Soothing Power of the Human Touch

Posted: December 26th, 2014

The squeeze of a friends hand, a big bear hug, a relaxing kneading massage, even a little bedroom fun, it's all about the human touch. Touching is shaping up to be the ultimate mind-body medicine. Touching or getting touched makes some people feel happier and less anxious, also feeling healthier. From lowering your heart rate and blood pressure to increasing immune function and relieving pain, the human touch is healing.   If you've ever had a massage you already know it helps you unwind. Even those quickie mall kiosk massages are a pleasure to have when you are on the run and pressed for time. During your massage muscles begin to unclench and your heart rate starts to slow a little. If you have high blood pressure, massage helps the numbers come down, and levels of the stress hormone cortisol may drop. You begin to feel recharged and happy with a robust immune system; all this because of the soothing power of the human touch.  Most of us look forward to a little "me time" to relax and regroup and focus on me. Whether it's a weekly or bi-weekly manicure or once a month pedicure, it's that time to relax and feel pretty. Nothing looks better than clean well-maintained fingernails and freshly painted toenails. Manicures can include hand massages, exfoliation, cuticle treatment, drip dry, wax treatment and buffing, and an application of nail polish or shellac to finish it off. Getting a hand massage is fun and gives you a chance to chit chat with your nail tech. A little girl gossip is also relaxing. A pedicure massage is the ultimate best for me. If you have a technician with strong hands, they really know how to manipulate and knead your leg and calf muscles as well as your feet and toes. A pedicure with massage at a day spa is pure relaxation.