It is not news that I appreciate massage.  I can’t stop extolling the virtues of what I have come to call the “simple pleasures” of head, foot and body massages. Virtually every haircut and shampoo comes with a free head and shoulder massage.  The others are so inexpensive that you can afford to get one everyday and I do.

There are touching cultures and non-touching cultures.  (I have previously alluded to some of Edward Hall’s work and this is related.)   The Chinese culture is a touching culture.  Outward public protocol aside, I have more than enough evidence to assuredly make such a statement.  I have reported on much of this.  I commented on the unbelievable sense of physical caring that I received with my bout with “prickly heat.”  This and the ever-present simple pleasures clearly reflect a “touching culture.”

The medical literature is replete with reference and demonstration of the crucial need for loving touch in the development of a healthy person.  From infancy on through to the aged, the necessity of having loving/touching, caring communication for an individual’s well being and the disastrous effects of deprivation are well known.

And now, I am discovering and reading about “Oxytocin.”  Here, again, new scientific research on the biochemistry of what is going on helps me understand.  It turns out that touch causes our bodies to produce a hormone called oxytocin.  Not only does touch stimulate production of oxytocin, but oxytocin promotes a desire to touch and be touched: it’s a feedback loop that can have wonderful results.  Oxytocin makes us feel good about the person who causes the oxytocin to be released, and it causes a bonding between the two persons.  It has been long known that nursing a baby produces oxytocin in both the mother and child, and this a major part of what initially bonds the mother and her baby.  Now oxytocin with its manifold effects has become known as “the cuddling hormone” considered responsible for feelings of trust and deep affection in everyone.  Even thinking of someone we love can stimulate its production. Reading up on more of this research is really going to be fun.

This scientific verification only reinforces my desire and motivation for touch and the
happiness potion it produces.

Ok, Friends with this I will end.  Now, if only I can walk my talk (writing).

I wish you all the happiness of days filled with meaning, playfulness and affection.

Much Love,        David “Leming”