What is an example of touch therapy?

Coregulating touch is a prime example of somatic touch therapy, where a trained practitioner places their hands gently on areas such as the client’s back near the kidneys or cradles their head, without manipulation or movement. The practitioner attunes to the client’s nervous system responses, helping facilitate a shift from survival physiology to a more regulated, calm state.

Does touch therapy really work?

Research indicates that the therapeutic touch can have measurable physiological effects. Studies show that appropriate, attuned touch can reduce cortisol levels, increase oxytocin production, and activate the parasympathetic nervous system ( 14 , 15 , 16 ). However, research specifically on somatic touch therapy is still developing, and individual responses can vary significantly based on factors like trauma history, practitioner skill, and personal comfort with touch.

What are the five phases of therapeutic touch?

The five phases of therapeutic touch, as developed by Dolores Krieger and Dora Kunz, are ( 39 ): Centering (practitioner achieving a meditative state) Assessment (sensing the client’s energy field) Clearing (removing energy blockages) Intervention (directing energy to promote mental wellness) Evaluation (assessing intervention effectiveness) However, somatic touch therapy may be guided by different frameworks that focus more on nervous system regulation than on energy work.

Does touch release serotonin?

Research suggests that pleasant touch can influence neurotransmitter production, including serotonin, though the mechanisms are complex. A pleasant touch stimulates specific neural pathways, boosting hormones and neurotransmitters associated with well-being, social bonding, and emotional regulation ( 14 , 15 , 16 ). However, the relationship between touch and serotonin production specifically requires further research to fully understand.