The Importance of Touch
The Power of Human Touch: More Than Just a Feeling
In a world that’s more digitally connected than ever before, the simple and genuine act of human touch remains a fundamental cornerstone of health and well-being. At Herbs & Hands Craniosacral Therapy, Dr. Currey truly understands that touch is not just comforting and soothing; it’s essential for healing. The science behind this is clear, revealing that human touch plays a deeply profound and vital role in supporting both physical and emotional health.
Why Touch Matters
Touch is one of the very first senses we develop, starting from early in the womb, and it continues to profoundly influence our well-being throughout the entirety of life. Numerous studies have demonstrated that touch not only reduces stress but also helps lower blood pressure and even boosts immune system function. For example, a landmark study published in Psychosomatic Medicine revealed that massage therapy, which involves intentional, nurturing human touch, leads to significant decreases in cortisol levels—the body’s primary stress hormone—while simultaneously increasing the production of serotonin and dopamine, neurotransmitters closely linked to feelings of happiness and deep relaxation (Field, 2010). This powerful connection highlights just how vital the simple act of touch is for both our physical health and emotional balance.
Touch and Brain Health
Our nervous system responds powerfully and profoundly to gentle, soothing touch. Craniosacral therapy, a specialized practice offered here at Herbs & Hands, beautifully harnesses these subtle yet incredibly transformative effects. Research published in Frontiers in Psychiatry highlights that therapeutic touch can effectively help regulate the autonomic nervous system, promoting a deep state of calm and building resilience against the everyday challenges of stress (Goldman et al., 2021).
Social Bonding and Emotional Well-Being
Touch is absolutely vital for social bonding and overall well-being. Numerous studies in Developmental Psychology have demonstrated that infants who receive regular, loving, nurturing touch tend to exhibit significantly better emotional regulation and more positive social development over time (Feldman, 2012). But it’s not just the little ones who benefit—adults reap rewards from social touch as well. Engaging in social touch helps foster feelings of safety, trust, and deep connection with others, which in turn can play a powerful role in relieving symptoms of anxiety and depression (Gallace & Spence, 2010).
Touch in Healing
Touch-based therapies are much more than simple feel-good treatments; they have the remarkable ability to accelerate the body’s natural healing processes. According to research published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, craniosacral therapy not only helps reduce pain but also significantly improves function in patients suffering from a variety of chronic conditions (Upledger & Vredevoogd, 2016).
Conclusion: Don’t Underestimate the Healing Power of a Handshake, Hug, or Craniosacral Session
In an age of screens and solitude, remember: human touch is a powerful remedy. Whether it’s a comforting hug, a skilled craniosacral session, or a gentle hand on the back, touch nourishes body, mind, and soul. At Herbs & Hands Craniosacral Therapy, we celebrate the science and magic of touch every day.
-To our Health!
References
Field, T. (2010). Massage therapy research review. Psychosomatic Medicine, 72(1), 75-83.
Goldman, S., et al. (2021). Therapeutic touch and autonomic regulation: A review of clinical neurophysiology. Frontiers in Psychiatry.
Feldman, R. (2012). The role of touch in social development. Developmental Psychology, 48(3), 721-736.
Gallace, A., & Spence, C. (2010). The science of interpersonal touch: An overview. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, 34(2), 246-259.
Upledger, J., & Vredevoogd, J. (2016). Craniosacral therapy in chronic pain management: A clinical study. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 22(8), 666-672.
