TOUCH vol. 4 | Page 16

“ We are now beginning to see the value and importance of touch not only from the perspective of physical comfort and response, but also the development of psychological and emotional benefit. their heads were removed from the gene pool if a true danger was present. The calming comfort of touch facilitates a reduction in the hormones that precipitate and perpetuate this response. Touch promotes social bonding through the release of oxytocin. Social bonding can help reduce the isolation of depression and the disconnection that so many people perceive is present in their lives. It can facilitate communication and improve relatedness with others. Good communication skills can enhance confidence and selfesteem as well as having positive social connections to others. We are now beginning to see the value and importance of touch ” not only from the perspective of physical comfort and response, but also the development of psychological and emotional benefit. It is likely that we will continue to grow in our knowledge, although this will likely serve to support to inherent understanding that we, as providers of service in this field, already have. It is valuable in enhancing the reputation of a field to have the empirical support to back the common wisdom of the centuries. As we are better able to separate distinct emotional responses, we may have greater awareness of the power of touch on our psychological health. Until then, we continue to hone our skills and provide benefit to the clients we serve.