Have you ever experienced a warm hug from someone you love, a comforting pat on the back from a friend, or a soothing massage from a therapist? If so, you know how good it feels to be touched in a positive way. But did you also know that positive touch can have profound effects on your body and mind, from reducing stress and pain to enhancing immunity and bonding?
According to science, human beings are wired to crave physical contact from birth to death. Babies who receive more touch, such as cuddling, rocking, and skin-to-skin contact, tend to cry less, sleep better, gain weight faster, and develop stronger immune systems than those who receive less touch. Similarly, adults who engage in more physical affection, such as holding hands, kissing, and hugging, tend to report higher levels of happiness, satisfaction, and intimacy in their relationships than those who engage in less touch.
But why is touch so powerful? One reason is that it triggers the release of oxytocin, a hormone that plays a key role in social bonding, trust, and attachment. Oxytocin is produced in the hypothalamus and released into the bloodstream through the pituitary gland when we engage in positive social interactions, such as eye contact, smiling, and touching. Oxytocin promotes feelings of calmness, contentment, and security, and reduces feelings of fear, anxiety, and stress. Oxytocin also enhances empathy, generosity, and cooperation, and reduces aggression, prejudice, and discrimination.
Another reason why touch is powerful is that it activates the somatosensory cortex, a brain region that processes information from our skin, muscles, and joints. When we touch or are touched, our brain receives signals from different receptors in our body and interprets them as various sensations, such as pressure, temperature, and texture. The somatosensory cortex integrates these sensations into a holistic perception of touch, which can be pleasurable, painful, or neutral depending on the context, intensity, and quality of the touch. Positive touch, such as gentle stroking or kneading, can stimulate the release of endorphins, natural painkillers that can reduce pain and enhance pleasure.
Yet another reason why touch is powerful is that it influences our physiological and psychological states in various ways. For example, touch can lower blood pressure, heart rate, and cortisol levels, which are markers of stress. Touch can also boost levels of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that is involved in motivation, reward, and pleasure, and enhance feelings of well-being and self-esteem. Touch can even improve immune function by increasing the activity of natural killer cells, which are specialized white blood cells that help defend against viral and cancerous cells.
The power of touch and how it transforms our experience of life is incredible!
How has using positive touch impacted your life and relationships, both in the short and long-term?
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