Robin Donovan, Health Writer, wrote an article that I thought tied in with Mother’s Day pretty accurately. The power of touch has many results, one of which I feel is very important for all our mothers. The touch, such as a hug or gentle rub, can help her through a stressful time or just to help relax her. Take away her negativity and help to revive her energy.
The body releases oxytocin, which is also called the love hormone. The effects can include lowering blood pressure, decreasing the stress-related hormone cortisol and increasing pain tolerance. Just a friendly touch, and also like the contact between breastfeeding moms and their babies or cuddling together with loved ones or even pets can convey love.
Even holding a stranger’s hand in a stressful time can help against pain and shock when experiencing trauma. Massage is another great way to express love and relaxation to a loved one. Lowering blood pressure and slowing heart rate is a result as well as premature babies even gain weight.
Some people are natural touchers while others can go for days or even weeks without any physical contact. Adding this little touch to your day is a great and simple way to harness health-maximizing effects of less stress, pain management and a healthier body and mind. Wouldn’t this be a great way to give back to your mom?
Giving of a touch, a matter a handshake, hug or pat on the back, affects not only the person receiving it, but the giver as well. Even all those high-fives are doing their job. Some things to consider are cuddling, hugging hello, petting your dog or cat, indulging in more sex, a massage, yoga or pilates, holding hands, getting a pedicure and just plain patting someone on the back.
David Lipschitz of Matter of Your Health even received a massage as a birthday present and didn’t know what he was missing until he’d had one. He reported that it reduced stress, eased his tension and cleared the mind as well as promoted relaxation and tranquility.
Now wouldn’t a great massage just be the epitome of a gift for your mom for mother’s day? As a mother myself I can’t imagine a more thoughtful gift, especially if that daughter enjoyed the gift with you, side by side. Not only the wonderful massage but the hard to find time together.
In this busy world of ours it is becoming harder to ferret out those times when we can share an intimate moment with a daughter. Riding bicycles, jogging and maybe grilling out are other ways to spend quality time with a son.
If nothing else, time with our loving pets is very calming and they love it! Just don’t forget to use the healing power of touch wherever we go. It’s just another way of spreading warmth and friendliness to everyone. Of course the very most important thing of all is saying, “I Love You, Mom.”
Dr Fredda Branyon