Why is touch is so important? 
Touch signals safety and trust and it actually soothes us mentally and physically. If you are in a stressful situation and the person consoling you gently touches you, your body and mental mind will naturally think things are going to be okay.
Touch is so important in so many ways. Here are just a few of the benefits of touch.
- Stronger Immune System- Physical touch decreases disease. Research conducted at Northern Carolina, determined that women who receive more hugs from their partners had lower heart rates and blood pressure. The research also showed that,“hugs strengthened the immune system and calmed the nervous system.”
- Less Aggression- American developmental psychologist, James W. Prescott, claimed that the origins of violence in society were related to the lack of mother-child bonding. The absence of physical touch, bonding and healthy attachment between adult and child may result in lifelong emotional disturbances. In two different studies, The Touch Research Institute found that French children received more touch from parents and their peers and as a result, were less aggressive than their American counterparts.
- Greater Trust- touch activates the brain’s orbitofrontal cortex linked which leads to feelings of compassion, connection and a stronger bond between people. A simple touch can release oxytocin, the love hormone and bring up an emotional response. With a slight touch during a highly aggravated state, we tend to naturally feel at ease and more trusting of the outcome.
- Overall well being- We as humans require touch to thrive. A wave of studies has shown that there are incredible emotional and physical health benefits that come with touch. In the one of the experiments, touch lessened pain, improved pulmonary function, increased growth in infants, lowered blood glucose and improved immune function.
- Infant development- The more infants are touched, the faster they gain weight, and have better mental and motor skills. While touching them on the back of the legs calms babies, a gentle touch on the face, belly and feet excites them. When babies are held, their immune system strengthens.
We are social beings and all want to feel a sense of connection. While most of our connection comes from the conversations we have with one another, touch is a very important factor when bonding with others. When things in life get hectic and touch is minimal between loved ones, we tend to feel less connected.
I have had more than a few conversations with my other single friends and we all agree that the part we miss most about being in relationship is the touch. Some of us may go months without being touched. This is where getting regular massages and petting our animals can really help.
When I was in my thirties, it was more acceptable for my friends to be affectionate with me. The older I got, the less women around me express affection, I could tell that simple touch made women feel a bit uncomfortable. When it comes to men, if I am affectionate with them, they sometimes think that I’m coming on to them. When you have boundaries established with men who are friends, then it is easier for both parties to be affectionate.
I invite you to explore more touch. Be affectionate with people and your pets. You can also be affectionate with yourself. Try to explore different textures and touch sensations, such as letting cool sand run through your fingers or taking a warm relaxing bath. Don’t starve yourself from touch, it is so important to our physical and mental health. Give a hug to someone who needs it today, and you just might find that you needed it too. Explore your own feelings around being or not being touched from an individual retreat or mentoring.
