Why do we need touch?
The need for human touch is one of our most basic, primal needs.
Touch deprivation is correlated with negative health outcomes such as anxiety, stress, depression and immune system disorders.
Touch calms down our nervous system and slows down our heart beat.
Human touch lowers blood pressure as well cortisol, the stress hormone. It releases oxytocin.
Studies have found that the brain quiets in response to stress when a person’s hand is held.
It’s pleasurable, nurturing, nourishing and soothing.