Why do we crave therapeutic touch?
We all know that after a massage we feel better… but why? Why do we look forward to the yoga instructor’s adjustments or light touch at the end of class, or feel better after receiving a hug?
Research shows the right kind of touch can lower blood pressure, heart rate, and cortisol levels, stimulate the hippocampus (an area of the brain that is central to memory), and drive the release of a host of hormones and neuropeptides that have been linked to positive and uplifting emotions. The physical effects of touch are far-reaching. To sum it up:
- Touch is essential to the human experience.
- Touch can impact anxiety, depression, stress, and the nervous system.
- Infants can have developmental delays associated with touch deprivation.
- Massage decreases symptoms of PTSD among military veterans.
- Touch trains neural pathways – safe, therapeutic touch re-trains the brain to predict safe interactions.
- While yoga has been shown to be extremely beneficial for both the physical body and emotions, adding the powerful element of touch has the potential to exponentially increase positive effects for the mind and body.
Click the link below and sign up for our next Yomassage group session today!
