Touch Medicine and Advocating for Yourself

Touch is like medicine. Literally, touch can promote the release of the body’s natural opiates.  Simple touch can be mildly narcotic in its effect.

Touch decreases stress 

Helps your immune system

Reduces pain

Increases good moods

Decreases effects of anxiety and depression

Improves cognition and

Makes NBA teams better at basketball.

Touch is Essential

Research is overflowing with proof that touch is essential to development in infancy.  There is a well documented story about an infant twin saving her sister with a “rescuing hug”.

Brand new baby twin sisters from Massachusetts in the 90s were being looked after by an insightful nurse, Gayle Kasparian.  One twin was putting on weight and the other was struggling.  When Nurse Kasparian put them in an incubator together, immediately the struggling twin stabilized.  The stronger twin had put her arm around her sister. Now, it is a common practice that twins are placed together in hospital incubators. Medical establishments recognize the incredible stabilizing potential of skin to skin contact!

Needs around touch change as we grow.  But, throughout life, consentual touch can be incredibly beneficial. Touch as simple as a hug or a high-five can feel so good! Partner dancing, getting bodywork, and playing certain sports all allow us to connect physically.

Touch will not be right for everyone all of the time. You can get many of the great medicinal benefits of decreased stress, increased good moods, and more by stimulating your pressure receptors.

Move around, get exercise

Walk barefoot in a safe location

Self massage, move the skin

Use Rollers or ball 

Scalp Massage when shampooing

Exfoliate

Hand washing using firm pressure

Pet a pet

Snuggle with an inanimate object

 Children and adults can be  empowered to seek out, or say no to touch on their own terms.  You do not have to put up with unwanted touch.  

“If it can be said that touch has medicinal properties, then, like any medicine, touch is not good for everyone in every situation.”  -James Hamblin, MD     

Consent is asking for permission and waiting for a response before touching someone.  Unwanted touch is a violation of a personal boundary. Getting bodywork is a great time to practice this type of communication.  Bodyworkers are experts in consent. 

How to Advocate for Yourself

As a Massage Therapist and Structural Integration Practitioner, I encourage you to speak up for your body when you’re in a massage or session. If you find it challenging to advocate for yourself, please practice this important skill.  Ask for what you want and need.  You don't have to explain why you need or want something.

Plan what you’ll say,   Practice what you’ll say,   Role-play with a friend!

Say something

What if you’re too cold during your massage but you don’t want to interrupt the therapist?

Ask for more blankets please.  It’s no bother!  You get the most benefits from your service when you are comfortable.

Communicate

What if the pressure doesn’t feel good and it hurts?

Important to speak up for yourself here!  Keep communicating until the pressure is just right for you.

Use Your Voice

What if you’re uncomfortable with where the therapist is touching?

Please say where you are comfortable with touch and where you don’t want to be touched.  Never tolerate being touched where you don’t want to be touched.

Practice Speaking Up

Please speak up for your unique body!  I want to hear from you.

I want to hear your needs, wants, and preferences. This practice may make it easier to communicate what’s right for your body in all situations.