Touch Deprivation

I feel the need to address something that I obviously think is very important.
TOUCH.
Skin to skin. Any kind of POSITIVE healthy touch. 
One look at the world right now and you could probably get behind me on the fact that people are not being touched as often (in some cases that is actually a good thing, but I’m referring to healthy touch here).
Children are being deprived of healthy touch and studies have shown touch can decrease stress, allow the immune system to work the way it should, and can calm bodily organs such as blood pressure and heart rate. 
We’re seeing high cases of depression, anxiety, suicide rates, stress continually on the rise, because of what?! Exposure to things that are not healthy.
-Foods containing artificial ingredients.
-Screen time filled with artificial facts and information.
-Human connection which scary enough can contain artificial touch. Meaning harsh, selfish touch. And we all need real, loving, genuine, quality food, screen time, and touch. 
I have been struggling to even mention “touch” because I never want it to come off in the wrong way. I am definitely sensitive to the fact that there are a lot of negative connotations out there when it comes to touch, but I think that’s where the fear is seeping in. The fear of touching being inappropriate, the rise of sitting in front of screens and other technology and the need for busy-ness, is all putting a halt on healthy touch. HEALTHY being the key word. It is so important!

Any kind of touch; a handshake, pat on the back, high five, hug, all are recognized by the brain which then releases oxytocin. That’s the feel good, happy hormone. Who doesn't need more of this?
Touch is vital for mental, emotional, and physical health and I can’t shake the fact that it falls into the spiritual category as well. 
Our hearts, although aren’t literally touched, are touched in a sense of hearing a sweet story, seeing a kind gesture, feeling loved and a sense of belonging. Interestingly enough, after feeling moved emotionally, we use the phrase “well that just touched my heart.”
Touch is a positive thing. Naturally! And when it’s not, that’s when we need to change. We need to teach. We need to show those around us, and the next generation that safe touch is real, healthy and necessary. Safe touch exists. 

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Tips from the massage therapist:

ASK PERMISSION
The next time you see a loved one in distress, ask if you can offer them a shoulder rub.
BE INTENTIONAL
Simply place your loving hands upon their shoulders as they sit in front of you.
Rest your hands comfortably and let the heat from your hands transfer to their shoulders. 
Hold for 1-3 minutes.
TRANSFER POSITIVE ENERGY
​Using light pressure, graze your hands from the neck, down and off the shoulders in a flowy motion. 
Go slow.
Repeat 3, 7, or 12 times. 


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