There is definite evidence of health improvements based on touch therapy. I always feel spiritually transformed when I'm hugged or touched by others. I'm an old hippy and that may have something to do with it.

Hi Matt

I love this one :

"Aggression

There is some evidence that the level of aggression and violence among children is related to lack of touching. In two separate studies, Touch Research Institute researchers found that French children received more touching from parents and their peers and were less aggressive than their American counterparts".

It's truth we give a lot of cuddles and touching to our children, but I have the feeling English people gives even more. When I studied English I was living with a family near London and was suprised how free parents were with their children, even allowing them to run nude in the house, touching one another etc. Lots of cuddling too.  However, the English teens were more violent than the French ones, so I have no explanation for that.

Your message and its informations touch me a lot lol

Have a great w.e.

Do

Hey Karen

Thanks for the important reminder about the significance of human touch. There is a ton of info about this topic as it relates to humanity.

Just a couple of highlights:

Extensive research by the University of Miami's Touch Research Institute has revealed that human touch has wide-ranging physical and emotional benefits for people of all age groups. In the Institute's experiments, touch lessened pain, improved pulmonary function, increased growth in infants, lowered blood glucose and improved immune function. Human touch is important for all ages, but by the time children reach their teen years, they receive only half as much touching as they did in the early part of their lives. Adults touch each other even less.

Infants

Newborns that are touched gain weight faster and have superior mental and motor skill development---an advantage they retain for months.

Societal Inhibitions

Adolescents and adults need touch too, but societal inhibitions sometimes get in the way. You may find yourself wavering between a handshake and a hug when greeting or saying goodbye to colleagues or acquaintances because adults tend to equate touch with sexuality. To help find a socially acceptable middle ground, try touching a friend's lower arm, hand or shoulder lightly during a conversation. Both you and your friend will benefit from this tactile form of communication.

Aggression

There is some evidence that the level of aggression and violence among children is related to lack of touching. In two separate studies, Touch Research Institute researchers found that French children received more touching from parents and their peers and were less aggressive than their American counterparts.

Seniors

Senior citizens receive the least touching of any age group. This may be due, at least in part, to emphasis on young-looking skin and the implication that older skin is unattractive and thus untouchable. Seniors also are more likely to live alone, which means they are less likely to have daily physical interaction with family members. Nonetheless, the aging process tends to loosen inhibitions, so seniors are more likely to touch and to accept touching than younger age groups, especially teenagers.

oh Karen, what a beautiful message you'r giving to all of us. I understand your tears : I would not go for a massage because I would cry no stop ! funny enough the only doc I appreciate to see is one who does not touch me at all, he just stand behind me. He is ostheopath and does Reiki.It works for me thought.

Let's see what kind of help other have found to feel better during this hard period.

Hugs

Do

This week a friend stopped by, took one look at me-laid their hand on my leg and said, "you are in need of touch".  I busted into tears!!  The next day another friend said, "let me give you a big hug", I resisted, they insisted.  As they held me, I again started to sob.  Two days later my friend offered to give me a massage, I did not resist this time.  Afterwards I felt better than I have in months.

I realized after this, when going through the kind of stuff that most of us have been through with Hep C and treatment, we can sometimes loose scope of what is best for us.  Human touch is an important part of the healing process-Welcome those hugs, a hand on your shoulder or go get yourself a massage-you will not be sorry.  Gentlemen, this is not just for the ladies, you too need to soak up all the love.

Please share what has helped you get through the healing process.  I believe that by sharing your story, you give the gift of healing to another.