Healing touch.

When our Great Physician walked this earth 2,000 years ago, people came out by the thousands to hear Him speak. But more than that, those with special needs wanted something more. They longed to touch Him or to have Him touch them. Why? Because His touch brought healing.

When He laid His gentle hands on lepers they were not only cured of their disease but of the emotional scars that had been formed from being untouchable for so long.

Scientists have long known that touch is an important component of good health--regardless of age. Holding and rocking a baby offers proven physiological and emotional benefits. Touching increases the infant's cardiac output and promotes respiration that in turn discourages lung congestion. It even helps the child's gastrointestinal function.

A parent's loving touch can make a hurting or frightened child relax; helping him or her feel that all is right with the world once more. "Rubbing the boo-boo" soothes physically as well as emotionally.

A study done at Princeton University confirmed that babies and toddlers who are frequently touched in a loving manner until they are 12 years old are much more likely to be intimate and loving in future relationships. These children, when grown, found it easy to snuggle and cuddle, hug and touch, and hold hands. Those who didn't receive loving touches as children tended to be distant and uncomfortable with such contact with other people.

Touch is especially important for those in the autumn of their lives. When there remains no words or deeds that can make an elderly or ill person feel better, your touch can show you care. Perhaps the lack of touch is one reason why the elderly often ask to take someone's arm. They're not only concerned about falling; they also enjoy the sense of physical" closeness to the other person. Wrapping their frail fingers about the elbow of someone is an acceptable way to enjoy the closeness they crave.

I remember the time my wife and I were in the lobby of our church before services. An elderly woman in a wheelchair was waiting for her caregiver to wheel her into the sanctuary. Remembering the importance of touch, I not only greeted her but I gave her a little hug across her narrow shoulders. My wife did the same. The look of surprise and pure joy on her face lit up the entire lobby.

Because many abuse the gift of touch, some shy away from the practice or may even resent coming in physical contact with another person. This is a sad reflection of the continuing decline of our civilization.

Generally, however, you can benefit from the positive effects of touch by bringing more physical connection into your daily activities. When the contact comes from someone about whom you have positive feelings--like a friend, spouse, or other loved one--you both enjoy the added benefit of a heightened sense of love and security. An act as simple as hugging family and friends hello and goodbye can help put them, and you, in a positive frame of mind. Such physical connection may even boost your physical health.

Virginia Satir, one of the key family therapists of our time, suggests that we need to get four hugs a day for survival, eight hugs a day for maintenance, and 12 hugs a day for growth.

Touch is not only critical for growth, development, communication, and learning; it also brings comfort and reassurance. A hug, pat on the shoulder, or holding a hand can bring great solace. It may provide the encouragement needed to complete a difficult task or just get through a gloomy hour.

Consider these ways you can be more effective and healing in your relationships:

1. Begin to give regular hugs to your children and your spouse. You may feel awkward and uncomfortable at first, but you'll soon learn to love it.

2. Gently, regularly touch the important people in your life. A hand on the shoulder, a pat on the back--human contact is as necessary to each of us as vitamins and minerals.

3. Touch someone's back when they go through a door or warmly encircle their hand with yours when you greet them or say goodbye.

You'd be surprised to discover how many people, because of physical or emotional issues, think of themselves as "untouchable." What a wonderful opportunity. we have to bring God's healing touch into their lives today.

Richard O'Ffill writes from Longwood, Florida.