the power of touch.
Touch is thought by many professionals to be the first sense that humans develop and if you look at a newborn baby that makes sense.
Touch is thought by many professionals to be the first sense that humans develop and if you look at a newborn baby that makes sense. From birth we are wired for connection, it’s in our DNA and the need is as strong as the need for food and water. Touch consists of several distinct sensations communicated to the brain through specialised neurons in the skin. Pressure, temperature, light touch, vibration, pain and other sensations are all part of the touch senses.
During lockdown many of these senses may have been unattended and non-existent, for example - a reassuring hug from a family member, a supportive touch to the shoulder from a colleague or a kneading of a professional masseuse. Wondering how this is important to you? Well, physical touch develops critical neural signals to the brain, research is now proving that this can contribute to various health benefits, ranging from lowering depression and anxiety, strengthening your immune system, to providing a confidence boost and overall wellbeing.
It doesn’t matter if you’re getting a manicure, pedicure, facial or massage, the experience of being touched will stimulate the same chemicals.
With the beauty world being mostly about touch, all of a sudden as ‘beauty therapists’ we contribute so much more to our clients’ health. It doesn’t matter if you’re getting a manicure, pedicure, facial or massage, the experience of being touched will stimulate the same chemicals. However, the results can vary depending on the pressure, location and sequence of movements. Even down to the products used will have an impact, some essential oils have more of a soothing effect on the parasympathetic nervous system than others. So using products with certain aromatherapy benefits could assist with a desired outcome.
Treatments were out of bounds and all salons closed across the country for almost 5 months - it’s perhaps not just our appearance that has suffered during lockdown but potentially our health. From an industry that’s often chalked up as a luxury or vanity-led experience, research now suggests beauty treatments are far more important than you may think - we need the power of touch and a stop at the beauty salon is definitely a bonus.
