Stay in Touch

Touch is so powerful and universal that we sometimes take it for granted. There is a biological need for touch, an actual skin hunger, which can be met only with contact with another human being. When touching is denied or severely restricted, people die. Children abandoned at birth and transferred to foundling homes, died by the thousands during the 19th century. They literally wasted away, despite the fact that they were fed, kept clean and protected from danger. The condition, known as “marasmus” (Greek- meaning wasting away) claimed the lives of nearly 100% of the infants under the age of one in US foundling/orphanage hospitals, as late as 1920. What these children lacked was physical contact. Other infants, raised in their own homes, were cradled and fed at their mothers’ breasts. These orphans weren’t. When this connection between life and touch was realized, doctors and nurses in many institutions cooperated in a plan to supply mothering for these children. It consisted of holding, stroking, speaking to the infant, and allowing significant periods of cuddling the child, especially at meal times. The results were dramatic and immediate. Infant mortality rates dropped within one year of adopting these touching procedures.
Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary provides over 30 definitions for the word touch. Touch may be used as a noun or a verb, and is referenced to many favorable and unfavorable experiences . . .
– S/he’s got a nice touch
– Wouldn’t touch it with a 10-foot pole
– Never touches alcohol
– A smile touched her lips
– His actions touched on treason
– The instructor touched on many points
– A touch of the flu
– A touch of Spring in the air
– Apply the finishing touches
– Lost touch with her family
– Let’s keep in touch
– Out of touch with reality

We just returned from a visit with our families in Florida, and this reconnection “touched us deeply.” Our reunion reminds us of the opportunities we have in our profession and in our life to expand positivity through our touch. As we practice touching through bodywork, or simply stay in touch with family and friends, we remember how healthy it is to be in touch.