The Importance of Human Touch – and How Massage Can Help

Embracing Therapeutic Human Touch

The human need for touch is fundamental.

Our skin, the body’s largest organ, acts as a bridge between the external world and our inner selves, sending signals of both comfort and distress to our brains. From the moment we enter this world to the day we depart, the need for physical contact remains a constant.

Research has unveiled the profound impact of touch on our well-being. Furthermore, an absence of touch has shown to uncover a multitude of negative health outcomes.

The link between touch and our mental well-being is clear: anxiety, depression, and stress are all affected by how we experience touch. It's not surprising that the soothing effect of human touch can help reduce these emotional difficulties.

The Healing Power of Touch

So, what is it about touch that makes it such a powerful force?

• Touch has the remarkable ability to calm our nervous system, slow down our heartbeat, and even reduce our blood pressure.
• When we experience comforting touch, our bodies release oxytocin – often referred to as the “love hormone” – strengthening our emotional bonds with others.
• Additionally, touch has been shown to play a role in bolstering our immune response, keeping us healthy and resilient.

As if that’s not enough, the therapeutic potential of touch extends further, reducing our heart rate and the release of cortisol, the infamous “stress hormone”.

Introducing More Touch into Your Life

Many individuals, but especially the elderly or those living alone, experience touch deprivation. Touch deprivation is caused when one has a profound lack of human contact in their lives.

Given the indisputable importance of human touch, a natural question arises: how can we incorporate more “touch” into our lives?

Research suggests that one of the most effective ways to experience the therapeutic benefits of touch is through massage therapy.

Massage has been shown to have a profound impact on our well-being, easing depression, enhancing attentiveness, and fortifying immune function. In a world where touch deprivation – also known as “skin hunger” – is a common issue, massage therapy offers a path to rejuvenation.

Yvonne: A Toronto-Based Guide to Healing Touch

I'm Yvonne, and I see myself as a partner in helping my clients tap into the therapeutic benefits of touch. At Reflexology & Shiatsu Services of Toronto, my colleagues and I provide a variety of healing services that directly address the human need for touch.

Of course, my expertise in reflexology and Zen Shiatsu therapy is not only about physical touch; it’s about connecting with your inner well-being as well. My treatments come from a place of empathy, love, and compassion. Whether you’re looking for stress relief, emotional bonding, or a way to enhance your immune response, my services – and those of other like-minded practitioners – can help you make a connection through the power of touch.

I believe that as we navigate life and its challenges, we must not underestimate the importance of touch.

Touch not only plays a crucial role in medical care, but is also a fundamental element of our individual well-being.

Book Your Touch Therapy Session

I’ve been practicing massage and bodywork for over two decades. During that time I’ve seen first-hand how human touch and connection facilitates emotional and mental well-being.

If you or someone you know is experiencing touch deprivation, remember that massage is an accessible, powerful way to experience human connection.

If you are located in Toronto and would like to experience the power of massage for yourself, please consider booking a session online.

– Yvonne