The Healing Power of Touch

On Sunday I was reading the Sunday Times, Body and Soul section and came across a quote from Professor Francis McGLone saying that “All of us could do with a bit more TLC” Tender love and care is definitely something we could all do with a bit more of. In the last few years there has been an increasing amount of research into the power of touch and its ability to help fight disease, reduce stress and pain. According to research from The Touch Research Institute at the University of Miami, the effects of touch have been found to significantly reduce the effects of pain,improve immune system function and lower glucose levels in children.

At the Wellbeing Clinic as complementary therapists we would definitely agree that touch can have a very positive effect on the body both emotionally and physically.Whether through massage, reflexology, reiki or craniosacral  therapy, touch can help to relieve physical tensions. What is not always expected is that the client may feel very emotional after having a body treatment, physical touch can help a person to unlock emotional stress as well as physical, creating a truly holistic experience.

But how does touch work? It could be argued that it is no surprise that we feel better if we are hugged by a partner, husband, wife or friend. But why do we feel better if we are touched by a therapist or practitioner? A practitioner is there for the benefit of the client a practitioner's touch may express sympathy, understanding or an unconditional support. This support will often allow the person to feel safe and secure and able to fully relax and benefit from treatment.

If you would like more information on how complementary therapy can help you to get the most out of life then please see our website.

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