How many of us are really conscious of the power of touch. It seems that we go through a good part of our day with little to no human contact. We spend so much time on the computer or the phone and get so wrapped up in getting our work done and racing to the next event in our lives. Here is some food for thought to consider about the power of touch.

Touch is TEN times stronger than verbal communication and it allows us to release old pains and emotions stored in muscles. The Touch Research Institute (TRI) at the University of Miami School of Medicine devotes its studies solely to the effects of  touch therapy.

TRI says it has carried out more than 100 studies in  touch and found evidence of significant effects, including faster growth in premature babies, reduced pain, decreased autoimmune disease symptoms, lowered glucose levels in children with diabetes, and improved immune systems in people with cancer. It really is incredible that  human touch can have such an impact on all of these conditions.

When you think about it, it  really is human instinct. When people hurt themselves they instinctively touch the area that is affected.  When a child gets hurt a parent will “kiss it to make it feel better”. Just the comfort of someone touching a child where they are hurt generally calms them down.

Science tells us that touch triggers the release of brain endorphins, which work as natural pain relievers.  Touching can make your immune system stronger and your mood lighter. The more you are touched the better you feel. Touching is a necessity for a healthy life.

A fifteen minute or half-hour massage can boost your immune system and lessen stress making you feel calmer and  happier. For some people who live alone, their massage might be the only time that they experience human touch. Massage is so much more than relieving sore muscles, it affects you on the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual level.