A Unitary Theory of Healing Through Touch.

Touch has been linked empirically to healing outcomes; therefore, developing theories about the dynamics between touch and healing is important for nursing. A practice-based theory is described within a Unitary Science perspective emerging from the findings of a qualitative descriptive study of the experiences of persons with advanced cancer receiving touch (massage and simple touch) during hospice care. Seventeen participants were interviewed. Through content analysis and retroductive constructivist theory development, healing through touch was described as a dynamic process cocreated by healer and healee, characterized by the simultaneous activities of sensing, reflecting, and connecting. Interpretation of findings from a unitary lens led to an overarching theme of touch as sanctuary and explication of theoretical alignment with the concepts of wholeness, awareness, and presence.