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The Power of Touch

In the south of India lives a woman who goes by the name Amma, who is known as the hugging saint; she has dedicated her life to helping others through the simple gesture of an embrace. Crowds of up to 200,000 people gather to hear her speak about the power of hugs, and she sometimes stands for up to 16 hours to hug attendees.  On the other side of the globe, Juan Mann started a movement, The Free Hugs Campaign; his mission was to reach out and hug a stranger to brighten one life at a time. In our waiting room there is a little book on the power of hugs. When you leave our office we always offer a healing hug to our patients.  Perhaps in this season of the year, and all year for that matter, we can think again for just a few minutes about the power of touch and our ability to make a difference by giving something that costs nothing.

We don't need to go far to find research to back up what we all know by experience: touch makes a difference. And often it makes a bigger difference than words.  The Touch Research Institute was formally established in 1992 by Tiffany Field, Ph.D. at the University of Miami School of Medicine. This was the first center developed to study touch and its application to science and medicine.  A University of North Carolina study showed that hugs reduced blood pressure and increased levels of the hormone oxytocin. There are many other studies on this topic, but the real point just now is to focus our awareness on the need for touch in our very disconnected world.  What a difference that can make today!

So what are some practical ways we can add more touch to the lives of the people we meet? Granted, there are boundaries; and at some times and places hugs or touch are inappropriate.  Beyond those, how can we be more aware of people who might need a hand on the shoulder, a gentle hug, or a handshake that communicates respect?  First, set an intention to go into the day reminding yourself to look for people who may need a human touch. Set a goal to give at least 5-12 hugs a day.  Your home and the people you love is of course a great way to start. A habit of hugging your loved ones or friends when you greet them can flex that muscle of the power of touch in a significant way. Sometimes the power of a hug when tension is high is enough to clear the air and make us realize how we have forgotten the big picture.

Going to the outside world, Juan Mann stood on a corner with a sign "Free Hugs." We are not suggesting that is a path for most of us, but when we are out and about, sometimes it’s easy to tell that even a stranger is hurting. The mother struggling with young ones who are screaming who might need a kind word and even a hug. Ask a cashier “How has your day been going?" Could you offer a short hug if she pours out her heart about a sick loved one?  At times like that, just first ask permission with "would a hug help? And “are you up for that?"  

We are creative people who have experienced the power of good touch. If you are feeling you are the one needing the hugs, don't be afraid to say "I would love a hug."  Also hugging is always a two way street… when you give a hug, you receive a hug. 

This is a simple but powerful thought to end 2011. We never know when our touch is just what one person needs to get through the day. So set a goal to look for people who need your touch today.  And when you visit AAHH, make sure to tell us if you DON’T want a hug, otherwise you will certainly leave with one!

It is our privilege to be on this journey with you. Thank you for a great 2011. The transitions in office hours have worked well and we continue to offer services with integrative medicine consults, acupuncture, massage and life and health coaching. Let us know how we can serve you. 

Wishing you and yours the best, and may you be hugged today!

Robert Pendergrast, MD

Gail S. Pendergrast, M.S. Certified Life and Health Coach