The importance of touch in an increasingly digitalized world

In a world where technology simplifies our exchanges and tasks, human contact retains an irreplaceable place. In the field of massage therapy, this reality takes on a particular resonance: beyond simple touch, it’s about creating space for listening, empathy and connection. This article explores why, in an increasingly digitalized world, human contact remains essential to our overall well-being, and how it nurtures our relationships and emotional health.

Social contact: a fundamental need

The need for social contact through touch is deeply rooted in our biology. In primates, it plays a key role in establishing, maintaining and repairing social bonds, essential for emotional stability and individual development. In humans, this need manifests itself right from birth, when physical and social interactions are crucial to our well-being. A simple gesture of tenderness, such as a hug or a handshake, stimulates the release of hormones such as oxytocin, nicknamed the “social bonding hormone”. This hormone promotes relaxation, reduces stress and reinforces feelings of security, contributing to emotional stability by strengthening bonds.

Social interaction goes far beyond simple verbal exchanges. Non-verbal language – gaze, facial expressions, touch – is just as fundamental to expressing emotions, building mutual trust and nurturing relationships. In the context of massage therapy, the ability to establish an authentic connection through touch relies on caring, human attention, a quality that no technology, however sophisticated, can replicate.

The health benefits of social contact

Human contact doesn’t just satisfy emotional needs; it also has tangible effects on physical and mental health. Studies show that quality social relationships can :

• Reduce stress and anxiety: Social support reduces the release of the stress hormone cortisol, helping to prevent its harmful effects on the body.
• Boost the immune system: Social interaction stimulates the body’s defense mechanisms. According to Sophie Ugolini, immunology researcher at INSERM, “the activation of ‘caress neurons’ could have effects on wound healing and antiviral response.”
• Improving cardiovascular health: warm, human interaction and gentle touch help lower blood pressure and heart rate.
• Supporting mental health: Meaningful social relationships reduce the risk of depression and increase the sense of belonging. (Elias & Abdus-Saabor, 2022; Lefèvre et al., 2021)

The simple act of offering a moment of presence and touch can become a powerful lever for improving a person’s overall well-being.

The importance of the social touch at different stages of life

From birth, touch helps regulate emotions, develop attachment and form the basis of social communication. This mechanism begins even in utero, where touch and vestibular stimulation help prepare the brain to respond to social rewards. In infants, affective touch, like parental caresses, stimulates the release of oxytocin and reduces stress responses. The positive effects continue throughout childhood and adolescence, influencing aspects such as emotion regulation, social interaction and brain maturity. However, a deficit or alteration in tactile experience, such as avoidance or hypersensitivity to touch, can have developmental consequences, as in the case of autism spectrum disorders. In these individuals, the perception of social touch is often atypical, with a reduced response to stimuli and increased sensitivity to other types of touch. This sensory heterogeneity illustrates the crucial importance of adapted and synchronized touch in promoting balanced development and enhancing well-being at all ages of life (Cascio et al., 2018).

Individual variability in the face of social touch

Not everyone reacts in the same way to social touch. While this interaction is often perceived as comforting or beneficial, some people may find it uncomfortable or even unpleasant. Studies have highlighted several groups for whom social touch may be perceived negatively. Individuals with insecure attachment styles, for example, tend to evaluate these interactions less favorably (Krahé et al., 2018). Similarly, people on the autism spectrum, often characterized by tactile hypersensitivity, may react to touch with marked discomfort (Ujiie & Takashi, 2022). Social anxiety is another factor that can amplify discomfort with physical contact, as these individuals frequently fear the judgment of others (Wilhelm et al., 2001). Finally, people with dysmorphophobia, who focus on negative perceptions of their own bodies, may also experience touch as intrusive or threatening (Cazzato et al., 2021). These variations show that the experience of social touch is far from universal, underlining the need for an individualized approach to social interactions.

What’s more, we don’t get the same effect depending on who’s touching us! A functional MRI study shows differences in brain responses according to gender and status, with different activations in several brain areas such as the amygdala, orbitofrontal cortex and primary and secondary somatosensory areas.

Conclusion

In conclusion, touch is a fundamental need rooted in our biology, essential for emotional and social development throughout life. The benefits of human contact extend beyond superficial interactions, positively influencing our physical and mental health. However, it’s crucial to recognize individual variability in perceptions and reactions to touch. Everyone has a unique experience, often shaped by factors such as sensory sensitivity and social anxiety.

For massage therapists, understanding these dynamics is of paramount importance. By cultivating a space of trust and tailoring their approach to each client’s individual needs, massage therapists can not only promote physical well-being but also offer significant emotional support. The art of massage therapy goes beyond manual techniques: it’s about creating an authentic connection, listening to bodily and emotional signals, and adjusting interventions according to the client’s reactions. This enhances the effectiveness of sessions while respecting personal limits, thus strengthening the therapeutic bond. By cultivating respectful and attentive interactions, massage therapists play a key role in promoting holistic well-being, fostering a more fulfilling and balanced life for their clients.

To remember:

• Touch is an essential biological need for humans, playing a crucial role in establishing and maintaining social bonds from birth, and promoting the release of beneficial hormones such as oxytocin.
• Social touch has positive effects on physical and mental health, such as reducing stress and anxiety, boosting the immune system, improving cardiovascular health and supporting mental health.
• Touch influences emotional and social development through the ages, from emotion regulation in infancy to brain maturity in adolescence. A tactile deficit can have developmental consequences.
• Reactions to social touch vary from person to person, depending on factors such as attachment styles, sensory sensitivity and social anxiety.

Sources :

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• Bolmont, L. (2023, December 5). Caresses” to heal burns: researcher honored for her work on nervous systems. France 3 Provence-Alpes-Côte D’Azur. https://france3-regions.francetvinfo.fr/provence-alpes-cote-d-azur/bouches-du-rhone/marseille/des-caresses-pour-soigner-les-brulures-une-chercheuse-distinguee-pour-ses-travaux-sur-les-systemes-nerveux-et-immunitaires-2883689.html
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