Healing

A simple touch of the hand of a loving partner has a miraculous effect, literally calming overexcited neurons. In an experiment organized by University of Virginia psychologist Jim Cohen, women underwent an MRI scan of their brains.

Participants were warned that when the small red light came on, they might feel (though not necessarily) a light but sensitive electric shock where the sensors were attached to their leg. This information triggered stress centers in the patients' brains. But when the partner held the woman's hand, the tomograph recorded noticeably less activity. The pain from the electric shock at these moments was also weaker. Moreover, the effect was more pronounced in people who highly appreciated the quality and strength of their relationships.

The picture shows how just the touch of a loved one heals a girl. This energy is so strong that a glow emanates from the fingers.