L. Hansen of the Department of Parapathology at Minnesota State University . For a period of 18 months, researchers monitored areas where pediatric injuries were likely to occur (playgrounds, under tree houses, the bottoms of steep hills, etc.). If a child was observed suffering an injury, a researcher followed that child home and attempted to secure permission to observe and record the treatment procedure. Of the 24,617 candidates, consent was obtained in 23 cases (no surprise there). About half of the wounded received osculatory pressure and the other half did not. Follow up interviews were conducted until the healing was deemed complete. The results were eye opening.
The data showed unambiguously that kissing wounds does indeed make them better. For all types of wounds, applying osculatory treatment at the time of other treatment showed a 5.2 day reduction in the average time of healing of minor pediatric wounds. Furthermore, it was determined that it did not matter who did the kissing. It could be the mother, father or other caregiver. In one case it was even an older brother who applied the osculatory pressure.
As a side issue to the osculatory research, notes were also made of types of dressings applied to the wounds and subsequent healing times were noted. Smurf bandages performed the most poorly, requiring nearly twice the time of other brand name bandages. A recommendation was made that parents avoid the use of Smurf bandages.
In conclusion, it is clearly obvious that kissing owies helps them to heal faster. And because it does not seem to matter who does the kissing, I suggest you get as many people to kiss your boo-boos as often as you can. It might just spark a whole new movement of alternative care with positive ramifications for all areas of society. And besides, it surely couldn't hurt.
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Top-level comments on this article: (4 total)I love this, Dianne. I did a double take at first, not knowing what osculatory meant! It makes complete sense to me that physical touch with love would make a huge impact on healing.I love the ritual you and Bernd have.JenniferxxxHi Jennifer.I was hoping that "osculatory" would cause a "double take."I've always thought it silly that people have to do studies to determine things that we all instinctively know to be true. But then I suppose, you can point your figure to it and say, "See, I always knew that." :)Thanks for stopping by!Hugs,Dianne
I'm all for kissing, hugging works too! Love it Dianne.You and Bernd have got it all figured out as far as I can tell. :)Hi Brianna.Yes, hugs are wonderful too. Can't get enough of them. And now that Bernd has finally found a job (Yeah! and boo hoo all at the same time), I get much fewer of them. :(As for having it all figured out ... HARDLY.Thanks for stopping by.Hugs,DianneFantastic! Congratulations to Bernd on the new job!
I commented before and your article came up in readers club just now..I didn't want to skip it as it is a worthwhile article to comment on.Hi again, Craig.I've had that happen. And thanks for taking the time again. I usually don't type an additional comment, but I do re-rate them. And sometimes, I actually read them again if I really liked them. :)My best to you,Dianne
Dianne, wonderful therapy it is kissing. I wonder what's the effect of saying hello to someone with a kiss. Russians kiss I think 4 times (2 for each cheek), Spanish give 2 kisses (one for each cheek), other countries don't even kiss!!!! I'll bet if we all start a ritual just like yours, many smiling people we would get to see around. No more ugly faces out there!!!!Hi Samantha.I hadn't thought about kisses as greetings. That is indeed a wonderful thing. I'm more comfortable giving hugs as a greeting, but not all people are receptive.It would be wonderful if everyone could start their day with a happy smile and a loving kiss. Sadly, not all have that goodness in their lives. You are right. It would make a BIG difference!Thanks so much for reading and adding you thoughts,DianneDianne, thanks for writing, it brought many answers and nice comments from other Searchwarpers.Lets turn the world around! Comes to me that Michael Jacksons song: Heal the world!....
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