The Power of Human Touch
The wonders of the human hand is something we rarely give much thought or time to in our daily lives, yet it is well documented in many studies that without (human) touch babies development and growth become stunted. I saw a documentary some years ago of children in an orphanage in Europe who never received compassionate or loving touch. They were fed, changed and left to their own devices for the rest of the day with no other stimulation. It was noted how behind these children were in their growth mentally, emotionally and physically compared to children who were shown affection and love. It broke my heart as I imagined those babies and small children languishing in cots all day alone in their cold sterile environment forgotten and alone without the touch of a caring, compassionate, loving human hand to soothe them when they cried, or to acknowledge their existence as little human beings.
The Power of Human touch is one of the most basic of human needs. More and more it seems to be frowned on by certain sectors of society in regards to healing and offering compassionate understanding of the human condition. I am told that in our health care facilities today paperwork is taking priority over patient care and the face of nursing is changing. Then heaven forbid computers and robots will take over from the already stress burdened medical personnel. Let’s hope that never happens because nothing, No-Thing can replace the Power of the Human Hand and Touch for healing, showing compassion or consoling someone.
In today’s world of stress filled lives and anxiety ridden individuals competing in an ever decreasing job market while balancing work, home and kids, sometimes their only time to de-stress is through the Power of Touch via the human hand. Hands-on therapies many of which date back as far as 400 BC will always be in great demand because Touch heals on levels far beyond the physical. Touch has been known to heal on the Mental, Emotional and Spiritual levels of the human condition. Human Touch is a great de-stressor. I often say Medicine cures us! Touch heals us! Both are very important to our existence on this planet. Some healing touch therapies are: Reiki, Reflexology, Healing Touch, Massage Therapy and Chiropractic Therapy to name just a few.
As we enter a New Year, make it a new beginning. Let’s not forget the Power of the Human Hand and the way Human Touch can establish a bond of trust between individuals whether in a working relationship, loving relationship, pastor parishioner relationship, client practitioner relationship and especially in a healthcare environment between patient and nurse/practitioner relationship.
There was a song my mother sang when I was a child which speaks volumes to the Power of Touch. This line still plays in my mind: ‘touch my hair as you pass my chair, little things mean a lot.” Never underestimate the Power of the Human Hand and The Power of Touch. As we prepare to celebrate this Season of Good Will towards all, hug your kids and loved ones every opportunity you get and if it feels right, offer a hug to a friend in the spirit of this wonderful Season.
Here’s wishing you all a New Year filled with an abundance of all the precious gifts you wish for; Good Health, Happiness, Love, Joy and faithful friends.
Namaste,
Sharon