However, the more time we spend on our computers the less actual human contact we have. This means that one of the most important basic human needs suffers. Human touch.

Without touch, babies can fail to gain weight, have their immune systems weakened, and even suffer premature death. But the more touch they get the healthier and happier they will be.

Adults aren't much different. Some experts say that people who aren't married have a much greater risk of heart disease and a higher death rate (up to 5 times greater), and that touch plays a major role in their health.

It's an inherent need, and if we don't get enough our health and quality of life can suffer. Unfortunately, touch deprivation is reaching epidemic proportions and lack of meaningful touch plagues many peoples lives. This is all avoidable because the solution is so simple. Just do more of it.

The quickest and most effective way to experience the amazing power of touch is through massage. This is not limited to professional massage by a therapist, although I highly recommend getting one if you never have. Touch in the form of massage should be a regular part of everyone's life if they want to feel better and relive stress.

It amazes me that massage is still, seen by many as a luxury even by many healthcare practitioners. It's seen as a treat by people who get a gift certificate for massage or when they have some extra money instead of as part of a program for maintaining optimal health.

Don't get me wrong, massage is a treat in every sense of the word.Every time I get massaged I'm feeling it's a special day. But I also know there's many valuable healing benefits to this practice.

In fact, massage has been used for helping to relieve many aliments as well as to improve overall health for thousands of years.

Here are some of the many potential benefits of massage:

-Relives fatigue

-Improves circulation

-Helps lower blood pressure

-Reduces stress and anxiety

-Helps relieve insomnia

-Improve immune function

-Provides an overall sense of well being

-Increases intimacy with your lover

-Deepens bonds with your child, parent or friend

There are many more benefits . too long to list!

Most people would think you would have to do something unpleasant such as constant hours of working out and eating right or taking five different types of medication with dangerous side effects to receive all of these great benefits.

Even if the only benefit was relieve stress and anxiety it would be enormously beneficial knowing all the dangerous effects of these conditions when there chronic. With massage, the benefits are almost instant, and did I mention incredibly pleasurable? ;)

It doesn't always have to an hour full body (although that's my favorite kind) You can give or receive a massage almost any time or place.

Just rubbing your child's back at bedtime to increase bonding relieve anxiety and help induce sleep, not to mention teaching them to be healthier and happier by learning and feeling comfortable with regular touch they will make it part of their lives later in life.

Rubbing a friends shoulders, who's having a difficult time.

Lightly touching your lover's arms and hands while watching a movie, to increase intimacy and to show your love without using words.

Giving a foot massage to an elderly relative, will make a huge difference on their lives.It works wonders for their mood and lifts their spirit.

Don't focus too much on your technique, just a light caring touch will be enough at first. You'll be surprised by how powerful simple touch can be. It will positively impact the health and well being of you and your loved ones.

It's also one of the best ways to reduce stress especially around the holidays where stress levels are significantly increased.

In conclusion, in order to get the most out of this powerful therapy you need to practice it on a regular basis. And if your giving all the time don't be shy to ask to receive.

Make no mistake about it, there is nothing else that feels so good and has so many health benefits and deepen your connection with someone you love, all at the same time.Once you start you'll wonder why you hadn't been experiencing massage all along.So, start today, I can't think of any other gift that even comes close!