The power of touch

Because the importance of fire to a person's physical and mental well-being is enormous. In Finland, the hugging culture is a relatively new thing, and closeness does not come naturally to everyone. Recent years, with their restrictions, have also driven people further apart. However, the longing for touch and closeness is one of the most important physical needs of a person throughout life.

Meanings of touch

Touch is a direct channel to another person. It reaches out even when speech cannot or there are no words. It conveys emotions and is a nonverbal communication between people. Touch reminds our bodies that there are people around us who care about us. Touch increases a sense of belonging, mutual trust and security.

Touch causes the human brain to produce more serotonin, endorphins and oxytocin, which are associated with pleasure, among other things. Oxytocin increases the feeling of connection with other people, calms and creates a sense of security. With the release of oxytocin, the amount of the stress hormone cortisol in the body is halved, meaning the effect of touch in relieving stress is quite measurable! Gentle touch signals to the body that everything is fine. The body and with it the mind also calm down. Touch can even relieve pain, strengthen immunity and lower blood pressure. So touch has real health effects!

Different types of touches

A parent's nurturing touch, a friend's hug, a partner's loving caress,... Touch accompanies us throughout life in different ways. Touch can be a means of care, a way of paying attention to loved ones, showing affection or even compassion. Touch can also have sexual connotations, it can produce pleasure or lead to pleasure. All of these ways of touching are equally good and meaningful.

A lack of affection and a longing for caress

You may recognize that there are also different needs for intimacy and touch. Sometimes the body is simply crying out for attention and demands a pleasurable caressing touch. However, often the longing for touch can also be the need for a hug, caress, and cuddle. Sadly, it is often thought that men, especially, always have sex on their minds. Seeking intimacy is easily interpreted as an invitation to adult games, even if all they want is a back massage, a forehead stroke, or holding hands.

It's true that hugging doesn't take away the pain, but there is a time and place for both, together and apart. Both are equally important and valid needs, regardless of a person's gender.

Touch is the language of love

For many of us, touch is an important love language, a way to show love. The language of touch often involves all forms of touch, such as hugging, caressing, kissing, and holding hands. It's a good idea to talk to your partner or partners about what ways you show love are unique to you. You may not notice the love shown by someone else if you're only focused on your own way of showing love.

Touch can carry you through difficult times

In a couple or polyamorous relationship, there are often almost inevitably moments when communication may not be working in the best possible way, there are arguments and it is difficult to be together. The connection between the partners feels lost and it is difficult to reach a common understanding. These moments are at worst exhausting and may lead to reflections on what the future holds for them. Touch can be a particularly important bridge between people, especially when words feel difficult or even hurtful.

Sex and sexual pleasure-seeking touch are important to many people in a relationship. However, it is worth remembering that there are many other ways of touching as well. At some moments, one of them may play a greater role than the other. Caring touch helps maintain intimacy even when the relationship is being tested by, for example, sexual difficulties or a mismatch of desires.

Even alone can receive and give touch

Not all of us have the opportunity or desire to seek out the closeness and touch of a loved one. In such cases, it is worth remembering that the beneficial health effects of touch can also be obtained through other means than through closeness to another person. For example, stroking a pet can have similar effects on our bodies as touching a loved one.

The body also responds to your own touch. Caress, soothe, nurture and treat yourself well! Of course, touching yourself is no substitute for the embrace of a loved one, but it can help you recharge your batteries with the healing power of touch. Think about what kind of touch feels good right now. Slow, long strokes of stroking help calm the body in a stressful situation. Stroking your cheek while washing your face or massaging your feet while applying foot cream can be good, small and everyday opportunities to give your body the touch it needs.

When there is no one nearby to share touch with, you can also get another person's touch by, for example, getting a massage, a facial, or going to the hairdresser. Every touch counts!

It's worth remembering that everyone also has the right to pleasurable, sexual touch, regardless of their relationship or partner situation. You can pamper your own body in any way you want, for example with caresses, toys and creams. Solo sex is a wonderful way to take care of yourself and your needs and enjoy your own, wonderful body. Through your own touch, you can also get to know your body and explore what kind of touch feels good right now.

Touch is not easy for everyone

Touch is a difficult thing for many people. In Finland, the culture of touching has long been evasive, and many people, especially in older age groups, may not have learned to accept touch in their childhood. It is often difficult to accept another person's touch, even when there is physical trauma, for example.

No one is obligated to touch or be touched if it feels difficult or distressing. We humans are different and while one person wants to hug everyone they meet, another may reserve touch for those closest to them. So always remember to respect other people's boundaries and ask for permission to touch!

It is also possible to practice touch if for some reason it feels difficult or unnatural to you. In small steps, you can find something that feels good among the different ways of touch. However, practicing touch should always be a person's own business, and no one should be pressured or forced into it. It is also worth remembering that the beneficial power of touch can be obtained by touching yourself or petting a pet.

Lots of good touch for your summer! <3

Best regards,

Girls of the Erotic Era