The Familial Touch
by Nine Roe

There are many versions of healing touch therapy that have arisen in the recent past. These range from the well-known Reiki to Integrated Energy Therapy, Therapeutic Massage, and Quantum Touch. These healing modalities have become widely recognized by professionals as remedies to heal the body and awaken the mind. What has received less recognition, or perhaps just been forgotten by popular society, is the power of familial touch; the power of physical, loving, non-sexual affection towards a family member or close friend.

For babies, familial touch translates into holding and caressing which does not occur with the same frequency that it used to. In earlier cultures, mothers typically used papooses or sling carriers. When this
was not possible, they carried their babies in their arms or handed them to a grandmother or friend. In the year 1733, the baby carriage was invented, which began a trend that has forever changed the model of a mother’s physical relationship with her child. Society has also moved away from a communal living culture to one of greater independence. There are ups and downs to this evolution, but one consequence is the isolation mothers often feel without much ongoing help from family members or friends. Ultimately, many mothers depend on the proper equipment for relief and assistance with their babies.

            For school-aged children, familial touch translates into hugging. In this litigious era when teachers are not allowed to give a crying child a soothing hug for fear of accusation of sexual misconduct, and when more mothers and fathers are both in the workforce and away from their young ones, the separation between children and physical touch has widened. Adding to the phenomenon are video games, computers and television which are prevalent and tend to draw people away from each other. In essence, answering children’s primal need for physical affection and familial touch has lessened.

            As parents are frequently searching for help, children’s stores are providing an answer with a mind-boggling assortment of toys and equipment. Many of these gadgets are wonderful and nurturing, but some of them have promoted the physical separation between mother and child. Take, for example, the popular car seats which can be removed and taken anywhere. Rather than carry their babies, mothers are encouraged to leave their children in the carrier. While this is certainly convenient in some situations, perhaps it is not always necessary. Front-carrying Snuggly’s and baby backpacks are a wonderful alternative that keep your loved one closer to your body.

            So, a prescription for this ailment?  Whenever possible, hold, hug or carry your child. Notice how wonderful it is to feel his warm body next to yours, or to feel her little arms wrapped around your neck. It’s yummy…

            And it’s vital for both of you!

Nina and Peter Roe are the founders of Wholy Earth sharing their vision of a loving community where healers and others in need can find support and compassion. www.spiritedchildren.com