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A loving touch can ease the pain
11 September 2008
A loving hug from the man or woman in your life can really take the pain away, according to new research.
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A study carried out by Unilever in Sweden found that a soothing touch can make us feel better when we are in pain.
The research involved heating skin up to a painfully high temperature and then stroking it gently with a brush.
It found that the soothing touch can help bring down the pain level, which could be why parents hug their children when they have fallen over or cut themselves.
The study also found that when we are touched, nerve fibres are activated which then send a pleasure message to the brain.
Professor Francis McGlone of Uniliver told a science conference this week: "If you look at anybody stroking anybody else or a mother cuddling a baby, these movements are being driven by systems activated by C-fibres and they are fundamental to nurturing."
He added: "There is research showing that if you touch a patient when you are giving them bad news it makes a lot of difference.
"If a waitress touches your shoulder, then you are more likely to give her a tip."
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