What is physical touch? Physical touch is the act of one person's body making contact with another's body through physical means such as hands, skin, hair, lips, eyes, ears, teeth, etc., which can be sexual or nonsexual. Touching someone with one's hand, arm, leg, shoulder, back, chest, head, etc. without consent is considered sexual assault. How does the symbolism of physical touch evolve when it becomes a counterforce against emotional numbness shaped by war? War has long been known to cause trauma that leads people to withdraw from their feelings and become numb. When this happens, physical touch becomes an important way for individuals to reconnect with themselves and others. This essay will explore how physical touch becomes a powerful tool for healing from war trauma and emotional numbness.
Physical touch can be used to communicate many things, including love, affection, comfort, intimacy, pain, pleasure, sadness, anger, fear, joy, desire, trust, excitement, surprise, frustration, support, understanding, appreciation, empathy, respect, and more. It can also be used to express disagreement or hostility.
A hug can convey gratitude, appreciation, or sympathy. A pat on the back can show encouragement or approval. A slap on the face can indicate displeasure or contempt. A kiss on the cheek can mean hello, goodbye, thank you, or I love you. The meaning behind each type of physical touch depends on context. In a relationship, physical touch may include holding hands, cuddling, kissing, or sex. In professional settings, such as work or school, it might involve shaking hands or pats on the back. Physical touch can also occur in public spaces like parks, malls, streets, etc., where people touch one another without any specific intentions.
When war trauma causes emotional numbness, people lose interest in activities they once enjoyed because they have lost hope, motivation, and purpose. They feel detached from their bodies and others around them, leading to feelings of loneliness and isolation. Touch therapy is an effective way to combat these issues because it helps individuals reconnect with themselves and others through tactile stimulation. Physical touch therapists use gentle strokes, massages, pressure points, breathing exercises, and other techniques to help clients relax muscles and restore balance in the body's energy systems. This approach can improve circulation, reduce stress levels, increase brain activity, promote healing, and boost mood.
Physical touch can be sexual or nonsexual depending on context.
Someone who has suffered abuse might experience intense fear when touched by a stranger but find comfort when held by their partner. Someone else might feel excitement during sex but sadness afterward due to unresolved childhood trauma. When physical touch becomes part of daily life, it can lead to healthier relationships by promoting communication, trust, intimacy, and vulnerability. It can also create positive memories that last for years to come.
How does the symbolism of physical touch evolve when it becomes a counterforce against emotional numbness shaped by war?
Touch is an essential human need that conveys physical affection, intimacy, and security, but during times of war, this sense may be limited. War can lead to emotional numbness due to traumatic experiences such as witnessing death and destruction, which makes one feel disconnected from others. Physical contact with loved ones helps combat this feeling of isolation and provides comfort.