Does touch help depression?
In adults, touch interventions were shown to reduce feelings of depression, anxiety and physical pain. The article also points out that touch has positive effects whether it comes from someone familiar, like a friend giving a hug, or from a healthcare professional, such as a licensed massage therapist. Did you know that physical touch can actually reduce pain, depression and anxiety? Whether it’s a hug from a friend or family member, the comfort of a weighted blanket, or a good massage, physical touch has been proven to be beneficial for both body and mind.Therapeutic Touch has been shown to be effective in eliciting a relaxation response, reducing anxiety, decreasing pain, increasing a sense of well-being, and accelerating the body’s ability to heal from wounds and surgery (Blankfield et al 2001, Denison 2004, Lin & Gill 1999).What to Expect from SE Touch Therapy. Touch work is conducted fully clothed and can be integrated while seated, lying face up on a massage table, or even standing during movement-based exercises. Touch is applied using hands, forearms, or feet, and indirect methods like cushions can also be used to provide support.In adults, touch interventions were shown to reduce feelings of depression, anxiety and physical pain. The article also points out that touch has positive effects whether it comes from someone familiar, like a friend giving a hug, or from a healthcare professional, such as a licensed massage therapist.This therapy may involve some level of physical contact with the client, though it depends on the specific technique being used. Practitioners of healing touch often use a combination of energy healing therapies to balance the client’s energy field and support the body’s ability to heal itself.