There is growing research support for ASMR, light touch stimulations and the many other sensory techniques we use...
Proven Key Benefits
Gentle touch increases oxytocin
Research published via ScienceDirect shows that light, gentle touch stimulates oxytocin release—a hormone linked to bonding, nervous system regulation, stress reduction, and emotional soothing.
Aromatherapy can reduce menstrual pain
NCBI reports that aromatherapy massage and essential oils significantly reduce menstrual pain (dysmenorrhea), likely through relaxation and anti-inflammatory mechanisms.
Touch Improves Positive Emotions and Social Connectedness
A study in PLOS ONE found that interpersonal touch increases feelings of trust, social bonding, and positive emotional states.
Physical Touch Reduces Pain, Depression, and Anxiety
A Guardian analysis reported that physical touch significantly reduces pain, depression, and anxiety across age groups, with particularly strong effects when touch involves the head and face.
Relaxing Music Lowers Stress Biomarkers
Research published in PLOS ONE showed that relaxing music reduces cortisol (a stress hormone) and improves autonomic nervous system recovery after stress exposure.
Aromatherapy Helps Induce Sleep and Support Mental Wellbeing
An MDPI journal study found that essential oil inhalation can promote relaxation, reduce anxiety, and improve overall mental wellbeing.
Weighted Blankets Reduce Anxiety Symptoms
A 2024 clinical study found that weighted blankets significantly reduce anxiety symptoms in participants, likely through deep-pressure stimulation.
Aromatherapy and Relaxation Interventions Improve Mood in Depression
A study published via Elsevier found that relaxation-based sensory interventions (including aromatherapy) significantly improved mood and relaxation levels, particularly in individuals with depressive symptoms.
Weighted Blankets Improve Daytime Fatigue and Mood
Research indexed on PubMed indicates that weighted blanket use is associated with improvements in daytime fatigue, mood stability, and activity levels.
Try it for yourself
To access the research articles which informed this page, use the links here:
- Gentle touch increases oxytocin
- Aromatherapy can reduce menstrual pain
- Touch improves positive emotions and social connectedness
- Physical touch reduces pain, depression and anxiety
Relaxing music lowers stress biomarkers - Aromatherapy helps induce sleep and support mental wellbeing
- Weighted blankets reduce anxiety symptoms
- Aromatherapy and relaxation interventions improve mood in depression
- Weighted blankets improve daytime fatigue and mood