What is the Therapeutic Value of Human Touch?

Increasingly, I've been hearing stories of how our "western lifestyle", with its drive towards independence and self-sufficiency may be doing us harm in the realms of physical, emotional and mental health.  One of my exploration tracks is to determine the value and benefit of human contact and touch (or not).  Here's a story that just touches on the topic.

- Hugs strengthen the immune system
- Holding hands dissipates stress
- Snuggling improves empathy and communication

http://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2014/03/10/the-surprising-psychological-value-of-human-touch/

Psychobiotics - new science of how intestinal flora affects our emotions and brain patterns

In my early 20's, I had pneumonia, and was treated with 3 rounds of anti-biotics. They may have saved my life so I'm grateful. And they also really messed up my digestion, and then my over all health. Within 2 years I went from being a fit, happy young man, to a fat, old and moody grump! I luckily met an environmental doctor who diagnosed my intestinal flora issues (all the good bacteria were also killed off) and I was on the road to recovery. For decades now I've had to manage this chronic issue, and the accompanying mental stresses... Eat the wrong thing, and I'd be noticeably depressed!

Now modern fMRI techniques and other studies as proving the brain/gut connection when it comes to our mental health and happiness. Fecal transplants have been shown to improve mental health and anxiety disorders.

https://www.sciencenews.org/article/microbes-can-play-games-mind 

(In the vein of journalistic honesty, there are many who would say I was always moody!)

Yeah for science... for now I think I'll stick with my pro-biotics and careful diet.  But I shall never say never.. just "Blech!"

Chinese Proverb on how our Thoughts Affect Our Destiny

Chinese proverb:
Be careful of your thoughts, for your thoughts become your words.
Be careful of your words, for your words become your actions.
Be careful of your actions, for your actions become your habits.
Be careful of your habits, for your habits become your character.
Be careful of your character, for your character becomes your destiny.