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A new study presents novel insights on the mental health benefits of touch. Posted April 14, 2024

Reviewed by Jessica Schrader

Key points

• Touch is one of the earliest senses to develop.
• There is limited psychological research on the health benefits of touch.
• A new meta-analysis integrated studies on touch and mental and physical well-being.

Touch is one of the first senses that develops in humans. Long before children can talk and understand language, their parents cradle them to make them feel better when they are stressed. This stress-relieving power of consensual touch persists throughout life for most people. Before a stressful job interview or test, a hug from a loved one can help us calm down. After a challenging day at work, a nice massage provides much-needed relaxation.

Despite these benefits of touch for psychological well-being, touch is not a major topic in psychological research. While several studies on the benefits of touch for mental and physical well-being have been published, their methods are very diverse, and different groups of people have been compared, making it difficult to draw overarching conclusions from them.

A new meta-analysis on touch and well-beingTo provide a systematic integration of published studies on touch and mental and physical well-being, Julian Packheiser from the Social Neuroscience lab at Ruhr University Bochum in Germany and his research team conducted a so-called meta-analysis (Packheiser and co-workers, 2024). A meta-analysis is a statistical integration of existing studies that has the benefit that much larger samples are used to generate the statistics, which makes the results of such a study more trustworthy and robust than that of smaller studies.

Overall, the scientists integrated data from 137 different studies. Additionally, they reported on 75 studies in a literature review that could not be integrated mathematically. Overall, data from almost 13,000 volunteers were included in the study, making its insights highly trustworthy.

Touch has many positive effects on health and psychological well-beingThe study by Packheiser and co-workers had many interesting insights on the benefits of touch:

• For both newborns and adults, touch interventions significantly improved physical and mental well-being.
• For babies, it was found that touch interventions such as kangaroo care were especially effective in regulating the stress hormone cortisol, but were also helpful for various other factors such as temperature regulation, respiration, and even liver function.
• For adults, touch interventions such as hugging or massages were significantly beneficial in reducing feelings of depression and anxiety and also relieved physical pain. Interestingly, these effects were even stronger in different groups of patients than in healthy volunteers. The scientists also investigated whether touch interventions by robots are similarly effective to those by real people. It was found that robot massages have similar positive effects on physical well-being (e.g., pain relief) but were less effective for mental health. Also, positive effects of touch were found both for familiar people (e.g., getting hugged by a friend) and health care professionals (e.g., getting a massage by a licensed massage therapist).

Taken together, these findings show that touch interventions have clear benefits for both physical and mental well-being. So the next time when you feel a bit under the weather, maybe try hugging a friend—after all, it is scientifically proven that it should make you feel better.

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“Real experiences speak louder than words — our clients’ stories capture the relief, confidence and renewed hope that are often hard to describe, yet easy to feel.”

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Falls are a leading cause of injury, particularly in older adults, and can have serious consequences for independence and confidence. At Physioplus+ Guisborough, we specialise in improving balance, strength, and coordination to help reduce your risk of falling and keep you moving safely.

Why Falls Happen & How We Prevent Them

• Muscle Weakness & Poor Balance – Targeted strength-building exercises for stability.
• Dizziness & Vestibular Issues – Expert treatment for vertigo and imbalance.
• Reduced Mobility & Joint Stiffness – Improve movement and flexibility.
• Fear of Falling – Confidence-building exercises to keep you active.
• Environmental Risks – Advice on home and lifestyle modifications to prevent trips and falls.

Our Proven Falls Prevention Programmes

• Balance Training & Coordination Exercises – Improve stability and prevent unsteadiness.
• Strength & Flexibility Workouts – Keep muscles strong and joints mobile.
• Gait & Walking Assessments – Identify and correct movement issues that increase fall risk.
• Postural & Core Stability Training – Enhance control and reduce the risk of sudden falls.
• Education on Fall Prevention Strategies – Practical tips to make everyday environments safer.

Who Can Benefit?

• Older Adults – Maintain independence and avoid injury.
• People with Neurological Conditions – Support for conditions like Parkinson’s and stroke recovery.
• Post-Injury Rehabilitation – Regain confidence and mobility after an accident or surgery.
• Anyone Feeling Unsteady on Their Feet – Proactive balance training to prevent future falls.

The Physioplus+ Difference

• Experienced Physiotherapists – Experts in falls prevention and rehabilitation.
• Personalised Treatment Plans – Tailored exercises to suit your needs and abilities.
• State-of-the-Art Facilities – Equipped with the latest technology for balance training.

Book Your Falls Prevention Session Today

Preventing falls can protect your independence and well-being. Start your journey to better balance with Physioplus+ Guisborough.

📞 Call us: 01287 201006
🌍 Visit: www.physioplusguisborough.co.uk
📍 Find us: 79-81 Church Street, Guisborough, TS14 6HG

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​What Is Electroacupuncture?
Like traditional Acupuncture, electroacupuncture can use needles placed in the same spots. Then, a small electrode is attached to the needles. A small amount of electricity runs through the electrode and gives a slight vibration or soft hum during treatment. ‌

If you are sensitive to needles or scared of them (you aren’t the only one!) we have a small electrical device which can stimulate each acupuncture point without us needing to use needles, explains Jane Sutton BSc (Hons) MCSP MAACP MCSS, Lead Physiotherapist, Advanced Acupuncturist and Advanced Craniosacral Therapist at www.physioplusguisborough.co.uk  

The electrode gives off the effect of your acupuncturist activating the acupuncture point with their hands. This ensures you get the right amount of stimulation during your whole treatment. The treatments are also shorter because the electrodes can activate your acupuncture points more quickly. ‌

A benefit of using electroacupuncture is that it can cover larger areas of your body than traditional acupuncture. This ability makes this type of acupuncture more accurate than others. 

Background of Acupuncture
Qi (pronounced “chee”) is a fundamental concept in Chinese medicine. It’s believed to be a form of energy that’s universal. The belief is that your qi can be any manifestation of energy, and that acupuncture moves and activates your qi to help your body heal.‌

Electroacupuncture is meant to connect your physical and spiritual self. There are potential benefits for both parts of your body. Physically, this treatment is designed to help you feel better. Spiritually, this treatment is meant to help you understand your qi and the energy you have around you.  

How Does Electroacupuncture Work?
Electroacupuncture uses two needles in each meridian point, or acupuncture point, and then connects to a machine that passes a small electric current through the needle. ‌

Electroacupuncture helps to block your pain by activating bioactive chemicals in your body. This process may decrease your sensitivity to the pain you’re feeling. It’s also been shown to help reduce inflammation in your body. ‌

When you get electroacupuncture, it activates your sympathetic nerve fibres. By activating these fibres, your body releases endogenous opioids such as endorphins, which help to reduce inflammation. The activated nerve fibres may also help to reduce feelings of persistent pain. This makes it a good treatment for chronic pain and stress.‌

Studies have also found that electroacupuncture may help your body release mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) into your bloodstream. MSCs are adult stem cells mostly found in your bone marrow. MSCs help your body create different types of tissues. They also have healing properties.

• Related: Can Acupuncture Help My Fibromyalgia?

Pros of Electroacupuncture
Electroacupuncture can be used as a part of your acupuncture treatment. It may help with conditions like: 
• Neurological diseases
• Chronic pain
• Muscle spasms
• Paralysis‌

Electroacupuncture is believed to help increase your blood flow. This may help to relieve any pain you’re feeling. In addition, this type of acupuncture warms your muscles. It may help with poor circulation and potential blockages. ‌

Another condition that electroacupuncture has been shown to reduce is chronic stress. Studies show that this type of therapy can help you reduce long-term chronic stress through stimulation. ‌

For many centuries, acupuncture has been used as a therapeutic treatment for pain, including chronic pain disorders. Electroacupuncture is a more modern form of acupuncture, and it can be a substitute for traditional acupuncture. ‌

You may like this treatment if you're ready to experience a new level of acupuncture. Because electricity and needles are involved, you should understand the potential drawbacks of electroacupuncture. 
Cons of Electroacupuncture

There are a few risks of electroacupuncture. With the electricity component used in this type of acupuncture, certain individuals aren't recommended to try this therapy. People who have a history of any of the following conditions should avoid electroacupuncture: 
• Seizures
• Heart disease
• Strokes
• Epilepsy‌
• Anti-coagulant medication (if needles are used)
• If you have a pacemaker

Talk with your doctor or acupuncturist if you’re pregnant and thinking about electroacupuncture. They’ll help you decide if it’s safe for you and your baby.‌

In rare cases, you could experience adverse effects from electroacupuncture. The electrically charged needles have the risk of causing infections or organ, tissue, and nerve damage. Other risks include low blood pressure, called hypotension, fainting, and vomiting during or after treatment. The risk of negative effects is low. But you may experience bruising, needle site pain, or a small amount of bleeding where the needles are inserted.‌‌

Electroacupuncture is a good alternative to traditional acupuncture. With the benefits of pain management and the potential to provide relief from muscle spasms, this therapeutic treatment is meant to help you feel relaxed and pain-free.

Before trying electroacupuncture, talk to your acupuncturist. They can help you determine if this is the right therapeutic treatment for you. If you’re looking for treatment, make sure that the person performing your acupuncture is certified and specializes in electroacupuncture.

See Jane at www.physioplusguisborough.co.uk who trained in this technique in 1985 (yes, that long ago!).

Is Acupuncture the Miracle Remedy for Everything?
• How does it work?
• What are the benefits?
• What to expect
• How to find an acupuncturist
• Home alternatives

Acupuncture, the practice of treating conditions through triggering certain points on the skin with needles, may help with allergies, migraines, arthritis pain, sciatica and insomnia. Acupuncture is an evidence-based medicine that has been proven by literally thousands of studies.

If you’re new to holistic healing as a type of treatment, acupuncture can seem a bit terrifying. How could pressing needles into your skin possibly make you feel better? Doesn’t that hurt?

Well, no, it’s definitely not the overtly painful procedure you may be imagining and considering that it’s been studied and practiced for over 2,500 years, it seems acupuncture enthusiasts could seriously be onto something.

Some people swear by acupuncture, citing it as a “miracle” to improving their quality of life because it’s said to be able to treat everything from depression and allergies to morning sickness and cramps.

What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese medicine-based approach to treating a variety of conditions by triggering specific points on the skin with needles.

Paul Kempisty, a licensed acupuncturist with a MSc in traditional Oriental medicine, explains, “Acupuncture is a minimally invasive method to stimulate nerve-rich areas of the skin surface in order to influence tissues, gland, organs, and various functions of the body.”
“Each acupuncture needle produces a tiny injury at the insertion site, and although it’s slight enough to cause little to no discomfort, it’s enough of a signal to let the body know it needs to respond,” Kempisty says.
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“This response involves stimulation of the immune system, promoting circulation to the area, wound healing, and pain modulation.” Contemporary research on acupuncture relies mainly on this theory.

What’s the philosophy behind acupuncture?
The Chinese philosophy behind acupuncture is a bit more complicated, as the ancient practice isn’t traditionally based in science and medicine.

“They believed that the human body was filled with and animated by an invisible life-giving force which they called ‘qi’ (pronounced ‘chee’) and when the qi was flowing well and going to all the right places, then a person would experience good mental and physical health. When the qi was flowing incorrectly (blocked or deficient) that would result in illness,” says Kempisty.

The concept of qi isn’t too out there — think of it as your body’s natural inner workings. Sometimes you’re more prone to illness when feeling stressed or anxious.

When you’re relaxed and healthy, your body physically reflects that too. After all, your mood, mental health, and general well-being do affect your physical health. Thus, acupuncture aims to assist people in achieving balance, or qi, and, as a result, provide relief for many ailments.

What does acupuncture do?
You may be interested in acupuncture for a variety of reasons. For example, I sought treatment for my chronic headaches and sinus pressure.

There are numerous conditions and symptoms that acupuncture has been found to help with. Here are just a few:
• allergies
• anxiety and depression
• osteoarthritis
• chronic pain, often in the neck, back, knees, and head
• hypertension
• insomnia
• menstrual cramps and PMS
• migraines
• morning sickness
• multiple sclerosis
• sprains
• strokes

Studies suggest that acupuncture can help with cancer treatment as well. Most cancer centres now include acupuncture within their standard of care.

Limited evidence for
• acne
• abdominal pain
• cancer pain
• obesity
• insomnia
• infertility
• diabetes
• schizophrenia
• stiff neck
• alcohol dependence

While there’s no evidence that acupuncture is a miracle cure-all, it does seem to have some evidence as a worth-while treatment for people who may have multiple conditions and illnesses.

There’s a reason it’s been around for more than 2,500 years and as research grows, so will our knowledge of exactly what works and what does.

Incorporating acupuncture into real life
An acupuncture assessment lasts 45 minutes and will involve a short trial to be sure that you are happy with needles. If you aren’t, a small electrical current device can be used instead (see our blog on electro-acupuncture).

The actual treatment portion of acupuncture may last around 30 to 45 minutes. Many people actually request a longer amount of time. Dopamine is released during acupuncture and many patients who appreciate a relaxing experience due to the dopamine release prefer longer retention time.

In terms of results, it’s nearly impossible to say what one should expect, as everyone responds to and experiences acupuncture differently.

“There is no universal response to acupuncture. Some people feel relaxed and may be a little tired, others feel energized and ready for anything,” Kempisty explains. “Some people experience an improvement right away and for others it can take several treatments before noticing a positive change.”

The most common response to acupuncture, however?

“People feel happy and content,” Kempisty says. “It’s hard to put into words but there’s a distinct balanced and harmonious feeling that acupuncture gives most people and it just feels good!”

You may also feel tired after a treatment and see changes in your eating, sleeping, or bowel habits, or experience no changes at all.

How do I find an acupuncturist?
Both Jane and Ryan at Physioplus+ offer acupuncture as part of their treatments. Jane treats a wide range of issues as above, whilst at the moment Ryan uses trigger point acupuncture to treat pain and is pursuing further training later in 2025.

https://www.physioplusguisborough.co.uk/specialisms.html

This report on a study into decreased amyloid protein development during sleep is important to us as craniosacral therapists. We work on increasing blood flow and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow into the cranium (your head) to help with all sorts of issues, including early stage memory loss.

We do this by increasing the space available for the skull foramina (holes in the base of the head bones) by gentle manipulation. This increases both blood flow (important to offset vascular dementia and improve health generally in the brain) and CSF flow around the brain and spinal cord (important to avoid amyloid plaques which are present in dementia and to decrease "brain fog" in menopause, ME/ chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia). Read the report below to see why the current research is moving towards improving CSF flow.

In a study published in 2023, scientists found that using sleeping pills to get some shut-eye could reduce the build-up of toxic clumps of proteins in fluid that washes the brain clean every night.

Researchers from Washington University in St. Louis found people who took suvorexant, a common treatment for insomnia, for two nights at a sleep clinic experienced a slight drop in two proteins, amyloid-beta and tau, that pile up in Alzheimer's disease.

Though only short and involving a small group of healthy adults, the study is an interesting demonstration of the link between sleep and the molecular markers of Alzheimer's disease.

Sleep disturbances can be an early warning sign of Alzheimer's disease that precedes other symptoms, such as memory loss and cognitive decline. And by the time the first symptoms develop, levels of abnormal amyloid-beta are almost peaking, forming clumps called plaques that clog up brain cells.

Researchers think promoting sleep could be one avenue to stave off Alzheimer's disease, by allowing the sleeping brain to flush itself of leftover proteins and the day's other waste products.

While sleeping pills may help in that regard, "it would be premature for people who are worried about developing Alzheimer's to interpret it as a reason to start taking suvorexant every night," said neurologist Brendan Lucey, of Washington University's Sleep Medicine Center, who led the research.

The study spanned just two nights and involved 38 middle-aged participants who showed no signs of cognitive impairment and had no sleep issues.

Using sleeping pills for prolonged periods is not an ideal solution for those short on sleep either, as it's quite easy to become dependent on them.

Sleeping pills may also lull people into shallower bouts of sleep rather than deep sleep phases. This could be problematic as earlier research from Lucey and colleagues found a link between less good quality, slow-wave sleep and elevated levels of tau tangles and amyloid-beta protein.

In their latest study, Lucey and colleagues wanted to see if improving sleep with the aid of sleeping pills could lower levels of tau and amyloid-beta in the cerebrospinal fluid that bathes the brain and spinal cord. Past research shows that even just one night of disrupted sleep can send amyloid-beta levels rising.

A group of volunteers aged 45 to 65 years old received one of two doses of suvorexant or a placebo pill, an hour after researchers tapped their cerebrospinal fluid to collect a small sample.

The researchers continued to collect samples every two hours for 36 hours while the participants slept and during the next day and night, to measure how protein levels changed.

There were no differences in sleep between the groups, and yet amyloid-beta concentrations were reduced by between 10 and 20 percent with a dose of suvorexant usually prescribed for insomnia, compared to a placebo.

The higher dose of suvorexant also momentarily reduced levels of hyperphosphorylated tau, a modified form of the tau protein linked to the formation of tau tangles and cell death.

However, this effect was only seen with some forms of tau, and tau concentrations sprung back up within 24 hours of taking the sleeping pill.

"If you can reduce tau phosphorylation, potentially there would be less tangle formation and less neuronal death," said Lucey, still hopeful that future studies in older adults testing sleeping pills for months could possibly measure a lasting effect on protein levels (whilst noting any downsides of sleeping pills).

Increasing CSF flow by any means can also therefore decrease the potential for tangle formation, neuronal death and development of Alzheimer's.

Talk to the Team at Physioplus+ for hints on how to do this yourself and for an Assessment of CSF and Blood Flow if you would like one.