The Importance of Touch
I'm sure you've heard of the power of touch. There's article after article about the importance of holding babies, how physical touch is such an important factor in whether we thrive, and the life-saving effect of kangaroo care on preemies. But what about adults, do we just grow out of needing touch? Not at all. Studies suggest that physical touch is also important to the mental and physical health of adults.
Physical touch increases levels of dopamine and serotonin, two neurotransmitters that help regulate your mood as well as help your body relieve stress and anxiety. Dopamine is also known to regulate the pleasure center in your brain that is a good counter to feelings of anxiety. One study on breast cancer patients found that massage therapy in the form of stroking, stretching, and squeezing helped relax participants and increase dopamine and serotonin levels. It also releases oxytocin, known as the "feel good" hormone. Oxytocin helps inspire positive thinking and maintaining an optimistic outlook on the world. The role of oxytocin for bonding also extends to helping generate feelings of compassion during interactions. This can contribute to an expansion of trust among individuals during social situations, helping to reduce social anxiety and stress.
Touch has been found to lower heart rate and blood pressure. And particularly in women, to lower the level of cortisol in the body. Cortisol when elevated, impedes our working memory and, most critically, the immune system’s resilience. Studies also show that touching patients with Alzheimer’s disease can have huge effects on getting them to relax, making emotional connections with others, and reducing their symptoms of depression.
Physical touch has great transformative possibilities in adults. And there are all kinds of positive touch in this world: kissing, cuddling, and hand-holding for and more intimate, familiar touch. And for more platonic touch: a pat on the back, high five, hug, or getting a massage. But whatever forms you choose, just make sure that it's consensual.
Thank you for reading
-Natalie Faircloth
For a more in-depth article, check out this link:
https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/hands_on_research
Massage: It’s not just good for our muscles; it’s good for our entire physical and mental health. -Dacher Keltner