In a world where we touch screens more often than another human being, touch gains extraordinary value. It soothes tension, calms the mind, restores a sense of closeness, peace, and security—all the things that modern life deprives us of most and that no device can ever replace.
In an era where relationships are increasingly shifting into the virtual space and face-to-face contact is being replaced by online communication, the need for physical closeness is growing. Touch is one of the most primal languages of our bodies—it has accompanied us since our earliest moments and remains important regardless of age or lifestyle. Receptors in the skin send signals to the brain, lowering cortisol levels—the stress hormone—while simultaneously stimulating the release of oxytocin and dopamine, which are responsible for feelings of calm, pleasure, and inner balance.
THE POWER OF TOUCH
Touch has a healing power that for centuries has soothed, connected, and brought relief. Today, it becomes a remedy for stress—a bridge between the body that remembers and the mind that races ahead. It’s the most natural way to restore health, relationships, and the sense of truly being “here and now.” Touch builds closeness in romantic relationships, with children, parents, and friends. It’s also a form of tenderness toward oneself.
Simple gestures, like holding hands, hugging, or a gentle caress, can do wonders for our mood. Even softly and mindfully massaging lotion into your skin can give you a sense of warmth and care. I also encourage you to regularly benefit from manual therapies and massages—working with the body, especially when we’re overwhelmed, stressed, living in tension, or experiencing pain, improves not only our well-being but also the homeostasis essential for healthy functioning of the body,” explains Małgorzata Przydacka, Manager of the Biovital SPA at Manor House hotel.
Touch soothes, calms, and helps us feel more relaxed, while also strengthening our sense of security. Numerous studies confirm that regular manual work with the body boosts immunity, lowers blood pressure, reduces pain, and supports the treatment of depression, eating disorders, and chronic stress. The lack of physical contact, limited spontaneous gestures, and weakened interpersonal closeness have led many people to experience so-called “touch hunger,” which manifests as irritability, low mood, insomnia, and increased muscle tension. In such situations, massage becomes not only a pleasant treatment but also a genuine form of therapy that supports health.
MASSAGES AND MANUAL THERAPIES
At the Polish Biovitality Center Manor House, Biovital SPA therapists follow a holistic philosophy, taking comprehensive care of guests’ well-being. They recommend energy massages, which harmonize the body on both physical and emotional levels and activate natural self-healing mechanisms. Relaxation massages also offer many benefits: they deeply relax, reduce anxiety and stress, loosen tense muscles, alleviate fatigue, support sleep quality, and restore lightness and energy to the body. Lymphatic massages are also popular, as they stimulate lymph flow, thereby reducing swelling and cellulite, improving circulation, metabolism, and immunity. Classic massages —either for the whole body or selected areas—have their enthusiasts, as do therapeutic spine treatments and proprietary methods for working with paraspinal tension, especially valued by people who work in offices and spend many hours at the computer.
One of the most sensual and soothing forms of touch is the Hawaiian Lomi Lomi ritual, which works holistically—not only relaxing the muscles, but also gently calming a stressed body, soothing the nervous system, releasing energetic blockages, helping to let go of emotional tension, and restoring inner peace. Meanwhile, the Kobido massage is an excellent way to reduce muscle tension and facial swelling, smooth out wrinkles, and improve circulation and overall skin condition. This Japanese massage, often referred to as the “non-surgical face lift,” combines deep tissue techniques, rapid rhythmic movements, acupressure, and elements of drainage, delivering aesthetic, health, and relaxation benefits all at once. Massages incorporate aromatic oils, semi-precious stones, Chinese cups, clavicles, bowls, and tuning forks, whose vibrations enhance the effects of the treatments.
I am a big advocate of, which activates the body’s natural self-regulation and self-healing processes and has a profound effect on the nervous system. Pressing the right receptors stimulates organ function, relieves tension, reduces stress, and can even alleviate pain. says Małgorzata Przydacka, who is also a certified reflexologist. – Before the treatment, it’s worth considering what you need: a stronger, more energetic massage—which, if you don’t get massages regularly, may cause slight muscle fatigue—or a gentler, more pleasant touch that will bring deep relaxation,” the expert advises.
TOUCH SO NEEDED TODAY
Touch has become more essential than ever, as we live in an age of paradox: we are constantly “connected,” yet increasingly less truly present. Digital technology has taken over our relationships, work has moved to screens, and everyday contact with others has been reduced to symbolic gestures. We miss the physical closeness that not long ago was a natural part of life—a handshake, a spontaneous hug, a touch that speaks more than the longest message.
The modern world keeps us constantly on alert. An overload of stimuli, a fast pace, and chronic stress push our nervous system to its limits. In such an environment, touch acts as a biological “safety brake”: it soothes, grounds, and restores a sense of reality. It’s not just a pleasure—it’s a physiological need for balance, which today is seriously disrupted. Every mindful touch and manual massage becomes a moment of returning to oneself—a time for calm, strength, and renewal.
More: www.manorhouse.pl
