Today I was inspired to write about the benefits of human touch because of a post I read on Ideapod about human touch and the importance of touching and being touched.
I have been aware for many years that some childrens hospitals have volunteer positions for “cuddlers” to come and hold and rock the sick babies and children to help increase their survival rate. One such hospital has elderly volunteers that come to rock the babies with AIDS and says that it is of benefit to both the babies and to the elderly volunteers to have that human touch.
A simple pat on the back, a hug, or a gentle touch of the hand can have a profound impact on health and healing.
The following quotes and information can be found in this article:
Even though touch has been shown to have measurable health benefits, it is also true that touch deprivation can have a detrimental effect on health. A growing body of research suggests that American children and adolescents are dangerously touch-deprived. Psychologist Matthew Hertenstein, PhD, director of the Touch and Emotion Lab at DePauw University says that touch deprivation is a real thing. “Most of us, whatever our relationship status, need more human contact than we’re getting,” says Hertenstein.Neurologist Shekar Raman, MD, in Richmond, Virginia explains: “A hug, pat on the back, and even a friendly handshake are processed by the reward center in the central nervous system, which is why they can have a powerful impact on the human psyche, making us feel happiness and joy. And it doesn’t matter if you’re the toucher or touchee. The more you connect with others — on even the smallest physical level — the happier you’ll be.”Touch can also benefit the immune system. According to Ms Field: “In studies of women with breast cancer, we found that when cortisol levels are up, natural killer (NK) cells are down. –
Health Benefits of Human Touch:
- eases pain
- helps with infant growth
- enhances vital signs
- stabilizes body temp
- can communicate positivity
- helps provide better sleep
- reduces irritability
- increases sociability
- strengthens relationships
- strengthens immune system
- helps with depression
- increases proper digestion
- releases serotonin
- enhances a sense of well-being
- stimulates oxytocin – the cuddle hormone
- slows heart rate – lowers blood pressure
- lowers the stress hormone cortisol
- gives comfort and relieves sadness
- can help us feel happiness & joy
- releases tension & tightness
- helps migraine pain
Read more at WPBeginner: Health Benefits of Human Touchhttp://www.exhibithealth.com/general-health/health-benefits-of-human-touch-1345/
Kristeen Kish
CAMTC Certified Massage Therapist
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