The Power and Science of Touch
Humans need to feel other humans.
It sounds pretty hilarious or even awkward, especially in our Western culture, where it is practically a crime to touch a stranger, and quite weird even to touch a friend.
But studies have shown that many societies see touch as their friend. These societies often have tight-knit communities and hugely social recreation time. They often coincide with societies with a tendency to age healthily.
In one such study, scientists observed friends having a catch up. In England, the average number of touches over one hour was precisely zero. In the US, it was 2. In France, 110. Puerto Rico topped out at 180 average touches per hour between friends.
So how do we benefit from touch?
Only recently have scientists begun to really understand the power of human touch. Premature infants are much more likely to gain weight when they have touch therapy, including skin-to-skin contact, compared to those who receive standard medical care.
Young children who grow up in orphanages across the world who are deprived of regular touch, are shorter and lighter than they should be.
Basic warm touch has been shown to reduce cardiovascular stress. A hug a day is what might keep that doctor at bay, much more effectively than an apple.
Basketball teams who touch each other more regularly are more likely to win more games.
Touch therapy has been shown to alleviate depression in pregnant women, and patients with alzheimers. It has been shown that autistic children who dislike touch, will enjoy a massage from a parent or therapist.
Research from UC Berkeley’s School of Public Health has found that touch from their doctor may boost survival rates of patients with complex diseases – and it can be as simple as a pat on the back.
Now more than ever, human connection is priceless, and never before has a spotlight been shone on it so brightly.
Whilst I would never encourage accosting strangers to pat them on the arm, I will definitely advocate for a society that builds social touch into its culture, when it’s once again safe to do so. In the meantime, makes sure you make time for a hug with someone you live with, even if that someone is a pet.
When I use touch as a healing mechanism, it’s very precise for what somebody needs. When you combine the power of touch with the power of getting your body’s nerves balanced and blood flowing well, with joints and muscles in alignment, the possibilities are endless.
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For information on the studies mentioned in the article, go to https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/hands_on_research
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Autism
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