Gentle touch is important for us humans.
♦ My friends and I have a custom of hugging each other upon greeting.
♦ Europeans greet each other with cheek kisses. Every country has strict rules around how many cheek kisses are shared: one for each side in France, three in Switzerland, and so forth.
♦ Eagerness on the part of the initiator can be expressed by holding the upper arms.
The Benefits of Touch
Who does not feel better after a massage? Research shows that massage has a wide range of benefits including:
- decreased heart rate,
- lowered blood pressure,
- less cortisol secretion, and
- increased oxytocin.
Other benefits are increased serotonin and a decrease in substance P, resulting in relief from pain.
Psychological benefits include:
- improved attentiveness,
- decreased depression, and
- better immune function.
If you want to feel better, get a massage, and introduce more touch into your life!
Want to talk? Make an appointment with me – phone, teletherapy or in person.
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