ASMRas Potential Aid for Touch Deprivation Explored

In the hustle and bustle of modern life, it's easy to overlook the simple, yet profound impact of touch. From the gentle brush of a hand to the soft whisper of a whisper, touch plays a significant role in our wellbeing, as science is now beginning to uncover.

Neuroscientists have recently rediscovered a group of nerve patterns that cover our bodies, known as C-tactile fibres. These fibres are responsible for picking up on the temperature and velocity of light touch, allowing us to discern between different forms of touch. This intricate system enables us to perceive the world around us in a more nuanced way, helping us to connect with our surroundings on a deeper level.

Touch, beyond its sensory aspects, also plays a crucial role in regulating our brain chemistry. Our skin, the largest organ of the body, acts as a conduit for messages that travel to the central nervous system, influencing dopamine and oxytocin levels. These neurotransmitters are essential for maintaining our mood and emotional wellbeing, making touch an essential component of mental health.

Rebecca Benvie, a pioneer in this field, has founded the Touch Academy, an organisation dedicated to exploring the therapeutic benefits of gentle, focused touch for those suffering from anxiety or mood fluctuations. Through ASMR wellness services, the Touch Academy aims to harness the power of touch to promote relaxation, reduce stress, and improve overall mental health.

ASMR, an acronym for Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response, is a touch-based practice that has gained popularity through YouTube videos. Known for its tingly sensation throughout the body and brain, ASMR offers more than just sound; it's also a soft and delicate touch with wide-ranging health benefits due to its tactile nature.

Studies on C-tactile-related touch show that it activates the limbic system, a part of the brain responsible for monitoring emotions and an important body function called interoception. Interoception helps us know when we are hungry, tired, or in need of a glass of water, indicating that light touch is deeply tied to how we feel. Stimulating this group of nerves can develop a greater intelligence of our own inner awareness.

In today's world, where physical touch is increasingly absent from our daily lives, the term "touch starvation" has emerged in medical articles. This phenomenon highlights the growing lack of physical touch and its potential consequences on our health. Touch helps keep cortisol, the stress hormone, at lower levels in the body. High cortisol levels can wreak havoc on heart rates, blood pressure, inflammatory markers, and sleep patterns.

Embracing the power of touch, whether through ASMR practices or simple acts of kindness, can have a profound impact on our wellbeing. By nurturing our bodies and minds through gentle, focused touch, we can foster a deeper connection with ourselves and the world around us.