Touch

Physical touch is one of our most basic, primal needs. It starts at birth and continues throughout our adult lives. It has a positive effect on mental wellbeing, promoting feelings of comfort, security and connection. It can lower blood pressure and the stress hormone cortisol. It also calms the nervous system by stimulating oxytocin (the "bonding" hormone) Touch may also boost immunity and can activate pressure receptors that help reduce pain perception.

Certain massage movements called “affective touch” on non-glabrous skin can also stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system. Slow stroking triggers the relaxation response. Having a reflexology treatment is one way of providing the benefits of touch. At the beginning and end of each treatment, I use affective touch and effleurage which can be extremely relaxing and give feelings of safety and comfort.

Social Connection

Humans are wired for social connection. Strong social ties reduce the risk of anxiety, depression and loneliness. The brain responds to social connection by releasing serotonin and dopamine and so is good for your mental health.

Social connection means you have someone to share your feelings and experiences with as well as someone to provide emotional support. You can get this connection from your friends, family, colleagues and wider community. You can also get this from someone providing you with a treatment. Being listened to by an empathetic person without judgement, in a safe space can help make you feel supported and heard.

Touch and social connection go hand in hand, reinforcing each other. They are not luxuries but essential for wellbeing and happiness. Just how important this is became clear during the pandemic when we had both a lack of touch and social connection. It had such a profound impact on our wellbeing and sense of community.  The power of a hug or the touch of someone's hand cannot be underestimated.

In a world where smartphones and social media can create distance, moments where we share our feelings with an empathetic person face to face are more essential than ever. If this is paired with the power of touch then the impact is even more powerful.

I believe that the time I spend with my clients talking to them is just as important as the physical touch of reflexology. Both together is magical.