In four previous posts, we examined the importance of the senses of sight, sound, smell and taste on the body, mind and spirit. Today, we discuss how the sense of Touch is perhaps the most closely linked to all three, and is so crucially important for achieving optimum health.
Back in 1995, twin girls were born in a hospital in Worchester, MA. Each weighed only two pounds, and was immediately put in her own incubator. In the ensuing days, one of the girls slowly began to gain weight, but her sister did not. Instead, she frantically cried non-stop, refusing any attempts to calm or soothe her.
As a last ditch effort, a nurse decided to put the twins together in the same incubator. Immediately, the inconsolable sister snuggled up to her twin and stopped crying. Her blood oxygen levels, which had been critically low, soared. Her normal pinkish color returned, and she began to sleep and eat. With the tiny sisters in constant contact with each other, both girls continued to improve, and have gone on to lead normal, healthy lives.
The sense of touch is the first sense an embryo develops. Without positive touch infants fail to thrive, even when their other needs for survival are being met.
It is through touch we discover and learn about our world, protect ourselves, communicate with others and feel pleasure. Tactile information is received through every part of the body
Touch is how we show affection and acceptance. A touch, or the lack of one, communicates acknowledgement, respect, inclusion and approval. The sense of touch is critical to healthy develop of our bodies, minds and spirits. Famous psychotherapist and author Virginia Satir said, “We need 4 hugs a day for survival. We need 8 hugs a day for maintenance. We need 12 hugs a day for growth.”
Frequently an unresolved emotional issue is stored in the body, and through the touch of a chiropractor or massage therapist, the hurt can be instantly released. Neuroscientist Candace Pert, PhD, jokes how she’s almost hit her chiropractor several times when he’s working on her body and touches a spot where an old grudge is stored. We don’t even have to be conscious of what the issue is – all we know is our subconscious has held on to the anger, and through a touch, it is released.
Healing benefits of touch are being documented in Reiki studies at hospitals, medical practices and Reiki practitioner treatment centers. Reiki is a gentle form of energy healing that originated in Japan. In a Reiki session, the practitioner lightly places their hands directly on the client’s clothed body, or directly above it. Through the connection of this touch, energy is sent to the client, and the client’s body decides how to best use the energy to heal and balance body, mind and spirit. Studies have shown how Reiki touch can lower blood pressure, boost the autoimmune system and generally increase a feeling of calm and well-being. Dr. Mehmet Oz, host of a syndicated TV show, shared that he frequently has a Reiki Master in his operating room to provide a healing touch to his patients before, during and after surgery.
Dr. Pert’s books and audiotapes are available at the Optimum Health Stores at the Optimum Health Institute (OHI) missions in San Diego and Austin, TX, or by calling 888-643-7867.
Reiki, chiropractic and massage treatments are also all available to guests at OHI. Come experience the healing power of touch, and a transformative experience for all your senses and your body, mind and spirit at OHI. We can help you achieve your mental, physical, emotional and spiritual goals for optimal health in 2013. Call us at (800) 993-4325 to make your reservation.