Physical Well-being:

• Pain Management: Many forms of touch therapy, such as massage, acupressure, and therapeutic touch, can help alleviate various types of pain, including chronic pain, back pain, arthritis pain, and post-surgical pain. Touch can help by increasing circulation, reducing muscle tension and spasms, releasing endorphins (natural painkillers), and interrupting pain signals.  
• Muscle Relaxation: Touch therapies can effectively reduce muscle tension, stiffness, and knots, improving flexibility and range of motion. This is particularly beneficial for individuals with physically demanding jobs, athletes, or those experiencing stress-related muscle tightness.  
• Improved Circulation: Massage and other touch techniques can stimulate blood flow and lymphatic drainage. This can enhance the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to tissues and help remove waste products, promoting healing and overall tissue health.
• Faster Healing: Some studies suggest that touch therapy, particularly therapeutic touch, may help speed up wound healing by stimulating cell growth and improving circulation to the affected area.
• Boosted Immune Function: Research indicates that touch therapy, including massage, can positively impact the immune system by increasing the activity of natural killer cells and lymphocytes, which are crucial for fighting off infections. It can also help regulate the stress hormone cortisol, which can suppress immune function when elevated.  
• Improved Sleep: By promoting relaxation and reducing pain and anxiety, touch therapy can contribute to better sleep quality and help address sleep disorders like insomnia.  

Emotional and Mental Well-being:

• Stress and Anxiety Reduction: Touch has a profound calming effect on the nervous system. It can lower levels of stress hormones like cortisol and increase the release of oxytocin, often called the “bonding hormone,” which promotes feelings of relaxation, trust, and well-being. Various touch therapies are used to manage anxiety disorders and general stress.
• Improved Mood and Reduced Depression: Touch therapy can help elevate mood and alleviate symptoms of depression by increasing the levels of neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, which are associated with feelings of happiness and well-being.
• Enhanced Body Awareness: Touch therapies can help individuals become more aware of their bodies, sensations, and areas of tension. This increased body awareness can be beneficial for self-regulation and understanding physical and emotional states.
•  Emotional Support and Connection: Human touch is a fundamental aspect of social connection and can convey empathy, care, and reassurance. Touch therapy can provide a safe and supportive environment for individuals to experience nurturing touch, which can be particularly important for those who feel isolated or have experienced trauma.  
• Trauma Recovery: Specialized touch therapy approaches are used in trauma recovery to help individuals process traumatic memories, regulate emotions, and reconnect with their bodies in a safe and controlled way.  

Specific Conditions:

Touch therapy is also sought out to help manage symptoms associated with various specific conditions, such as:

• Arthritis  
• Fibromyalgia  
• Headaches and migraines  
• Digestive disorders  
• Prenatal discomfort
• Autism Spectrum Disorder (to reduce anxiety and sensory issues)  
• Cancer (for pain and anxiety management, alongside medical treatment)  

In summary, people “do” touch therapy because it offers a holistic approach to health and well-being, addressing physical discomfort, emotional distress, and the need for human connection through the powerful and fundamental sense of touch. It’s a non-invasive and often enjoyable way to support the body’s natural healing abilities and promote a greater sense of balance and well-being.