Posted by DAisym on October 18, 2007, at 19:14:06
In reply to My take on this - for what it's worth., posted by seldomseen on October 18, 2007, at 19:03:38
****Physical touch can induce the release of oxytocin - a natural opiate and "bonding" hormone. A 20 second hug can also lower our blood pressure and heart rate. There can be substantial psychological effects as well - including increased self-esteem and overall wellbeing.
-- Yes, and so can crying. And so can exercise. So I think you are right, humans can meet this need in a variety of ways.
As for massage therapy - I've talked about this with my therapist. He remains worried that I'll have a flashback but is willing to support the idea. But when I think about it, I still want to throw up. A friend of mine is doing "holding" therapy with a trained trauma specialist and she said it is really powerful. All that is held is her head and neck. And she cries the whole time.
What is really interesting is that all of my children are touchy.
poster:DAisym
thread:789878
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20071009/msgs/790008.html