It goes without question, that the benefits of physical touch in relationships is necessary and needed for a healthy relationship. Did you know that psychologists agree that the average person needs 7 hugs a day for optimal mental wellbeing?
Touch isn’t just about romance, it’s a powerful tool for emotional bonding and overall health. Here are a few scientifically backed reasons why physical touch is essential in relationships:
• Boosts Oxytocin Levels: Often called the “love hormone,” oxytocin is released during touching moments like hugging, cuddling, massage and kissing, increasing emotional intimacy and trust.
• Reduces Stress and Anxiety: Simple touches like holding hands or gentle massages can lower cortisol levels, helping both partners feel more relaxed and carefree.
• Improves Nonverbal Communication: Physical affection can sometimes say more than words. A hug after a disagreement, for example, can signal empathy and willingness to reconnect.
• Increases Relationship Satisfaction: Couples who touch more frequently tend to report higher levels of satisfaction and emotional closeness.
So we came up with
10 Simple Ways to Incorporate More Touch Into Your Daily Life
Looking to boost connection through touch? Try these simple yet powerful methods:
1. Hold hands during walks or while watching TV
2. Always start or end the day with a hug or kiss
3. Cuddle while watching movies or relaxing
4. Give foot rubs after a long day
5. Massage each other’s neck or shoulders
6. Rest a hand on your partner’s leg or back during conversations
7. Dance together, even if it’s just in the kitchen
8. Apply lotion or oils on each other after showers
9. Practice couples’ yoga or stretching
10. Sleep close, spooning, touching feet or simply throw a leg over
Massage Ideas to Deepen Intimacy
Massage isn’t just about relaxation, its connection and nonverbal communication. It can be a deeply intimate and healing experience. Try these:
• Five-Minute Back Massage: Use circular motions and gentle pressure. Focus on the upper back and shoulders where stress collects. For texture and deep tissue add our In Good Hands Massage Gloves
• Oil-Based Body Massage: Warm massage oils like our jojoba, argan, and essential oil infused Knead Me Massage Oil creates a spa-like experience at home.
• Head & Scalp Massage: Massaging the scalp can be incredibly soothing and can even help with tension headaches. Add in a Hot Heart Massager for hot stone massage to relieve tension.
When you love it, make it a routine, go to bed early and spend a few minutes of 'pillow time' to connect, massage, talk and unwind. This gets our mind off of the day, grounded, centered, and in the moment with our partner. It makes for great foreplay as well! wink wink!
If you want more foreplay in the bedroom, lead by example in initiating massage with your partner starting with a high stress area like shoulders, moving you way to lower back, booty and thighs. These areas, when massaged, help increase blood flow to intimate areas creating an open door to intimacy and sex.
Want to level up your touch?
Set the mood with soft lighting or candles, calming music or nature sounds, and take turns focusing fully on your partner without distractions. Heres a few product recommendations you perhaps didn't think about, or didn't know existed!
• Sensory Finger Tips. Often overlooked, these add in an element of light scratches and texture to your physical touch sessions. Use the fingertips to make slow, circular motions on your partner’s back or shoulders, applying gentle pressure as you go. Focus on feeling the texture and tension beneath your fingers, moving intuitively with their breath. Let your touch be intentional—light enough to soothe, firm enough to release stress, and always in sync with your partner’s comfort and response.
• Blindfold. Something as simple as an eye mask or sleep mask can help with relaxation as well as foreplay. Did you know that when you take away your sense of sight your other senses are enhanced. Build anticipation and mystery, and if you're feeling extra frisky add in some restraints. I also HIGHLY recommend sleep masks for day or nighttime naps, to help get into a deeper sleep easier.
• A Deep Tissue Vibrator can really help to get relaxed, our "Opening Act" for example has a strong rumble for all body parts for an excellent full-body massage! It doubles as a clitoral vibrator as well, wink wink!
Physical Touch & Self-Love: For Singles and Solo Moments
If you’re not in a relationship, physical touch is still incredibly important, for self-care, confidence and body awareness. Here’s how to stay connected to yourself:
• Self-Massage: Use a foam roller or massage balls on tense muscles. Gently rub your hands, arms, or feet with scented lotion or oils. Check out our Nourishing Body Lotion or Body Boost for firming, dimples and cellulite! Its our best seller and most popular!
• Warm Baths with Epsom Salt: Soak and gently massage your body as a form of nurturing self-touch. For ambiance, add in a splash of our PH balanced Bubble Bath and Body Wash.
• Mindful Skincare Routines: Take time applying moisturizer or facial oil with slow, intentional movements. Our Firm Believer is excellent for improving the appearance of skin’s texture and tone.
• Weighted Blankets or Body Pillows: These provide a comforting pressure that mimics the sensation of being held, a stellar idea for fussy sleepers and calming anxious feelings.
• Stretching & Body Movement: Yoga, stretching, or dancing helps you stay in tune with your body through movement-based touch.
Touch is a Love Language for All
Whether shared with a partner or directed inward as self-love, physical touch has the power to heal, connect, and ground us. In a fast-paced world, slowing down to be present with ourselves and those we care about through intentional touch can be transformative! So touch, skin-to-skin as often as possible, and make it a part of your every day routine!
Sexual Health is not a Dirty Word,
VALGINA
www.VALGINA.com