Touch can reduce pain, depression and anxiety, say researchers

Touching the head is associated with greater health benefits than touching other parts of the body. Photograph: Hinterhaus Productions/Getty

Whether it is a hug from a friend or the caress of a weighted blanket, the sensation of touch appears to bring benefits for the body and mind, researchers say.

The sense of touch is the first to develop in babies and is crucial in allowing us to experience the environment around us as well as communicate. Indeed, the loss of touch from others during the Covid pandemic hit many hard.