Physical touch has become less in the lives of human beings ever since COVID-19 happened.
Earlier, this was because of fear of unintentionally spreading or acquiring the deadly virus. But now people have normalized the trend of having less physical touch. However, not many people know the importance of physical touch.
This plays a huge part in the life of cancer patients especially. Example of a physical touch is hugging. This is known to activate the release of the hormone oxytocin ‘ love hormone’. Also reduces cortisol levels leading to decreased anxiety, stress and depression.
In addition, it boosts the immune system, helps to maintain a child’s physical health, stimulates a child’s brain and is important for normal growth and development.
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In challenged children especially those with autism, touch can be therapeutic. This as they love being massaged by a parent or therapist. This research has been done by Tiffany Field, despite of people believing that autistic children hate being touched.
In addition, Field also found that massage therapy reduces pain in pregnant women and alleviates prenatal depression in the women and their spouses alike.
A review of Field also found that preterm newborns, who received just three 15 minutes sessions of touch therapy each day for 5-10 days. Do gain 47 percent more weight than premature infants, who only received standard medical treatment.
In addition, touch can still promote trust and generosity if done with good intentions. Some studies show that basic warm touch calms cardiovascular stress. It activates the body’s vagus nerve, which is intimately involved with our compassionate response and a simple touch can trigger release of oxytocin. One example is massage which makes one feel calmer during and after.
Studies also show that touching patients with Alzheimer’s disease can have huge effects on getting them to relax, make emotional connections with others, and reduce their symptoms of depression.
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Another research also adds that hugging along with laughter is extremely effective at healing sickness, disease, loneliness, depression, anxiety and stress.
However, despite of touch having so many benefits, people should still observe the rules and regulations of COVID -19. But if one gets into physical contact such as shaking hands, they should wash their hands with soap and water or sanitize.
