The power of touch is known to work wonders. Thyago Ohana, a Brazilian has experienced this wonder, when as he was distressed and anxious, a stranger gave him a free hug. It immediately filled him with unexpected calm and joy. He decided to share this power of touch and so every two or three months, he goes on a busy street with a big smile and a sign saying “Free Hugs”. There are many who take up his offer and getting hugs make them laugh and smile.

The sense of touch can alter our behavioral patterns to a great extent.  According to Aparna Balasundaram, a  psychotherapist, infants are dependent on adults for survival and depriving them of that aspect of parental care in the first two years of their life will make them less trusting and they develop loneliness and low self-esteem. Children should be cradled and cuddled often so that they become strong and independent individuals.

It’s only in recent years that science has been unraveling the healing powers of touch. Patients with Alzheimer’s are given touch therapy which helps them relax. According to a study in the International Journal of Nursing Science, therapeutic touch helps promote relaxation and alleviates the symptoms of agitation among patients with dementia and improves daily behavior and cognitive function.

We seem to take touch for granted, but it is something which we cannot do without. Thyago Ohana remembers how an elderly woman asked him if she could get a hug. He wrapped his arms around her and when they broke their embrace, she thanked him and said that it had been a long time since someone hugged her that way. It was an emotional moment where the power of touch led to a deep human connection.

Therefore, whether it is holding hands, hugging kids, caressing a pet or getting a therapeutic massage, do not underestimate the power of touch.