Touch is a fundamental part of the way in which humans communicate, bond and heal. It has a profound effect on our emotional and physical wellbeing, and the benefits of touch have been studied extensively, showing that they go beyond the simple massage to relieve physical aches and pains.

 

Our skin offers us a chance to feel comfort and connectedness. It contains many nerve endings, which are sensitive to touch and help us to identify comfort or pain that is affecting our body. Studies have proven that a soothing touch can do measurably more profound things to our emotional state; a hug instead of a handshake, or a kiss on the forehead instead of a smile can psychologically enhance our mood and provide comfort, whether we realise it is happening or not.

 

Touch is a gateway to our emotional health because it sends messages to our brain about what is going on outside (like temperature, pain, pleasure, etc.). Our skin is the primary element in our sense of touch. The amount of information we receive through our skin is truly wonderous, and we are only just beginning to understand it through science.

 

Receiving touch has been demonstrated as a highly effective stress reliever, with physical signs of calm being shown (like slower heart rate and lower blood pressure). It is suggested that this is because of an increase in bonding hormones (oxytocin), and a reduction in stress hormones – all because of the simple act of physical touch. These stress hormones are produced by adrenal glands in unpleasant situations, and lowering these levels through touch also improves the immune system. Touch may also affect mental and emotional health by decreasing depression while increasing positive feelings (like connectedness and self-worth).