Premier Software
Skip to primary naivgation Skip to content
  • Products
    • Salonlite
    • Premier Software
  • Client Login
  • Book a Demo

Why Touch is Important for Mental Wellbeing

Human touch has the power to impact both our physical health and mental wellbeing. For those living with or recovering from cancer, this touch and mental support is more important than ever. In order to open your spa to those facing cancer, we outline why touch treatments are vital for mental wellness.

 

Touch releases chemicals for mental wellbeing

One key benefit of human touch is that it helps the body release a chemical called oxytocin. This hormone acts as a neurotransmitter to the brain to make us feel content, and is often linked to social bonding, affection and love. Oxytocin is also connected with serotonin and dopamine, which are the hormones that make us happy. Therefore, touch therapy is a powerful way to boost a client’s mental wellbeing, particularly for those living with cancer.

 

Touch reduces anxiety and stress

Neuroscientist and clinical psychologist Jim Coan, alongside psychology professor Richard Davidson, conducted an experiment to measure stress. In their studies, participants lay in an fMRI brain scanner and measured levels of anxiety and stress when expecting a blast of white noise. However, when a loved one or romantic partner stroked each participant’s arm, they no longer elicited stress at all. Touch has the power to soothe anxiety and stress, meaning that spa touch therapy, especially in treatments such as shiatsu, can act as an important part of mental recovery following cancer treatment.

 

Touch treatments boost the immune system

A study by Dr. Tiffany Field, the head of the Touch Research Institute at the University of Miami’s Miller School of Medicine, revealed that those diagnosed with breast cancer had an increase in ‘killer cells’. These cells stand at the front of our immune systems, helping combat bacteria and other viral cells. Dr. Field revealed that touch, from massages, increased natural ‘killer cells’ further in their subjects. This was believed to be as a result of reducing cortisol – the body’s stress hormone, which destroys natural ‘killer cells’. Therefore, providing touch treatments reduce stress, boost mental wellbeing and give those recovering from cancer a natural boost to their immune system. This can be combined with other methods to help increase mental wellness in the long-term.

 

Soothes irritated skin and boost mental wellbeing

Cancer treatments may leave inflamed skin for those recovering, leading to many seeking a soothing touch treatment from spas. Rather than turning away clients from safety concerns, staff can offer organic skincare treatments to clients diagnosed with cancer to help soothe irritated skin. Made for Life Organics can help provide the knowledge and skills needed to carry out these treatments safely with their qualification in Cancer Touch Therapy™. This will mean staff can be trained to warmly welcome clients with cancer into the spa for touch treatments, boosting their mental wellbeing.

 

Throughout 2023, any spa that uses or is looking to purchase Premier’s flagship business management solution, Core by Premier Software®, will receive an exclusive 20% discount off Made for Life’s Cancer Touch Therapy™ qualification. Accredited by the Complementary Medical Association (CMA) and approved by the Standard Authority for Touch in Cancer Care, BABTAC and CIBTAC, the course arms therapists with the knowledge needed to cater to clients diagnosed with cancer, while making it easier to acquire the applicable insurance.

To find out more about Premier Software’s partnership with Made for Life, and to claim your discount, click the button below.

CLAIM 20% OFF CANCER TOUCH THERAPY™

Share Blog:

Facebook Twitter Twitter

More blog stories

Christmas staff schedules and how to approach them best

The festive season is fast approaching, meaning it’s time to look at your Christmas staff schedules. The last months of the year are often busy …

Find out more

Beat the January Booking Blues with These Top Tips

December is traditionally the most frantic time of the year for salons. But after experiencing the highs of a wall-to-wall appointment schedule and buzzing salon …

Find out more

How to Maximise Membership Retention with Email and SMS

Following the surge of spa and leisure activity following pandemic restrictions, many business managers have been focusing on new memberships. However, it is also vital …

Find out more
View all blogs
  • Products
    • Salonlite
    • Premier Software
  • Support
    • Software Support Centre
    • Online by Premier Software
    • Webinars
  • Case Studies
  • About Us
    • About Us
    • Partners
  • Careers
  • Contact Us
  • Login
  • FAQs
  • Blog@Prem
  • News@Prem
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookie Policy
  • Terms
  • SalonLite Terms
  • Acceptable Use
  • CONTACT US

    Call:
    +44 (0)1543 466580
    Email:
    [email protected]
    Address:
    9 - 11 Heritage Park
    Hayes Way
    Cannock
    Staffordshire
    WS11 7LT
    Sales Enquiry
  • Contact Us

    9 - 11 Heritage Park, Hayes Way, Cannock, Staffordshire WS11 7LT
    Telephone: +44 (0)1543 466580
    © 2025 Premier Software. All Rights Reserved.

    • Webinars
    • Terms
    • SalonLite Terms
    • Acceptable Use
    • Cookie Policy
    • Privacy Policy

    On 11th January, Premier Software part of Journey Hospitality will be closed.

    Our team will be off-site to help enhance our software and bring you an even greater level of service.

    Technical support for business-critical incidents will be available on the day to those with a relevant Premier Support contract at: [email protected], or: 0800 988 2824 (UK), 1 800 932 074 (ROI) or +44 1543 466 580 (International).

    Thank you for your understanding and we look forward to sharing the results of our training.