by Dr. C. Sue Furman
The Power of Touch, by Dr. C. Sue Furman Massage benefits dogs and people in much the same way. It relaxes healthy individuals and makes them feel good. Massage also has positive effects for those mentally, emotionally or physically challenged. It reduces stress, anxiety, and depression as evidenced in shelter dogs by the change in attitude and personality of those massaged regularly. They become more receptive to touch from people and are, therefore, more adoptable. Dogs and people with infirmities also benefit from massage. The pain of arthritis or dysplasia can be eased thus increasing the comfort level of the one receiving massage. Massage can also relieve bronchial congestion and improve range of motion. In other words, massage is a versatile complementary therapy that can improve the quality of life for healthy individuals as well as those who are ailing.
Research concerning the positive biological effects of touch from massage to hand-holding is growing. Mark Rapaport, MD, recently published a study in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine in which healthy adults received one of two types of touch treatments, and their physiological changes were monitored by blood tests. The 29 individuals who received Swedish massage had decreased stress hormones and increased white blood cell counts which are a boost for the immune system. In contrast, 24 volunteers who received only light touch treatments experienced increased levels of oxytonin, a hormone that promotes bonding. More research is necessary, but Dr. Rapaport believes that a single massage may have positive health benefits. Other research indicates that a little touch may do a lot. A University of North Carolina study found that women who simply sat in close contact with a partner for 10 minutes experienced decreased blood pressure.
An added bonus is that massage is a two-way street. Tiffany Fields, director of the Touch Research Institute at the University of Miami, School of Medicine monitored grandparents who massaged a puppy each day for a month and found they experienced decreased levels of stress hormones, felt less anxiety and depression, and had improved self esteem. In addition, they drank fewer cups of coffee each day and made fewer visits to their doctor. The old adage, "It is better to give than to receive" seems to hold true. Both grandparents and puppies benefited. In this case, the grandparents gave massage and the puppies gave their friendly co-operation. The grandparents profited with improved health and mental outlook and the puppies benefited from the beneficial human touch they received. The positive effects occur when pressure receptors or mechanoreceptors of the nervous system are activated by the pressure of touch. Fields recommends it is beneficial to receive a "regular dose" of some type of touch for a few minutes every day although 10-15 minutes is best. Massage or pet your dog each day and share the power of touch!
Text and photos are Copyright © 2013 C. Sue Furman, Ph.D. and Holistic Touch Therapy
c.suefurman@gmail.com
This article originally appeared in the June 2013 edition of the Holistic Touch Therapy Newsletter.