Touch Therapy: Does It Really Work?
By Genevieve Cunningham
Touch is a powerful tool. The personal gesture of touching another person can bring a wealth of healthy benefits into both of your lives. In fact, researchers are so sure about the healing powers of touch, there’s an entire form of therapy surrounding the practice. Touch therapy, a relatively new phenomenon, is gaining ground. But even if you don’t go the professional route, touch can provide some big benefits. If you’re interested to know how simple touch can heal your body and mind, take a look at this quick guide.
What is Touch Therapy?
This is a simple massage technique that targets certain areas of the body to bring about healing and a boost in health. An informal type of touch therapy simply involves being close to and touching a person (or persons) in your life. Many therapists and research professionals have found that touch can improve the health of an individual. If a person is sick -- whether that is mentally or physically -- touch may improve their health as a whole, and most certainly their perspective on their current situation. It is especially beneficial for lowering stress, calming the mind, lowering heart rate, and improving the immune system.
How Can You Get Involved in Touch Therapy?
If you’re truly suffering from an ailment that might benefit from touch therapy, you might consider seeing a therapist or masseuse that specializes in this form of recovery. If you’re looking to improve your health on your own through touch, you may look for some of the following ways to experience that connection:
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Touch from family - Family members can be incredibly helpful in providing touch. Wake up in the morning with a hug from a parent or sibling, sit side by side while watching a movie, or just reach out and touch their arm or hand at any moment. Since family members already share a close relationship, this kind of touch just reinforces that emotional connection.
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Friendly touch - Good friends can experience touch in the same manner as family members. Hugs, holding hands, sitting close enough to touch … all of these can provide that closeness that improves mental and physical wellness.
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Animal pals - While touching an animal is not quite the same as human touch, it can provide a certain sense of belonging and peace. It may also bring you together with other animal lovers who can provide both friendship and touch down the road.
While touch isn’t the answer to all of your ailments, it’s a great place to start. It might help you feel loved and secure, and it can also improve your mental, emotional, and physical health in a big way. Whether it’s holding hands with your spouse, a big hug from your mom, or touch therapy from a certified professional, touch might be a great way to keep yourself happy and healthy for years to come.
To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Scottsdale, Ariz.