How touch can be used in different cultures and dysfunctions that can occur through a lack of it.

 How touch can be used in different cultures and dysfunctions that can occur through a lack of it.

As human beings touch is essential for our mental, physical, spiritual, sexual and social health and yet sadly due to the idea of it being tainted with sexual connotations some people may feel a sense of embarrassment or shame for requesting it, although it is a basic human need.

Of all the senses touch is the first sensory element which develops in the human embryo at 6-8 weeks, it is our first language and most important, because without it we could not survive.
However, although the sense of touch is so essential to our well being the amount in which we use touch varies hugely depending on our culture.

Interestingly, studies have shown that the warmer the climate the more relationship orientated and degree of emotional intensity and interpersonal contact is within those cultures with Southern Europe, the Middle East and Latin America having more eye contact, standing closer together socially, being more vocal and demonstrative with their hands and touch between one another.

The cultures of the Far East and the cooler climates of North America, Northern Europe and the UK in particular do not fare so well ,reportedly mostly avoiding eye contact, standing further apart when engaging with others and minimising touch. A possible reason for this may be because these cultures are generally considered to be more task orientated, therefore focussing more on the task itself as opposed developing the necessary relationships to help create stronger team dynamics and therefore increased economic gain.

However, of course each one of us are different in the way we relate to each other and form relationships and our culture does not necessarily determine how we will relate to others it simply acts as a guide. There are many other factors that control interpersonal touch and these are age, gender, status, differing opinions, conversational topics and cultural standards. Indeed, the degree too which these cultural standards differ is significant, in the US and UK it is only socially acceptable when meeting a stranger for the first time to touch between their shoulder and arm with the traditional handshake being the favoured style of greeting. In France or the Netherlands kissing on both cheeks is customary, whereupon in Asia it is considered more polite and appropriate to bow for initial introductions.

Hand holding in the western cultures is generally reserved for couples, whereupon in Arabic cultures and some of Southern Europe, Asia and North Africa it is customary for male friends to hold hands as a sign of friendship and respect. To touch a child on the head in the UK is acceptable, but in Asia the head is considered sacred and touch is therefore considered disrespectful. In the Middle East shaking hands or accepting a gift with the left hand is considered an insult as it is thought to be unclean, but in other western cultures it is considered normal practice.

Every culture is different, but what remains constant are the positive benefits of touch, which are widely recognized and include increasing the levels of dopamine and serotonin to regulate mood. Due to the release of oxytocin, Stress is reduced leading to increased immunity and a sense of mental wellbeing. Touch affects how we bond with others, our behaviour and our sense of survival. Through touch we learn how to communicate with the world around us and have our needs met and if we are touch deprived it can have a detrimental effect on our health and development.

An Absence of touch particularly since childhood results in our wellbeing as adults start to decline and destructive patterns start to form, following feelings of emotional neglect and isolation and they are as follows:

Overeating to fill an inner void to try to fulfil our un met needs and desires, in the process attempting to numb our senses and emotions by comfort eating fatty, unhealthy and sugary foods to lessen the pain of emotional isolation.

Addictions to toxic substances and habits including smoking ,drug taking and alcohol abuse.

Self-harming through self-mutilation, pulling hair or rubbing skin excessively .

Sexual Abuse in the form of compulsive sex, rape and the use of aggression and physical violence to harm others.

Boredom, losing the zest for life, with energy levels slumping and feeling a sense of disconnection to the outside world and others.

Sexual Dysfunction a feeling of Anxiousness in the mind which causes imbalance and tension in the body leading to sexual concerns including premature ejaculation, an inability to respond to the touch of another and an inner fear of your own body.

Unsatisfying Relationships an excessive shyness and fear of gaining relationships and sustained intimacy resulting in a general inability to satisfy the needs of others leading to problems both within themselves and the relationships that are formed.

The positive benefits of touch therefore are widely recognized and include increasing the levels of dopamine and serotonin to regulate mood. Due to the release of oxytocin, Stress is reduced leading to increased immunity and sense of mental wellbeing. Touch affects how we bond with others, our behaviour and our sense of survival. It prevents feelings of loneliness and connects nations and cultures together as one.

There are so many ways we can incorporate touch into our lives, holding hands, pats on the back, hugging - hugs of at least 30 seconds help to lower blood pressure, body massage, body brush, dancing ,walking, practising yoga to stretch body tissues and stroking our pets. The list is endless … Touch is the most powerful form of nonverbal communication that is freely available to us all and the one that is the most underrated.

Elizabeth Lock Professional Holistic and Cuddle Therapist CTHA

heal@yourinnerglow.co.uk                       https:// yourinnerglow.co.uk

heal@yourcuddletherapy.co.uk                 https:// yourcuddletherapy.co.uk