Touch is the first sense to develop in Utro. With a surface area of around two square meters our skin is the largest organ in the body. Nerve ending called C-tactile afferents exists to recognize any form of gentle touch. According to a 2017 study the ideal touching speed is between 3 to 5 centimeters per second.
Benefits of touch during COVID 19 isolation the body is more likely to release the stress hormone cortisol. Touch has been shown to reduce Cortisol and comforting non-threatening touch reduces can also reduce stress by releasing oxytocin also called the love hormone and the pleasure chemical dopamine. Touch can calm certain body functions such as heart rate and blood pressure and healthy touch even a gentle safe touch from a stranger has been shown to reduce loneliness specifically reducing feelings of social exclusion.
During this time hug (with permission to share the hug) your close safe family and friends longer for at least 20 seconds as this is said to be the point at which humans release oxytocin.
Patti Wood, MA - The Body Language Expert. For more body language insights go to her website at www.PattiWood.net. Check out Patti's website for her new book "SNAP, Making the Most of First Impressions, Body Language and Charisma" at www.snapfirstimpressions.com.
