Dr. Bowlby in the early 1920's observed that babies in orphanages who were held and cuddled did quite well, but babies who were given basic care but not held, literally died. The idea that touch and massage can heal is an old one. Modern science is now confirming that touch and massage are good medicine. More than 50 studies at TRI indicate that massage has positive effects on colic, hyperactivity, diabetes, migraine headaches and asthma. When we say that somebody touches us deeply, it means he or she has gone to the core of our being.
Physical touch is also more than skin deep.
Skin is the human body's largest organ and contains millions of receptors that send messages through nerve fibers to the brain via the spinal cord. They had fewer doctor visits and made more social phone calls. America is considered a non-tactile society compared to other countries. One researcher worries that Americans aren't getting enough touch with growing concerns about sexual harassment and abuse in schools and workplaces and that it will have a significant effect on physical and emotional well-being. All of us need to give and receive human touch in order to stay healthy.