Is Massage Essential?

Is Massage Essential?

3 Minute Angels have a vested interest in agreeing that massage is essential.

We recognise that during a pandemic the definition of essential might not apply.  This is especially true when at the start of this pandemic we had an under-prepared health system.

That said, humans are wired to be touched. From birth until the day we die, our need for physical contact remains.

Being touch starved — also known as touch deprivation — occurs when a person experiences little to no touch from other living beings.

Is ‘Touch Starved’ A Thing?

Studies have shown that missing out on regular human touch can have some serious and long-lasting effects.

All positive touch is considered to be beneficial. Losing out on workplace handshakes, friendly hugs, or pats on the back can result in feelings of touch starvation. Missing out on your regular Angel visit has consequences beyond the immediate change in mood that recipients experience.

Of course, it does relate to sensual touching such as holding hands, back-scratching and foot rubbing, too.

Look at how infants require touching at birth or die!

Or think about how elderly people that are touch hungry are often sicker and see the doctor more often, while those with plenty of physical contacts are generally healthier. Positive touch is so beneficial that many doctors recommend geriatric massage for the elderly.

Scientists have found that a nerve ending, called C-tactile afferents and it exists to recognise any form of gentle touch. When triggered, it releases oxytocin also known as the “love hormone”.

We have evolved with touch and need touch. It is essential to our wellbeing.

Reach Out And Touch Someone You Love

If 3 Minute Angels can’t come to your house and provide you with a massage, then the next best thing is probably learning (with your partner) how to massage like an Angel.  This way, you and your partners can let one another feel how much you care.