The value of gentle touch

One of the things that I consider vitally important in my Reiki practice is gentle touch. Of course, Reiki does not need to involve touch at all. It can be done at a distance or by working within the energy field of the client. There are amazing practitioners who never make physical contact with a client, but I love being hands-on. I am convinced that safe, gentle touch is something we do not get enough of, especially as adults. I believe that touch is healing. Gentle touch activates emotion and promotes well-being. It reduces anxiety and pain. According to Dr. Romeo Vitelli in his article for Psychology today, "The sensation of being touched can produce a wide range of physiological and biochemical changes in the body including decreased heart rate and blood pressure as well as reduced cortisol and increased oxytocin. MRI studies have also shown that gentle touching can activate key areas of the brain including the orbitofrontal and caudate cortex." It is an honor to be able to work with clients in such a supportive, loving way.