5 Reasons Why Physical Touch Is Essential
Oct 01, 2018 by apost team
When thinking about the senses that humans have, most people don't consider touch to be at the top of the list.
Despite this, touch may be more important than you may think.
While listening to your favorite song or seeing the face of someone you love is important, we take for granted small things like the feeling of a hug or the comfort of a warm blanket.
1. It helps transfer positive energy.
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This may sound absolutely insane, but touching one another in a positive way can literally make you feel better by encouraging your body to release oxytocin. While the concept of energy transference has been around for centuries, now there are scientific studies to add credibility to it!
Even a light hug or a gentle touch on the arm can release oxytocin making you feel closer and happier.
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2. Touch helps you heal mentally and physically.
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People have been using different therapies that use touch such as acupuncture and massage for many centuries, and there's a good reason why. They have been shown to help the body heal in a natural way without the use of pharmaceuticals. Many times fussy babies are able to be calmed by the gentle embrace of their parents almost immediately.
Psychologists are even implementing touch therapies into their practices to help struggling couples reconnect and even helping PSTD survivors heal.
3. Physical touch helps us communicate better.
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When you touch someone, it can create a bond between the parties involved that opens the lines of communication.
Sometimes, touch can convey just as much as words when it is done properly.
Whether it be holding hands while talking about the future or engaging in a long hug to celebrate or mourn, touching helps get across what you are thinking or feeling without words being needed.
4. Touch creates a connection.
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How we feel physically influences our emotions in a considerable way, both in a good and bad sense. Physical contact can set off a wide array of emotions depending on the situation. While hugging a loved one may make you feel at ease and comfortable, shaking hands with a stranger may cause anxiety to some.
There are even events where participants will offer free hugs to others.
Not only does this feel good for the people receiving the hugs, but the people giving them are also receiving the benefits from the connections that they have made.
5. Physical touch helps you get what you need.
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Touch can help you get your point across. As we mentioned before, touch can help you communicate with others. The correct touch can help gain and keep the attention of someone that you are trying to communicate with. This is why many people will hold the hand of someone they are trying to talk to or lightly touch their arm when they are trying to get someone to understand what they are talking about.
