There is a growing body of research that shows a link between many forms of touch—from massage to hand-holding—and improved health. A study from the University of North Carolina found that sitting in close contact with a partner for just 10 minutes lowered blood pressure.…
A naturally occurring chemical produced in the brain when we feel safe, nurtured, and receive caring touch, Oxytocin acts like a hormone in our bodies to regulate the arousal level of our nervous system. It is also the hormone of attachment, the 'neural cement' of…
Whenever we feel stressed, volatile, or are escalating into an argument, the stress hormones that are coursing through our body have revved up our nervous system out of our 'window of tolerance,' where we function at our best, not hyper-aroused or under-aroused. And whenever we…
Human beings and other mammals are hardwired to be watchful for threatening situations. A part of our subconscious brain is always asking and answering the question ‘Am I safe?’ This is healthy, as long as we are able to recover from stress as readily as…