does intimate touching relate to health?

[freshbreath]

has there been any studies or conclusive evidence showing the relationship between physical contact between humans and their health/happiness?
I know that babies need to be held close in their early months for some developmental reasons... does that carry on into adulthood, or is it just purely mental?

 

[peeler_feeler]

has there been any studies or conclusive evidence showing the relationship between physical contact between humans and their health/happiness?
I know that babies need to be held close in their early months for some developmental reasons... does that carry on into adulthood, or is it just purely mental?

Dave in Phoenix might be able to give us an informed opinion. Some of his links are below:
http://www.lovetouch.info/
http://www.touchangels.com/

 

[Esco!]

You'll be damned if you think I'm ever gonna feel you up!!

 

[stang]

See number 3.

http://www.forbes.com/2006/04/28/cx_vg_0501featslide2_print.html

 

[goodtime]

There's been studies.

Pain-management course often teach care-provider to frequent touch/stroke patient, especially those gravely ill.

Run fingers thru hair or gentle stroke side of cheeks to release natural endorphins. There's a branch of nursing stipulate care with affection contacts. For kids, they usually stop crying when parents give kid kiss for their booboo.

Hugs, rubbing the back, soothing massage are all forms of natural pain-management. Some hospitals have RMTs for their cancer patients.

 

[Shades]

When I had hernias done at the Shouldice...they are done under local anaesthetic. A nurse stood at the head of the bed and bathed my face and constantly, gently rubbed my head. Very soothing and comforting while buddy down below was weilding sharp tools around the family jewels.
So yes, touching is an important part of life and it doesn't have to be sexual or around sex organs to be intimate.