How Does Touch Therapy Work?

Lynda Gonzales • February 8, 2023

Touch therapy is an alternative healing practice that uses physical touch to promote health, relaxation and wellness. It is based on the idea that human touch can have a powerful impact on our emotional, mental and physical wellbeing. During sessions of Tucson touch therapy, practitioners use their hands to apply gentle pressure to certain parts of the body such as the back, neck, shoulder and feet. This technique is intended to stimulate the body’s natural healing process, by restoring balance and promoting relaxation.

Therapeutic touch therapy has been around for centuries and is still widely used today in many cultures to treat a variety of physical and emotional conditions such as pain, stress, anxiety, depression, insomnia and more. It is also often used to enhance overall wellbeing, improve circulation and promote a sense of calm.

Does touch therapy work? To effectively use touch therapy, practitioners need to have a knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the body. The amount of pressure applied during the session can vary depending on the individual’s needs. Practitioners will also assess areas of the body that may be affected by pain or tension. Through this process, they can identify areas where gentle and specific massage techniques are used to provide relief from discomfort.

The power of touch is often underestimated when it comes to healing. Touch therapy works in two ways - firstly, it triggers the release of endorphins which act as natural painkillers. Secondly, it encourages a sense of relaxation and calm which can be beneficial for overall health and wellbeing.

In addition to massage, practitioners may use other forms of touch therapy such as Reiki, craniosacral therapy, or reflexology. These treatments are used to provide physical healing along with the psychological benefits associated with touch. Let's look at each of these in turn.

Reiki

Reiki is a form of energy healing which utilizes the practitioner's hands to channel universal life force energy into the patient; this helps to balance and heal the body, mind and spirit.

Craniosacral Therapy

This works with subtle shifts in the body to release tension, reduce pressure on sensitive areas, and promote natural healing. The therapist uses light, gentle touch to realign the bones of the skull and spine.

Reflexology

This is a form of massage therapy that works on specific reflex points in the feet and hands. Each point corresponds to an organ or part of the body, so when pressure is applied it can help to reduce stress and tension, as well as promote relaxation.

Benefits of Touch Therapy

What is therapeutic touch therapy? Touch therapy is a powerful form of healing that helps to promote relaxation, reduce pain, and restore balance in the body. It can provide many physical and psychological benefits, including:

Reducing Stress

Touch therapy can help to reduce levels of stress hormones like cortisol, resulting in improved mood and better overall wellbeing.

Pain Relief

This type of therapy has been used to treat chronic pain in many areas of the body and can be a great way to manage pain without the use of medications.