More Massage!
Preschool Touch in U.S. and France
Studies compared a high touch culture (France) and a low touch culture (U.S.) on preschool playgrounds and at McDonald's restaurants in Paris and Miami. Data analyses suggested that preschool children in Paris were touched more by their mothers and touch each other more, and were less aggressive toward their peers.
Field, T. (1999) Preschoolers in America are touched less and are more aggressive than preschoolers in France. Early Child Development and Care, 151, 11-17.
When I read this touch study synopsis, I think it’s huge! If we’re thirsty, we generally respect our body’s request to get a drink. If we’re cold or hot, we move to adjust clothing layers or room temperature. If we’re not getting safe, nurturing touch as much as we need, aggressiveness may be exhibited, or a whole host of other less than desirable social, behavioral, or physical manifestations.
It is often said that we are spiritual beings, here on earth to have a physical human experience. Part of that experience definitely includes touch. Yet, our culture has removed it from our daily lives. Our animal companions know they need it. Mothers lick, hold, and groom their young. Adult animals romp and roll and brush up on each other. Show me a dog or cat at the animal shelter not wanting to be petted and loved. Why won’t we allow ourselves the same?
Thank goodness we’re learning, albeit a person at a time, of how important safe, non-sexual, physical contact from other people and animals can be to our health and well being. Thank goodness for the Touch Research Institute at the University of Miami, where scientific studies on the value of touch are being performed – to provide that “scientific data” so many refuse to change without. Thank goodness we’re recognizing the benefits and values of massage therapy beyond increasing circulation and promoting relaxation.
Last year, I was blessed to receive two massages and a reflexology treatment over 4 days. That entire week, I felt amazing! I was calm, collected, together, relaxed, and able to leap tall buildings in a single bound. Normal life stressors didn’t set me off. It was a huge learning experience on how valuable massage and touch can be to improving our daily lives. The other events of life were not different that week – but I was able to handle them differently because my innate needs were being met. Are yours?
This fall, I’ve been giving lots of 5-10 minute chair massages, to people from college-age to retired. It both pleases and saddens me to see the incredible transformations happening on faces in such a short period of safe touch. Can you imagine interacting with a world of people who were getting their safe touch needs met? Less road rage, less crankiness when waiting in lines, more acceptance and understanding while dealing with people who don’t yet know how to do all aspects of their jobs.
It’s a world I’m willing to work towards. I’ll make sure to get my regular massages and bodywork to stay in balance. And I’ll give you the best massage I can when you schedule. Are you willing to call to schedule regular appointments? How about calling for a massage in the next week?
—Jean Buchanan, Licensed Massage Therapist
(This article was published in our 4th Qtr 2005 Newsletter)
