HEALTH TIP OF THE WEEK: The Power of Human Touch We all crave touch to some extent. It is the first sense to develop in humans and may be the last to fade. There are approximately 5 MILLION touch receptors in our skin – 3,000 in a fingertip. It’s no wonder that a squeeze of the hand, a huge bear hug, a reassuring hug, a pat on the back, a warm handshake or just a hand on the shoulder can have a caring and calming effect on the body, mind and soul. Even though touch has been shown to have measurable health benefits, it is also true that touch deprivation can have a negative effect on health. Growing research suggests that American children and adolescents are dangerously touch-deprived. Psychologist Matthew Hertenstein, PhD, director of the Touch and Emotion Lab at DePauw University says that touch deprivation is a real thing. “Most of us, whatever our relationship status, need more human contact than we’re getting,” says Hertenstein. “Compared with other cultures, we live in a touch-phobic society that’s made affection with anyone but loved ones taboo.”
Posted on: Mon, 31 Mar 2014 16:46:02 +0000
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