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
This is how technology is revolutionizing healthcare – “The cost-benefit ratio of occupational health is improving even further”
Artificial intelligence not only streamlines but also improves healthcare. It identifies risks and speeds up access to doctors, according to Terveystalo’s digital experts.
Digital trends in healthcare 2026: The ability to leverage artificial intelligence comprehensively will become a key success factor
The accelerating development of technology and artificial intelligence doesn’t just mean new innovations in healthcare; it forces us to rethink the entire operating logic of the sector, says Ilari Richardt, Head of Digital Services at Terveystalo.
Healthy Work Life Barometer 2026: Growing workload poses a challenge to the workplace; the solution lies in a sense of community
The Healthy Working Life Barometer 2026* reveals that 48% of business decision-makers consider the Finnish working life to be healthy. This is an encouraging turn for the better, as it represents a 5-percentage-point increase from the previous year. At the same time, the barometer reveals a new normal in the workplace: as many as 80% of respondents feel that the Finnish workplace is more fast-paced and stressful than ever before.
Healthy Work Life Barometer 2026: A positive trend in health, but a growing gap in views on humanity between top management and other employees
The Healthy Working Life Barometer 2026* reveals that 48% of business decision-makers consider the Finnish working life to be healthy. This marks an encouraging shift for the better, as it represents a 5-percentage-point increase from the previous year. Although the overall picture of workplace health has improved, experiences regarding management’s proactiveness and the humanity of everyday work vary, so polarization between roles is on the rise.
Occupational health Therapies at the Forefront – operating model reformed mental health support for staff in Oulu
Mental health and behavioral disorders were a cause for concern in the city of Oulu. Sick leave was on the rise, and the phenomenon was evident not only in statistics but also in the everyday life of work communities. When the Therapies to the Forefront operating model became available for occupational health services, Oulu seized the opportunity. The goal was to build a completely new way of thinking about mental health support and to provide tools for every employee to promote their own well-being and coping. The achievements of the first six months show that the solution was the right one: a 10% decrease in mental health absences is the result of a comprehensive cultural change.
The Finnish debate on sick leave is broken
Misconceptions about sick leave are more persistent than the flu virus. According to leading occupational health physician Anita Riipinen, it is time to correct this misconception.