The Power of Touch
As one of the five senses, touch is a powerful tool to access the body and all of it’s systems, and therefore the mind, and spirit. It is a basic human need, and one that I feel is undervalued this day and age. Our beings are built for connection and sensory communication, and we suffer as a whole when we are deprived of this core need.
On more of an anatomical side of things, massage and bodywork helps to support the highest integrity and function of all systems in your body. The human body is made of 11 important physiological organ systems, including the circulatory, respiratory, digestive, excretory, nervous and endocrine systems, as well as the immune, integumentary, skeletal, muscle and reproductive systems. Massage affects each of these, in all very integrated ways. The most important system I feel though, is the Nervous System. The Nervous System specifically, is the mind-body connection itself. Working from the brain, down our spine, into the depths of our organs, and out to the very extremities and our skin; it is the communicator in our body. By working with the Parasympathetic (rest and relax) and Sympathetic (fight or flight) nervous systems, we are affecting all of the other systems. Getting our bodies to remember the proper time to be in these two very different states and how to fluidly function in and out of them is key to allowing other parts of our bodies to effectively do their jobs.
“I believe a well functioning mind-body connection is a key component to a healthy and happy life, and touch is one of the nutritive ways that we can bring fluidity to it.”
And then of course the direct attention to our muscular and skeletal systems is a huge part. And its my pleasure to inform you that by working through the soft tissues of the body, we directly affect our Nervous System. With well supported communication in the body, circulation around a specific injury will begin to flush it’s toxins, bringing in fresh blood and nutrients to heal. Old holding patterns from past habits, or possible emotional wounds, will show up to be witnessed. A rib slightly out of whack will remember its proper alignment. With good communication, the body will remember its innate wisdom of how to function at it’s highest and most informed capacity. What a marvel we are as humans! Our body, mind and spirit know exactly what to do if we just allow ourselves to rest and remember.
When we are well rested, relaxed and our body’s functioning at it’s prime, this is when we are able to tap into our spirit, seeing clearly the blessing of being a part of this world and the cosmos beyond. This is the power of touch.