Humans are largely social beings and some research suggests that many people feel comfort, security and satisfaction from physical contact. Deprivation of physical touch may result in people experiencing negative sensations, such as feelings of emptiness and loneliness.
There may be a growing number of people experiencing touch starvation due to the global COVID-19 pandemic. Physical distancing and social restrictions to limit the spread of the virus are impeding exposure to other people and reducing physical contact between humans.
Touch can activate particular areas of the brain and may influence thought processes, reactions, and physiological responses. A lack of touch may increase feelings of stress, depression, and anxiety. In turn, this may trigger a variety of negative physiological effects.
Touch can be calming and reassuring for people experiencing distress. One 2017 study notes that embracing and patting children in distress has a soothing effect. A 2015 study even suggests that human touch may help fight off infections. To combat stress, the body releases the hormone cortisol. This can increase heart rate, blood pressure, respiration, and muscle tension and suppress the digestive and immune systems. These reactions can increase the risk of infection. Skin, however, can communicate positive and negative touch stimuli to sensory nerves, which convey the sensation of touch to the brain. In response to low intensity stimulation of the skin, such as touch or stroking, the body releases oxytocin. Oxytocin has many potential benefits, such as contributing to everyday well-being and stress reduction.
It is thought that the touch of an osteopath, physiotherapist or doctor can reassure and contribute to a sense of well-being as well as working on the specifics of a problem. The NHS has taken a very hands-off approach during the pandemic and I think it may well continue to offer many services either by phone or video consultation. Whilst this benefits COVID security and may save us travelling time, the loss of face to face contact and the lack of touch may have more far reaching effects than we realise.
There are many in society who experienced very little human touch even before the pandemic and this has only worsened over the last year. There may be things that you can do to help the current lack of touch:
- Weighted blankets – simulate a hug and give people a sense of peace and calm.
- Body pillows – hug one another at night to help promote good sleep.
- Have a massage or treatment and possibly self massage – touch your own skin as this can stimulate receptors too. Talk to us at Walnut Grove if you would like an appointment.
- Recount previous contact – touch can play a role in memory, so recall a hug and focus upon it to help relieve a stressful situation.
When we can – I encourage touch where possible, perhaps a pat of a shoulder or a hug. If you can, hold a hand, particularly of someone who you think may have missed out in the last year; it can have more effect than you realise.
