We are more than ever connected via technology (although it has huge positives and is a life saver too) but there are less face to face interactions. The post Covid lingering effects of social distancing and risk-aversion in professional and educational settings means we are experiencing less touch than ever before.
We are born to receive nurturing touch
Research has shown we are born to receive nurturing touch, we have often heard of the importance of those first few hours/weeks/months of cuddling/touching/nurturing between a Mother, Father and baby. Physical contact and stimulus is essential for brain development. By receiving touch babies learn how to touch, they can explore and start to understand their relationship with their world. They are get important stimulation to build neural connections between skin and brain which builds our complex and very sophisticated nervous system.
I have witnessed constantly the power of positive touch through Massage and at the end of a treatment how a client seems relaxed, brighter and in a “better place”. This "power of touch” occurs due to a few different things:
Hormones and Genes
Gentle touch also helps positively regulates our genes and our stress hormones.
Research shows that after a massage levels of cortisol (a stress hormone) drop and our happier andrelaxing hormones, namely serotonin and dopamine, increase. Post Massage people can show an improvement in relaxation, alertness, focus and positive mental well-being.
Yes, our genes can be influenced, they can be turned “on or off” depending on how our environment affects us, our behaviour and on our past experiences. This is called Epigenetics, and is a very interesting topic, if you would like to read more about this.
To conclude Massage is a powerful aide in improving our overall quality of life and of course Sports Massage.
NB. This information is based on my own learning, from reading research articles, discussions and observations.
Nicky Holbrook