Can the absence of touch lead to an existential sense of disembodiment? Yes, it can. Touch is an essential part of human life that helps us connect with others and maintain a sense of self. When this connection is lost through abstinence, neglect, trauma, or illness, individuals may feel isolated and detached from their bodies. This phenomenon has been explored extensively in literature, art, philosophy, and psychology. In the following paragraphs, I will discuss various aspects of this issue, providing examples, definitions, and arguments to support my claims.
The word "disembodiment" refers to the lack of physical awareness or embodied consciousness. It is often used to describe experiences where one feels separate from their body, such as during hallucinations or out-of-body experiences. But it can also refer to the more subtle experience of feeling disconnected from one's physical form due to social isolation, depression, anxiety, or other factors.
Some people report feeling "spaced out" or "floating above themselves" when they have gone too long without physical contact.
Touch is a fundamental aspect of human interaction. It can be intimate, affectionate, sensual, or even sexual, but its value goes beyond just pleasure. Touch is vital for our health and wellbeing because it helps regulate our nervous system, calm us down, and reduce stress levels. Studies show that infants who are touched regularly develop stronger immune systems and grow into more resilient adults. Similarly, adults who receive regular touch (such as massage therapy) report lower rates of depression and anxiety.
Not all touch is positive. Abuse, violence, and exploitation can also leave lasting physical and emotional scars. This underscores the importance of safe and consensual touch - something that many people struggle with in today's society. Social distancing measures due to COVID-19 have made this problem worse by limiting our ability to connect physically with others. Many people feel isolated and lonely, leading to an existential crisis that threatens their sense of self-identity.
We must prioritize embodiment and touch in our daily lives. We can do this by practicing mindfulness exercises that help us tune in to our bodies, seeking out safe and loving touch from others, and advocating for policies that promote physical connection. We can also work on addressing trauma related to past abuses or neglect by seeking professional help and developing new patterns of relating to ourselves and others. In doing so, we can rebuild our sense of bodily awareness and reclaim our right to experience human intimacy without fear or shame.
Can the absence of touch lead to an existential sense of disembodiment?
Touch is considered one of our primary senses, alongside sight, smell, taste, hearing, and balance. It is thought to be especially important for humans because it allows us to experience texture, temperature, pressure, pain, and other physical sensations that help us understand and interpret the world around us. Touch can also communicate feelings such as love, affection, and trust.