The skin is the largest organ in the body and touch is one of the first senses to develop. It plays an essential role in human growth and development, particularly during infancy. But do we, as a society, realise the importance of touch and do we touch enough?
Studies have shown that the Western world is generally poor at showing affection through touch. Parents in the West are more likely to be less tactile with their children, relying on childrearing aids such as dummies, pushchairs, and playpens that limit their children’s experience of human touch. As a result, there has been a decrease in the amount of touch which, if extreme, can lead to increased isolation and insecure behavior.
The benefits and importance of touch shouldn’t be understated. Touch is one of the most essential elements of human development and is a vital method of communication. It can be a powerful healing force, and research has shown the crucial role of touch in sensory development. Techniques like baby massage have shown an ability to increase early bonding and caregiver’s awareness of a baby’s needs.
One of the most significant benefits of touch is its ability to minimize stress. A baby is exposed to stress from the moment they are born, as they transition from the peace and protection of the womb to the noise and bustle of life outside. Chronic stress can take a toll on the body and mind, with excess cortisol affecting the other functions of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and suppressing the immune system or mood. Touch or massage has been shown to reduce the base amount of cortisol in the blood, therefore reducing the perceived stress and the maladaptive response.
Touch can also directly stimulate growth through acting on the pituitary gland. The pituitary gland produces growth hormones that are necessary for cognitive and motor development, as well as regulating temperature, heart rate, and sleep/wake patterns. Touch can lower cortisol levels and prevent cortisol’s suppression of growth hormone.
Breastfeeding is also an important aspect to consider when discussing the benefits of touch. During breastfeeding, endorphins are produced in the body, giving a feeling of content and warmth. Breastfeeding provides the perfect opportunity for a mother to bond with her baby through touch.
In conclusion, touch is an essential element of human development that plays a vital role in sensory development, stress reduction, growth stimulation, and bonding. As a society, we must recognize the need for improvement in this area and promote additional activities like infant massage to encourage parents to touch their babies more frequently. By doing so, we can promote healthy growth and development of our children and help them thrive.
We love this book: The Vital Touch, Sharon Heller, ISBN 978-0-8050-5354-8
A book exploring the social reasons for the western trend of decreased touch
Fun Fact: Did you know that the average person has about 19 square feet of skin? That’s about the size of a small car!
