- May improve circulation by pumping oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs
- May ease medication dependence
- May release endorphins—amino acids that act as body's natural painkiller
- May boost immune system by stimulating lymph flow—the body's natural defense system
- May improve sleep
- May improve concentration
- May improve the condition of the body's largest organ--the skin
- May exercise and stretch weak, tight, or atrophied muscles
- May improve the condition of the body's largest organ—the skin
- May increase joint flexibility
- May lessen depression and anxiety
- May encourage overall well-being
- May promote tissue regeneration, reducing scar tissue and stretch marks
- May reduce postsurgery adhesions and swelling
- May relax and soften injured, tired, and overused muscles
- May relieve migraine pain
- May alleviate low-back pain and improve range of motion
ADDITIONAL POTENTIAL BENEFITS FOR:
- Arthritis sufferers--may lessen aches, stiffness and pain
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High blood pressure patients--may help lower diastolic blood pressure, anxiety, and stress hormones
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People living with Alzheimer’s--may help to reduce anxiety, pacing, irritability, restlessness, and feelings of isolation and worthlessness
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Stroke patients-- may help to lessen anxiety and lower blood pressure
- Oncology patients --may help to support immune functioning, ease pain, fatigue, nausea, anxiety, and depression
"Skin-on-skin touch is particularly soothing because it primes oxytocin . . . When oxytocin releases, the body undergoes a host of healthy changes. Blood pressure lowers as we slide into the relaxed mode of parasympathetic activity. That shifts metabolism from the ready-to-run large muscle boost of stress arousal to a restorative mode where energy goes into storing nutrients, growth, and healing . . . Our pain threshold rises, so that we are less sensitive to discomforts. Even wounds heal faster." ( Daniel Goldman, Social Intelligence, p. 243)
