Touch relaxes and reinforces a sense of security
When life is under a lot of strain or your sense of security is shaky, a gentle touch is a great way to help you recover. Psychologist and trained massage therapist Minna Nevala from Terveystalo Rela massage therapists explains how touch promotes mental well-being.
We need to be touched throughout our lives. It is the first sense we develop and the sense that will stay with us the longest.
- We know how important touch is to a child's development. Among other things, a parent's reassuring embrace strengthens a child's sense of security and builds a foundation for self-esteem. The power of touch also lasts throughout adult life: a hug from a loved one makes us feel secure and offers nurturing experiences, even if we didn't get enough touch as a child," says Minna Nevala, a psychologist and trained massage therapist at Terveystalo Rela.
The healing effect of touch is based on biology
The human being is a physical and psychological entity: touch has a powerful effect on our minds through the nervous system and hormones, relaxing and relieving pain, among other things.
- Massage, for example, is a good way to activate our parasympathetic or calming nervous system. This kind of soothing touch activates in particular the so-called vagus nerve, which signals the state of our body to the brain and triggers recovery. This is very tangible in the massage: the client's breathing becomes steadier and the body relaxes. Blood pressure drops for a moment. Many people stop talking at this point," laughs Minna Nevala.
In addition to massage, good ways to activate the parasympathetic nervous system include walking in the woods, consciously calming your breathing or meditating.
Touch is particularly helpful when you feel stressed or anxious
In addition to activating the parasympathetic nervous system, touch increases the secretion of pleasure hormones.
- Massage or other gentle and soothing touch releases pleasure hormones such as oxytocin, the so-called attachment hormone, dopamine, the pleasure hormone, and serotonin, the happiness hormone. At the same time it lowers cortisol or stress hormone levels.
The healing power of touch is particularly worth trying when you feel stressed or overstimulated.
- Massage, for example, is the perfect remedy for stress, as it not only calms the mind but also the body by relieving muscle tension. Muscle tension is one of the regulators of stress and when you can relieve it, the brain gets the message that you can let go of your worries. However, if the overstress is prolonged, it's a good idea to keep a low profile and contact mental wellbeing professionals," Minna adds.
Your own touch can also help - try these to calm your mind
- Stroke your own arm
- Give yourself a hug
- Petting a pet
- Take a moment for yourself and book an appointment with a masseuse, for example.
Terveystalo Rela massage therapists are available all over Finland and you can easily book an appointment online.
Latest articles
"Let life show at work"
Humanity in the workplace feeds well-being and productivity. Workplaces need a new culture that genuinely values diversity and takes into account different life situations," says Eveliina Holmgren, an organisational psychologist at Terveystalo.
Tips from an organisational psychologist: how to create psychological safety in the workplace
Eveliina Holmgren, an organisational psychologist at Terveystalo, explains how to get started in strengthening psychological safety in the workplace.
Here are the digital trends in healthcare 2025: AI frees up time and supports quality of care
Ilari Richardt, Director of Digital Services at Terveystalo, highlights five major digital trends that will transform healthcare this year. At the heart of these trends is the potential of artificial intelligence to solve healthcare problems.
Get rid of type 2 diabetes with lifestyle changes
When Timo Partanen found out at his health check that he had type 2 diabetes, he realised that he would end up taking medication for the rest of his life if things continued as they were. The diagnosis made him think about his future and motivated him to make a permanent change.
Such misconceptions are still associated with massage
Marcus Frangén of Terveystalo Rela massage therapists explains how the understanding of the physiological effects of massage has changed and what misconceptions are persistently associated with massage.
Our bodies are telling us we're overloaded - here's how to spot your own warning signs
Stressed about returning to work and the hustle and bustle of everyday life? Our bodies often give us clear warning signs of overload. Listening to yourself is an important preventative measure.