Transforming Touch || By Rick Garcia, Certified Sex/Cannabis Coach, LMT
Hello everyone! Pretty much all of my blogs have explored the sex coaching arm of my practice, but aside from sex coaching, I also do massage therapy and I wanted to show that part of my work a little love.
In this blog post, we will delve into the world of touch, discussing what studies say about its benefits, how couples can utilize touch to strengthen their bond, the value of massage therapy when touch isn’t feasible, and the intriguing relationship between cannabis and touch.
The impact of touch goes beyond the immediate sensations it provides. Scientific studies have shed light on the physiological and psychological benefits of touch. When we experience touch, our bodies release the love hormone or what’s known as oxytocin and endorphins. Oxytocin helps to enforce the feeling of bonding, trust, and a sense of well-being. We usually experience our oxytocin release after a sexual experience. The fact that it can be felt after simple touch means that casual touch can be as intimate as a sexual expression. As if that wasn’t enough, touch has been found to reduce stress and anxiety, lower blood pressure, and boost the immune system.
Your touch also has another powerful use, communication. Nonverbal communication comes in many forms, when we look at touch (in this context), we can use it to both give and receive messages. With a touch you can convey love, comfort, and support in ways words cannot. Have you ever been near someone crying or really stressed out and put your hand on their shoulder? Or gave them a pat? This simple act communicates so much. You can even think of this in the reverse, have you had a bad day and someone trusted hugged you? The intention behind our touch can come through and be the purest, and simplest conversation you’ve ever had. Understanding the emotional language of touch is crucial for building stronger connections with people and nurturing intimacy within our romantic relationships.
For couples, touch is an essential aspect of creating and maintaining a healthy and fulfilling relationship. It acts as a bridge, closing the gap between partners, and deepening their emotional connection.
There is a downside to this though. Some people love touch, others see it as something enjoyable but not always needed. I see couples who have the complaints of “they always touch me so that means they always want to have sex with me and it’s a problem.” Remember, touch has dimensions, it DOESN’T have to be erotic. The five levels of touch are:
- Affectionate Touch
- Sensual Touch
- Playful Touch
- Erotic Touch
- Intercourse Touch
I find that when you communicate your intentions vocally, and match them to the dimensions of touch, then your partner will not only know where you stand, but it helps to build trust and that trust can lead to different levels of touch. You can even make these dimensions simpler and try them with your partner.
- Sensual Touch: Engage in gentle caresses and sensual massages to heighten intimacy and ignite passion.
- Affectionate Touch: Show your love and appreciation through hugs, cuddles, and holding hands.
- Therapeutic Touch: When your partner is stressed or anxious, offer comforting touch to soothe and reassure them.
By incorporating these different forms of touch into your relationship, you can create a nurturing and loving environment that promotes emotional and physical well-being. If something like this is new for you, then I recommend you start slow. Work from therapeutic to affectionate then to sensual. Or better yet, contact a coach or a therapist to help you.
Not everyone has a partner with whom they can share intimate touch, and some individuals may face circumstances that limit their ability to engage in touch. For those who find themselves in such situations, massage therapy offers a valuable alternative. Through massage therapy, individuals can experience the benefits of touch, even if they are single or unable to share touch with their partner.
Massage therapy is not just about physical relief; it’s also an opportunity for self-care and self-love. Embracing touch in this therapeutic context allows individuals to reconnect with their bodies, release stress, and foster a deeper understanding of themselves.
Touch isn’t always easy when it comes to massage therapy. I often see clients who are using the touch of a massage therapist to help them process past trauma. This kind of work is beautiful, but requires communication. You NEVER have to disclose your trauma, but informing your massage therapist that you’ve experienced trauma and touch can be uncomfortable can shift the session. I always do my best to work with what the client wants, but if I’m informed about past trauma, I can move slowly, I can vocalize everything I do before I do it. I’ve even had sessions where we do a variation of the wheel of consent. Clients with trauma will tell me the areas they want me to work and how long they want me to touch them for. It’s your session, you have the power, you just have to use it and then you can experience the transformational power of touch.
Cannabis has long been associated with relaxation and sensory enhancement, and its relationship with touch is no exception. Combining the benefits of cannabis coaching with touch-based practices can lead to a profoundly enriching experience.
Through cannabis coaching, individuals can learn how to use cannabis responsibly to enhance their sensory experiences during touch therapy or intimate moments with their partners. The relaxed state induced by cannabis may amplify the effects of touch, heightening sensations and deepening emotional connections.
It’s essential to approach cannabis use with mindfulness. It doesn’t matter if you’re using cannabis for touch, sleep, pain etc. It is an experience unique to you.
I firmly believe that touch is an essential component of well-being. Scientific evidence supports the notion that touch promotes physical and emotional health, fostering stronger connections and enhancing personal growth. Whether you’re in a relationship or not, the value of touch should not be underestimated.
If you find yourself seeking touch, but circumstances prevent you from experiencing it with a partner, our massage therapy services offer a wonderful opportunity for healing and relaxation. If you have a partner and touch isn’t what you want it to be, then talk with a sex coach and start changing how touch is incorporated in your relationship. For those interested in exploring the relationship between cannabis and touch; reach out. My services can guide you on a mindful journey towards enhanced sensory experiences.
Remember, the power of touch is within your reach. Embrace the gift of touch and open yourself up to a world of connection, healing, and personal growth.
About the Author: Rick Garcia (he/him) is the owner of Cannabased Coaching & Wellness. Rick started his career in the healing arts as a licensed massage therapist in 2005. Looking for a shift he transitioned to HIV prevention and has worked in sexual health for 11 years. Realizing the gap in sexual health and sexual fulfillment Rick became a certified sex coach and sexologist so that he could help people explore their ideal sexual self while remaining as safe as possible. His sex coaching services are holistic and combine elements such as talk, somatic exercises, the MEBES model, cannabis and a variety of other modalities. When his wellness center opened he decided to have another arm available for massage therapy. To learn more about Rick’s services please visit www.cannabasedcoachingandwellness.com or contact him at cannabasedcoachingandwellness@gmail.com.
