Human touch is essential for babies to develop and thrive. Research shows that it’s just as vital for adults as it is for newborns. We can receive God’s love through human touch.
In jail, prisoners don’t touch and on the streets, they would not as well. When Christian volunteers go to the prisons to minister to them, the prisoners are not used to another man, a stranger that would say I love you and give a hug. They are just not used to it, but it’s a feeling that somebody truly cares about them. Through this prayer and laying on of hands on prisoners, it has been shown to lessen physical fighting among the prisoners. There is a great hunger for a healthy hug.
According to neuroscientist, our brains are wired for human contact. A whole array of compounds function together in order to allow touch and social interaction to affect our brain. The hypothalamus area of the brain produces oxytocin, which is released upon positive touch. That compound can reduce fear and increase trust.
Physical Contact
The lack of touching causes all kinds of changes in brain development. In the mid 1900’s, Dr. Larry Harlow found this in experiments where he deprived monkeys of physical contact from birth. The results were heartbreaking.
Since we know now that positive touch creates a sense of trust between people, does it affect athletic team performance? Research of basketball players has shown that their positive touch during a game would actually increase better performance than teams that did not demonstrate any positive touch. I have found that in my fasting retreat. The hugging of all my clients before retiring in the evening enabled them to sleep better during the night, waking up with peace and harmony, ultimately looking forward to being at the retreat and with me. I have also found there was greater harmony with each other during these sometimes difficult stages of detox. On the day of their arrival, I will greet them with a hug like I have known them forever, which shows my delight at their presence.
