The Power of Touch

Touch is essential to the human experience.  We experience its power from the time we are born until we die.  With touch... Babies thrive (Harmon).  Students become more engaged in learning (Williams). Basketball teams win more games (Kelter). People with dementia experience increased well-being and increased trust in their caregivers(Caitlin).

With the growth of technological advances that seem to discourage touch, some suggest that recognizing and practice the power of touch is more critical today.  Ray Williams, in his article "8 Reasons Why We Need Human Touch More Than Ever"highlights eight ways in which research supports the power of touch.   Here are four of special significance.

• Touch increases trust and helps to build relationships.  It activates the brain's orbitofrontal cortex, the region linked to reward and compassion (Kelter).  Trust and positive relationships lead to cooperation, an increased willingness to work together to achieve a common goal.  
  
• Touch decreases disease and strengthens the immune system.   Hugs are tied to lower pulse rates and blood pressure in women.  They also help to regulate the production of white blood cells which protect us viruses and bacteria (Light et al).   
• Touch increases emotional intimacy.  Paul Zak, a neuroeconomist, suggests that eight hugs a day increases levels of oxytocin, the "love hormone."  Zak suggests that not only is oxytocin an important component of romantic love, it also makes people more empathetic and generous to other human beings.    
• Touch increases overall well-being.  Human beings are programmed to touch.  Mindful touching* (Young) allows us to communicate without words, can lower stress and violence, and bring people closer together.  The right touch can bring joy and soothe sadness. 
  
  

So go ahead and hug someone just for the heck of it.  You both might be really glad you did!

*Young uses the term "mindful touching" to distinguish appropriate from inappropriate touching.  For a discussion of the difference and general "rules," check out her article.

Touch seems to be as essential as sunlight.
Diane Ackerman