I have always realized the significance of touch but do we really understand and grasp how important it is? Read the list below. It is fascinating how such a natural show of affection can be so healing.
Have you ever thought about what a loving touch does for your child? Or your spouse? Or a close friend?
By contrast, have you ever considered the effect that the absence of regular touch can have on one's emotions?
Did you know that touch, and the social contact with a loved one which accompanies it, are an important part of every person's physical and emotional health?
Consider this:
Gentle touch has been shown to facilitate physical and psychological functioning, particularly in terms of reducing stress, relieving pain, increasing the ability to cope, and general health ratings.
Skin-to-skin contact between mother and infant has been shown to benefit the baby's physical development and contributes to a positive attachment relationship between the two. The practice of placing a diaper-clad infant skin-to-skin on the mother is so beneficial that it is now an intervention strategy for premature babies in neonatal intensive care units worldwide.
A group of Korean infants under the care of an orphanage were provided with an extra 15 minutes of stimulation twice a day, 5 days a week, for 4 weeks. The additional stimulation consisted of auditory (female voice), tactile (massage), and visual (eye-to-eye contact). Compared to the infants who only received regular care, the stimulated orphans gained significantly more weight and had larger increases in body length and head circumference after the 4 week intervention period, as well as at 6 months of age. In addition, the stimulated infants had fewer illnesses and clinic visits.
Participants in a study examining the effectiveness of therapeutic touch as a treatment for managing pain due to fibromyalgia experienced a significant decrease in pain and reported a significant improvement in quality of life.
The majority of nursing home residents suffering from dementia like Alzheimer's disease develop behavioural symptoms of dementia, such as restlessness, searching and wandering, tapping and banging, pacing and walking, and vocalization. Current treatment involves drugs, but a recent study showed that intervention consisting of therapeutic touch significantly reduces these behavioural symptoms. Impressive is that the therapeutic touch employed in the study was only provided twice per day, for three days. Each therapeutic intervention lasted only 5-7 minutes.
Don't take for granted those morning hugs from your two year old or the beautiful moments while breastfeeding. You are nourishing and nurturing your baby at the same time!
Saturday, February 2, 2008 at 01:50AM 
Recently I received a copy of Moms' Lifesavers.I have been enjoying my copy so much. This book is really a lifesaver for any new mom or mom with toddlers! The book is filled with wisdom from seasoned mom's. I am amazed at how many useful, practical tips are in such a small package. When I was a new mom I was completely overwhelmed by all the information out there. All the well known mommy must have books gave me information overload to say the least. Picking up this book is like calling a good friend for some practical advice. I love their "advice from the trenches." You will find tips such as "wear clogs! They slip on and off quickly and go with almost any outfit." or "Don't go to bed with a dirty kitchen. It's really a tough way to start your day." Of course it also includes the answers to breastfeeding, potty training, weaning questions etc. I can't say enough about this book! You have to buy it for yourself or give it to any new momma. They will be thrilled!
