09/06/2026
The power of touch 🙌🏼
Touch is the first sense we acquire in life and arguably the last to leave us.
I mean who doesn’t love a hug right? Well in fairness some people don’t but even if unlike me you are not a tactile person just think about the power of human contact, be it a firm handshake, a comforting hand on the shoulder, a high five, a fist bump or a giant cuddle, the language of touch can speak a thousand words!
My entire vocation is based around touch, human connection and healing and it got me thinking.... just what is the great power of human touch?
Physiologically speaking touch has been found, among other things, to reduce stress, lower heart rate and blood pressure. It has even been found to lower the level of cortisol in the body which, when elevated, impedes our working memory and, most critically, the immune system’s resilience.
But away from the physiology of touch is the mental heath benefits it brings.
As a therapist I have always based so much emphasis on building trust and empathy with clients and much of this comes through the physical connection you gain during treatment, that connection allows people to be open and honest with you in a way which may even come as a surprise to them. It is reassuring, comforting and for want of a better word, healing.
In other aspects of life touch is a symbol of compassion, love, commitment, joy and pleasure. All of these are such powerful emotions which are elevated to a different level by the ability to feel touch. More and more we now work and live more remotely than ever and while the advances in tech, working from home, online communications etc all have their place I think it’s important not to lose sight of the simple but vital connection that comes from physical touch and presence and the benefits that brings.
