TOUCH!

Arnie Shapiro, M.D.
September – October 2024 • Vol 4, No 12

I have previously discussed gratitude for the senses we would not like to lose: vision, hearing, and balance. Clearly, these senses play a major role, and enhance our life experience. I’ll add one more: touch.

As in all other animal species, touch is essential for survival and interaction. Social animals, especially mammals, have another dimension of touch: social bonding. Mammals also have the vital element of maternal feeding and caring.

Our skin is our largest organ. Most reception of touch is via our skin. Types of touch receptors in our skin are: light touch, heat, firmer touch, cold, pain, and pressure. Large fractions of touch receptors are in the hands, feet, face, and lips/mouth. All touch reception is translated to electrical impulses that travel along nerves to the spinal cord and brain. Speeds of transmission are lightning-fast, and might trigger a muscular response. The fastest responses, such as pulling a body part away from a burning or sharp sensation, are split-second. There are other touch-like receptors inside our bodies: stretch, bladder/bowel fullness, and tissue damage, and/or inflammation, which are sure to gain our attention.

All mammal mothers give tender loving care to their offspring. Primates, including humans, do it especially with their upper extremities, holding their infants close and stroking affectionately. Breastfeeding is present in all mammals, until weaning.

In humans, close maternal-infant touch is crucial for healthy development of the infant. Studies in orphanages have shown clearly that babies do not thrive on just bottle feeding and diaper changing. They must be held and cuddled several times daily.

Many societies have traditional carriers for infants. There is close contact, and the baby feels the movements of the mother, and hears her breathing, and might feel her heartbeat. Gentle handling of babies, including diaper changes, clothing changes, and bathing, brings a sense of security.

At any age, interpersonal touch in the forms of hugs, strokes, and cuddling, communicates empathy, care, comfort and love. To give and receive a soothing touch reinforces all love relationships. Often, when we give soothing touch, even to a pet, we receive pleasure ourselves. Soothing touch releases oxytocin in the brain, which can be described as “the bonding hormone.”

Soothing touch can be given to oneself. In self-mas-sage, we are both the giver and the receiver. In an earlier issue, I described a brief relaxation technique that was a 2-minute self-massage of the neck, scalp and face. All strokes are done slowly and mindfully.

Another way to enhance our touch awareness is through mindfulness—at any time do a body scan to attend what is touching or pressing on your skin. You can also attend your mouth and nose, which are very sensitive. Are you holding tension in your mouth or jaw? What part of your mouth is your tongue touching? What does the air feel like passing into and out of your nostrils?

In summary, the sense of touch is as important to well-being and enjoyment as all the other senses. It is essential for safety, survival, and physical pleasure. It is essential for infant and child development, family bonding, and intimate relationships. It can be observed and appreciated at any time—at rest or in activity.

Keep in touch!
— Namaste!

Dr. Shapiro is a career clinic physician who has utilized relaxation techniques with many of his patients. His YouTube channel is: “Arnie Shapiro, MD • Breathing Easy.” Email Dr. Shapiro at: alloydshapiro@gmail.com.