A new investigation of the Neuropsychoanalysis Association seems to indicate that Stroking plays an important role in how the brain develops the mental image of the body This study supports the idea that interoceptive signals such as affective touch are important for understanding the body and help create a coherent sense of self.
Decreased perception of these signals has been linked to body image problems, phantom pain, anorexia nervosa, and bulimia. Additionally, other studies related to pain or depression also support the idea that caressing provides benefits to health and well-being
Affectionate caressing, a common gesture between mothers and children or between couples, can increase the brain’s ability to construct sense of ownership of one’s body and maintain a healthy sense of self.
The study we refer to was published in Frontiers Psychologyand was headed by Dr. Aikaterini Fotopoulou, director of the Neuropsychoanalysis Associationand by Mark Jenkinson, professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of Hertfordshire in the United Kingdom.
Fifty-two healthy adults participated and used an experimental technique known as the “rubber hand illusion.” In this technique, the participant sits at a table with his eyes half-covered (to reduce his visual field). He places his arms on the table, but one is hidden, because he has his rubber hand on top. By stimulating the rubber hand, the individual perceives that their real hand is being stimulated, although it is the rubber hand that receives the caresses. This technique demonstrates the changing nature of the perception of one’s own body.
In previous studies, it has been shown that a affectionate caress characterized by a slow stimulation of the skin (between 1 and 10 cm per second), correlates with pleasant emotions and improves anxiety symptoms Dr. Fotopoulou’s team wanted to know if affectionate caressing affected the brain’s understanding of the body.
In this research, the rubber hand illusion technique was adapted to incorporate different types of caresses: slow and fast caresses (both synchronized and non-synchronized), and affectionate caresses. After the test, participants were asked to fill out a questionnaire that measured their subjective experience of the experiment.
This study supports the idea that the perception of interoceptive signals such as affective touch helps to build a mental image of one’s own body, since the perception of affective touch in the brain is part of a series of signals that help monitor the homeostasis
Caresses help relieve pain, depression, and strengthen the immune system
Caresses not only make you feel good and communicate positive feelings, but there are several studies that show that they can be effective in combating pain, strengthening the immune system or combating depression.
A study carried out by American Journal of Psychiatry It seems to indicate that caressing favors the release of oxytocin, a hormone that induces relaxation and helps us feel full and happy. According to the authors of the study, people who are single and without a romantic relationship tend to be more depressed and sad.
Other benefits of caressing
In addition to the benefits that we have already indicated regarding caressing, science seems to provide more data that supports the idea that caressing benefits the well-being of all of us. Here are some examples:
Maternal caresses heal the effects of pregnancy stress on children
The emotions that the mother experiences during pregnancy affect the unborn baby in one way or another When experiencing a stressful situation, your body reacts by releasing hormones that reach the baby through the placenta, which is associated with various alterations in its development. A study published in PLOSone It seems to indicate that mothers’ caressing their children when they are born reduces their stress and negative emotions after birth and favors their physiological adaptability.
Improves lung function
Research from the University of Miami’s Touch Research Institute seems to reveal that stroking improves lung function , immune function and improves the health of our heart. The human touch is important for all ages.
Helps control blood pressure
According to a study from the University of North Carolina, it seems that people hug and caress their partner regularly, they have a lower blood pressure and suffer less pathologies associated with the heart.
