Why Touch Can Dramatically Reduce Pain and Anxiety
What is it about a hug that feels so good? Why is a warm touch on the hand or arm so comforting? Why is receiving a massage one of the most calming and beneficial things we can do?
Touch, especially skin-to-skin contact, releases a beautiful hormone called oxytocin. Oxytocin has been dubbed “the hormone of love and bonding”. While it is often thought of as a female hormone, known for its role in labor and lactation in women, oxytocin offers a whole host of other beneficial effects for both women and men alike. Oxytocin reduces anxiety, blood pressure, cortisol levels, fear, and even decreases pain sensitivity. This is one of the reasons why massage, even at a light pressure, can dramatically impact pain and improve anxiety levels. Oxytocin promotes growth and healing and creates feelings of contentment, calmness and security. Studies show a positive correlation of oxytocin with increased social bonding, increased trust and generosity. It’s probably why you feel so bonded to your massage therapist.
Oxytocin levels can be increased through the following:
· Touch, light pressure, massage-like stroking
· Ingestion of food (especially fatty foods, chocolate and peppers high in capsaicin)
· Lovemaking
· Familiar and pleasant smells (like essential oils or a loved one’s cologne)
· Exposure to certain types of soothing sounds and dim light,
· Being in supportive, warm, empathetic social environments.
Repeated treatment with massage-like touch has been shown in studies to give rise to long-lasting effects similar to receiving repeated oxytocin injections. In fact, many of the factors that increase oxytocin can be found in a therapeutic massage environment: soothing sounds, dim lighting, pleasant smells of essential oils, a supportive therapist and the all-important oxytocin-releasing factor of touch.
Positive touch and healthy stimulation of the senses is critical, not only for strong relationships, but also for health and well-being. Now, more than ever, we need touch and connection. Take a moment to reach out and pat someone on the back, give a hug, hold a hand, play soothing music, share a spicy meal followed by a chocolate dessert (but watch your wine consumption; while a drink or two may lower your inhibitions for social interaction, consuming too much alcohol actually decreases oxytocin levels). Not only will you enhance someone else’s health and mood, but you will create a stronger bond with them in the process.
Increase your own oxytocin levels, too, and treat yourself to a massage. You’ll decrease your pain and anxiety levels, and help your body heal.
Experience the healing power of touch through massage therapy.
