(sources: National Library of Medicine, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/, The Touch

Research Institute; Research at TRI https://med.miami.edu/departments/pediatrics)

“The Social Baseline Theory posits that humans have evolved to be social creatures and that social interactions are essential for the efficient regulation of physiological and psychological processes (17, 18). Biobehavioral synchrony refers to the coordination of physiological and psychological processes during social interactions, such as the coordination of nonverbal behavior, autonomic regulation, heart rhythms, brain-to-brain synchrony, and the release of neurotransmitters like oxytocin (19, 20). Research has shown that when these systems are sufficiently coupled, they exhibit similar dynamic neuronal structures, including matching activations in the parietal and frontal cortices, particularly during therapeutic touch” (21, 22).

“Therapeutic touch plays a critical role in regulating allostasis and promoting homeostasis, developing socioemotional and cognitive systems, and achieving a robust therapeutic alliance in the pediatric population. Our research presents an integrative (active inference) model that helps explain the mechanisms by which therapeutic touch works. Through the use of this model, we propose that therapeutic touch is essential in laying the groundwork for biobehavioral synchrony via biopsychosocial mechanisms (Figures 2, 3). Furthermore, we suggest that touch can be used to establish and update priors in exchanges between parent and infant and between the practitioner and the infant. The intentional therapeutic touch delivered by a practitioner can promote allostatic regulation and establish a successful therapeutic Alliance. Furthermore, the effects of touch on reducing and preventing the development of maladaptive pain beliefs and pain itself may significantly enhance the effects of therapeutic affective touch.”

“Therapeutic touch, such as massage, has been shown to have a positive impact on individuals experiencing allostatic overload by promoting relaxation and reducing stress levels. Studies have found that therapeutic touch can increase vagal tone, oxygen saturation, and dopamine levels, while decreasing cortisol, oxytocin, and stress levels (79-83). Additionally, therapeutic touch is believed to symbolize the physical unity of the therapeutic alliance, indicating that the practitioner is willing to share their resources and work together with the patient to resolve clinical symptoms (18). Furthermore, research suggests that receiving therapeutic touch is more effective than self-care at mitigating and regulating the effects of physical and emotional stress (110, 122).”

“Stroking and other forms of affective touch activate CT fibers thus activating the central hubs and pathways for oxytocinergic modulation, triggering the release of oxytocin. Oxytocin plays a significant role in both social attachments and providing allostatic regulation through the modulation and regulation of social and non-social behaviors within fluctuating social contexts” (130, 131).

“The intention behind therapeutic affective touch may significantly impact how practitioners establish a therapeutic alliance through their portrayal of therapeutic touch, implying an active component to therapeutic touch (124). By using therapeutic touch that activates CT fibers and triggers the release of oxytocin, practitioners can communicate and reassure the patient with a sense of safety about their clinical condition, as reflected by an increase in heart rate variability of preterm infants after experiencing CT-activating stroking, which helps regulate their parasympathetic nervous system (138). Additionally, therapeutic affective touch activates the brain to develop sensitivity or trust to specific affective stimuli as a modality for acquiring precise, safe, and newsworthy sensory information, resulting in an increased sense of self-awareness” (139).

“Within a clinical setting, while affective therapeutic touch is often the primary mode of communication during sessions, other sensory stimuli also play a role. Research has shown that therapeutic touch, compared to verbal reassurance, can significantly reduce stress by affecting physiological, epigenetic, and neuroendocrine functions, thus demonstrating its superiority in providing social support, particularly in times of pain or Distress” (108, 147, 148).

“Moreover, the amygdala and insula play an essential role in empathy and socio-emotional regulation and the development of mother-infant synchrony, which frequently indicates an individual’s future ability and level of empathy (33, 156, 157). This is reflected in the fact that children who receive affective touch consistently throughout their childhood are more sensitive to the emotions of others as adolescents and thus become more empathic and likely to build better therapeutic alliances in the future.”

“The attachment bond between a mother and infant, which is often strengthened and initiated through tactile afferent touch, also underpins an infant’s safety and comfort (165, 166). Moreover, it has been demonstrated that an effective alliance centered around treatment using therapeutic affective touch improves the child’s safety and the child’s and parent’s well-being (98). Therapeutic touch can serve as a “secure base” by instilling a sense of social support and security in the clinical setting, thereby enhancing the robustness of the alliance and relationship with family.”

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