the power of HUMAN TOUCH

from Area Woman Magazine Feb/Mar '19

by Lake & Home Magazine | Area Woman Magazine

fun events with family and friends

Hugging a child.

A gentle touch on the shoulder to comfort a friend.

Holding hands with your partner as you walk down the street.

All of these interactions rely on the same powerful force: human touch.

It’s the first language we learn, it’s the last gift we might give. Touch has the power to calm and soothe, and we can also learn to add more touch to our lives.

Touch is absolutely fundamental to our human experience,” says Megan Spencer, a licensed doctor of psychology with Essentia Health.

“The power of touch is profound,” says Spencer. “It can strengthen communications, it can heal, it can communicate, it can influence.”

Spencer sees patients at Essentia Health South University Clinic in Fargo. She became interested in psychology in high school, and is fascinated by the nuanced ways that the same psychological condition can present itself in different patients. She often helps her patients see how important the role of human touch is in their lives.

“In all reality, we need touch,” Spencer says. “We need the comfort of connection, and security.”

Touch is important through all stages of life. Research indicates that even before birth, babies can sense the throb of their mother’s heartbeat, and the vibration of people speaking. And as soon as they are born, babies respond positively to gentle touching.

“The more nurturing touch you have as a child, the more you thrive,” Spencer says. Research shows that children who have more positive touching have more advanced visual skills, and better motor development, Spencer says.

There are also plenty of physiological reasons why welcome touch feels so good.

Healthy, affectionate touching releases oxytocin, a hormone that makes people feel close, secure and loved, Spencer says. “Oxytocin release nurtures feelings of trust,” she says. Oxytocin also helps reduce levels of cortisol, the stress hormone.

Skin is the largest organ of a person’s body, and every inch of your skin is primed to register touch. While some kinds of touch can be perceived as bad or unwelcome, wanted touching can actually reduce your blood pressure and cortisol levels, Spencer says. As little as 20 seconds of affectionate touch is enough to trigger the release of oxytocin.

Affectionate touching can include intimate acts like holding hands, snuggling or touching someone’s face. But the benefits of touch aren’t limited to couples, Spencer says. A simple tap on the shoulder, a quick arm squeeze, or a pat on the hand can yield benefits, she explains.

“For people who are more uncomfortable with touch, that may be easier than embracing, or holding hands,” Spencer says.

Human touch also encourages compassion. “It brings people closer,” Spencer says. You have to be right next to someone to be able to touch them, which brings more meaning to an apology or a voice of concern, she says.

“A gentle touch can make your ‘I’m sorry’ sound even better,” Spencer says. “Also, that apology triggers a part of the brain called the insula, which helps process emotions.”

Comfort with touching varies a lot among families, cultures and genders, Spencer says. You may be fine with touching and being touched, but others may not be. Spencer suggests asking before offering touch, perhaps by saying, “Is it OK if I give you a hug?”

Healthy touch benefits both the giver and the receiver, Spencer says. Even if, for example, a loved one has suffered a medical issue that has left them seemingly unresponsive, gentle touching can still be helpful.

“The brain is still processing that information, that touching,” Spencer says. “Even if they can’t physically see, can’t hear, can’t smell, they still have touch.”