What Is Somatic Touch?Somatic touch refers to
conscious, body-based contact that supports nervous system regulation. It's grounded in somatic therapy, which focuses on how emotions, trauma, and stress live not only in the mind—but also in the
body.
Unlike massage therapy that targets muscle knots or tension, somatic touch is about:
- Feeling safe in your body
- Reconnecting with your physical sensations
- Activating the parasympathetic nervous system (rest and digest)
- Supporting emotional regulation and healing
It often involves gentle pressure, slow movements, and still hands—usually over
key areas of the body such as the heart, belly, shoulders, or back.
Why the Nervous System Needs TouchTouch is one of the
first senses we develop in the womb. It’s how we bond, how we know we’re safe, and how we calm down after stress.
When safe, nurturing touch is present, the body releases:
- Oxytocin – the “bonding” hormone that reduces fear
- Endorphins – natural feel-good chemicals that ease pain
- Serotonin and dopamine – mood stabilizers
- Reductions in cortisol – the stress hormone
A 2014 study in
Psychosomatic Medicine found that physical touch significantly reduces
stress-related biological responses and improves emotional regulation (Field, 2010). If you didn’t receive consistent, comforting touch growing up—or if you experienced trauma—your body may have learned that touch = danger. Somatic touch can help rewrite that story.