As if we needed proof to confirm what we already know, a new science entitled “interpersonal neurobiology” shows that safe touch has far-reaching effects on the body’s mental, emotional and physical functioning.
Studies show that when two people who care for and trust one another hold hands, their neural responses and physiology change. Loving relationships, expressed in such a way, alter the brain, subdue blood pressure, ease responses to stress, improve overall health and lessen pain.
Holding hands is associated with some of our earliest biological memories. Remember when your parents held your hands to provide balance as you learned to walk; safety as you navigated your first street-crossings, intimacy when you strolled the beach together? Later as adolescents, our first forays into the world of adult romantic relationships began with the tentative and thrilling holding of hands.
The body remembers those early experiences of “oneness” and longs to recreate those health-saturated feelings in adulthood.
I get excited when I think of all that is happening behind the scenes as I give a hand reflexology session – for my clients, loved ones and myself. You too can revamp someone’s brain by spending just two days learning how to give a safe and accurate hand reflexology session. It just may be the most important class you’ll ever take.
When I look at film of our closest relatives in the wild, the primates, it is no surprise to see them constantly touching one another. Aside from social interaction and grooming, I suspect that the touch they employ has some healing and stress reducing qualities.
As a practitioner of bodywork, I am very convinced that the healing quality of touch is obvious. I never realized how much stress I held in my own hands until I received a hand reflexology session for the first time. I slipped into deep relaxation within the first five minutes. When the session ended and I came back to earth, I was refreshed and relaxed in a way I had never known before. I am very convinced that handwork is high quality touch and we should all pay more attention to the simple act of holding hands.
Peace,
John
Like you, many people are surprised by how deep and therapeutic a hand reflexology session is. Maybe we take our hands equally for granted as our feet – or even more.
Karen, I wish I had gotten regular hand work. I have just been forced to leave my practice after nearly 15 years due to hand issues. I am very upset and working on staying within the profession in some other aspect. My dreams at night are now about working on my clients instead of flying through the air like a bird!! Terri Bishop Brahen has been very good to me and I was her case study for your certification. Thank you for being so thorough because it really helped!
Christine… I’m so sorry to hear that you’ve had to retire from massage. I imagine that was a tough decision to have to make. I am also very happy to hear that hand reflexology helped. I hope that you will continue to receive from Terri.