The Power of Touch
When was the last time you had a hug, a handshake, a gentle arm on the shoulder? Before COVID-19, your answer may have been very different from what your answer may be now. Whether you’re openly generous with touch or prefer a more hands-off approach, since COVID 19 we have been severely restricted in one of our five primary senses, limiting how we connect with other living beings on an interpersonal, physical, and emotional level.
Whilst this has been necessary to promote public health, it has led to many people suffering from touch deprivation or becoming ‘touch starved’, which is when a person experiences little to no touch from other living beings. With COVID 19, more people may have suffered from this than ever before. Human beings are social creatures, and touch is one method we may use to interact with others around us. To not be allowed to express ourselves through this medium for such an extended period of time has been difficult to manage for many people.
Reflexology uses boundaried, professional, safe touch on the hands, feet, or face. Pressure is applied using the thumbs, fingers, knuckles, and hands to stimulate reflex points and promote homeostasis, relieve stress and tension, and can provide through one-to-one attention and supportive touch in an empathetic listening environment. In fact, the power of touch was noted in a Guardian article linked here in November 2021, with one professional stating massage helped ‘break the pain cycle’. Whilst Reflexology is not massage, it does use massage elements, and I’ve seen the power simple touch can make to my clients every time they come for a treatment.
Not all complementary therapies use touch in their treatments. Depending on the practitioner, Reiki may not involve any touch at all, and unlike acupuncture which may use needles, Reflexology is a non-invasive treatment. Touch as described above is the main treatment technique we use; it is and always will be, a privilege to provide in these trying times.