Touch Starvation – what it means to us as humans
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 limiting 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. The lack of touch may increase feelings of stress, depression, and anxiety. In turn, this may trigger a variety of negative physiological effects.
Touch can also 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.
For example, to combat stress, the body releases the hormone cortisol. This hormone can increase heart rate, blood pressure, respiration, and muscle tension and suppress the digestive and immune systems, which could increase the risk of infection.
Skin 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. Therefore, regular touch may help maintain general well-being, while a lack of physical contact may facilitate negative psychological and physiological effects.
It is thought that treatment – the touch of an Osteopath, Physiotherapist or Doctor can reassure and activate this pathway contributing to a sense of well-being as well as working on the specifics of a problem that you may have consulted about.
The NHS has taken a very hands-off approach during the pandemic and I think they may well continue to offer many services either by phone or video consultation. Whilst this has benefits of lack of travelling, covid security and may save time – the lack of Face to Face contact and specifically the lack of touch may have more far reaching effects than we realise.
There are many people in our society who have very little human touch even before the pandemic and this has only become worse in the last year.
What can you do to help?
- Weighted blankets – simulate a hug and give people a sense of peace and calm.
- Body pillows – hugging one at night can help promote good sleep.
- Have a massage or treatment and possibly self massage – touching your own skin can stimulate receptors too. Talk to us at Walnut Grove if you would like an appointment.
- Recounting previous contact – touch can play a role in memory, so recalling a hug and focusing on that may relieve a stressful situation.
- When we can – I encourage touch where possible – the pat of a shoulder, a hug, hold a hand particularly with someone you think may have lost out in the last year – it can have more effect than you realise.
