Touching stimulates the release of the “trust hormone” oxytocin and reduces levels of the stress hormone cortisol.  It allows the prefrontal area of the brain to relax and perform better in problem-solving situations.

Scientists have established that skin-to-skin contact is not only calming and comforting, but is also linked to winning in professional sports, student participation in schools and positive doctor-patient interactions.  Touch is being studied as a complex language capable of communicating emotions as diverse as gratitude, disgust and love.

A team of researchers coded, analyzed and quantified the on-court theatrics of NBA players.  After correcting the data to avoid favoring the winning teams, which simply have more reasons to celebrate, they found that the Boston Celtics and the Los Angeles Lakers, two of the top teams in the league, are also the touchy-feeliest.

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