Hello, friends!
Today, we’re going to explore the importance of touch, in relationships and in life in general.
We need touch. We’re hardwired to crave intimacy and real contact with other beings. Touch is a language all its own, and different forms of touch have different meanings, different impacts upon our physiology and wellbeing. Touch is intimate, and whether it’s cuddling with a partner or receiving a massage from a professional, intimacy through touch supports our health and wellbeing in many ways.
Let’s explore some of the biggest benefits of having regular, healthy touch in your life:
Reduces Stress and Anxiety
You’ve probably heard of oxytocin. It’s sometimes known as the “love molecule”. Oxytocin is a hormone that promotes relaxation, reduces stress and anxiety, and brings a deeper sense of connection with our loved ones. When we give or receive physical touch, our bodies release oxytocin, which strengthens our connections and helps us feel calm and relaxed. Intimacy through touch can be especially helpful for those who suffer from anxiety or stress related disorders.
Improves Mood
Oxytocin isn’t the only molecule which is stimulated through touch. Intimacy through touch also triggers the release of dopamine and serotonin, two of the “feel good” neurotransmitters. So, just giving or receiving touch will improve your mood, bring about more happiness and deeper wellbeing, and support overall mental health.
Boosts Immunity
The body is absolutely amazing. When we think of helping our body to overcome illness, we often think of antibiotics and other medications that eliminate pathogens. But the body’s natural immune system, when working well, is incredibly powerful. When our systems aren’t compromised, we don’t get sick. And the beautiful thing is that intimate touch can boost our immune systems. When we engage in physical touch, our bodies produce more white blood cells, which are essential for fighting off illness and disease. This can help us stay healthy and reduce the risk of getting sick.
Enhances Intimacy in Relationships
Intimacy is essential for healthy relationships. It’s a sense of closeness and familiarity, trust and understanding. Intimacy comes in many forms: emotional, physical, intellectual and sexual. Physical intimacy is an essential part of healthy relationships. Whether it’s holding hands, cuddling, or having sex, physical touch helps strengthen the bond between partners. Touch helps couples feel closer and more connected.
Improves Sleep Quality
So we’ve seen that both receiving or giving touch boost our oxytocin, serotonin, and dopamine levels. But that’s not all. When we receive touch, our bodies release melatonin, a hormone that promotes sleep. This can help us fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer, leading to more restful and rejuvenating sleep. This means that physical intimacy improves the quality of our sleep. And this supports energy levels, mental clarity, and emotional balance throughout each day.
Reduces Pain
How about natural pain relief? When we receive touch, whether through massage or other forms of touch therapy, our bodies release endorphins, which are natural painkillers. This is especially helpful for those who suffer from chronic pain or have recently undergone surgery or other medical procedures. But, even for those who are pretty healthy, endorphins make us feel good, supporting both physical health and emotional wellbeing.
Promotes Self-Love and Acceptance
The more you are able to love yourself, the more you can open to love from a partner. Intimacy through touch promotes self-love and acceptance. When we receive physical touch, we learn to appreciate and accept our bodies. Touch shows that we are loved, and that we are lovable. This helps us to develop a more positive self-image and improves our overall sense of self-worth. And, the better our self esteem, the better experience we have in every area of our lives.
Intimacy through touch is an essential part of adult life, and it comes with huge benefits. Touch enhances intimacy in relationships, improves sleep quality, reduces pain, and promotes self-love and acceptance. Whether it’s cuddling with a partner or receiving a massage from a professional, physical touch reduces stress and anxiety, improves mood, and boosts your immunity.
So, if you’re looking to get healthier, feel happier, and deepen your connections, consider bringing more intimate touch into your daily life. Whether it’s hugging a loved one or treating yourself to a massage, you’ll be doing your body and mind a world of good.
Let’s keep in touch!
In gratitude, Taranga