“
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.