Touch changes things.  When we receive touch that feels pleasing and meaningful, our nervous system receives a cascade of good news, our immune system functions better and we feel more grounded and whole.  When we are touched in the right way, all sorts of symptoms calm down.  We also come more into rest and digest mode, which accounts for that wonderful feeling of contentment that often arises from a good massage.  What’s not to like?

Of course, these benefits only come with safe touch. The wrong kind of touch can feel like an unwanted aggression.  And during the pandemic, touch became associated with contagion.  In order for touch to be healing, we need to feel confident that it’s safe to say no, to ask for less or for a different kind of touch.  We need to know that we retain agency over our bodies and that our preferences are honoured and respected.  There’s no ‘one size fits all’ when it comes to relieving, effective touch, but when it’s right for us, touch can support our wellbeing in a variety of contexts.  For some people it might be a trip to the hairdresser, a healing hug from a friend, a playful wrestle.  Even a reassuring tap on the arm by a medical practitioner has been shown to improve health outcomes.