Tickle Therapy: Unlocking Health Benefits Beyond Play

Research suggests that tickle therapy carries several health benefits. Tickling produces laughter, which stimulates the hypothalamus, the part of the brain that regulates your emotional responses. The stimulation releases feel-good hormones like endorphins and dopamine, which flood the body with enhanced feelings of happiness.

Tickling has long been part of our social development, especially the gentle, soothing tickling we share with our children or loved ones as we try to soothe them. However, for some, tickling is a tortuous experience.

Nevertheless, as a form of touch therapy, tickle therapy is more than child’s play.

What is Tickle Therapy?

There are two types of tickling, known as knismesis and gargalesis. Gargalesis is a livelier tickling, resulting in laughter and spasmodic body movements, something many remember with horror from their childhoods. On the other hand, knismesis is a lighter, gentler tickling performed by a tool or hand on several areas of the body, like the neck, head, feet, etc.

MRI studies have shown that most people respond positively to soft tickling, helping to increase blood flow and give them a healthy flush. Rougher tickling may prove too much for some, thanks to the brain’s ability to analyze whether it enjoys the sensation or prefers you to avoid it.

These MRI studies have also shown why it’s impossible to tickle yourself. Okay, you’re probably trying to prove as you read that they are right! You cannot tickle yourself because the part of the brain that controls movement warns your body to prepare for a tickle, dulling the feeling. It’s thought that it’s the body’s way of filtering out all unnecessary information, allowing you to concentrate on only the important stuff.

Since you cannot provide tickle therapy to yourself, you will need someone else to perform it. Some spas offer only knismesis, but since both forms of tickle therapy are beneficial, some tickle therapists provide both types.

Benefits of Tickle Therapy

Medical professionals and scientists mostly agree that tickle therapy has emotional, physical, and mental benefits, providing you with temporary and long-term relief from several conditions caused by stress and leading a busy life. Some of the main benefits include:

Better Sleep – Both forms of tickling benefit sleep because they relieve stress and encourage mood improvement. Softer tickling provides an instant calming effect. Gargalesis causes more muscle movement and energy burning, the equivalent of a workout session. Perhaps you can even lose some weight!

Relieving Stress and Tension – Whatever form of tickling you prefer encourages the release of feel-good hormones, promoting well-being. Therefore, whatever is causing you stress or tension, tickling therapy is a great way to get relief.

Pain Relief – A gentle tickle can also help relieve chronic pain and improve your pain threshold by deadening pain stimuli. It does this by activating the nerve fibers of the skin. Even a rougher tickle has benefits since it forces you to laugh. It increases your oxygen intake, stimulating your body’s vital organs to help you fight pain.

Improves Emotional Well-Being– The human touch remains a powerful way of reducing the isolation and loneliness people feel today. A professor of social psychology at MIT, Sherry Turkle, told Longevity that today’s over-reliance on digital communication can also lead to anxiety, emotional disconnection, and mental exhaustion. Human touch and face-to-face interactions can help people improve all areas of their lives, including overall well-being. Like a massage, tickle therapy allows you to enjoy a silent session or, if you prefer, talk to your tickling therapist. Whichever you prefer, you must have a comfortable relationship with your therapist.

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Tickle Therapy and Slowing Down Aging

A recent study from a research team at Leeds University shows that a specific type of tickle therapy to the inner ear may slow down aging. USA Today reported that participants in the study were “tickled” in their ears with a tiny electric current delivering signals along the vagus nerve, a nerve running from the brainstem to all the internal organs.

According to the study’s author, Susan Deuchars, the researchers placed the custom-made electrodes on the tragus, a part of the ear – a painless procedure. The device sends tiny electrical currents to the nervous system, creating a tingling sensation that resembles tickling.

Twenty-six participants took part in the study and were all over 55. The scientists wanted to see how the therapy would help improve their autonomic nervous system after two weeks of tickling.

The transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (tVNS), as the therapy is named, brought about a better balance between two sections of the autonomic nervous systems – the sympathetic and parasympathetic – something that is often lost as we age, allowing the sympathetic sector to dominate. The body becomes more susceptible to aging and disease as the balance changes.

But what did the study show? Firstly, the tickling did re-balance the autonomic nervous system of the participants. Consequently, the participants said they saw improvements in their mood and sleep.

Most importantly, the scientific team believes this tickle therapy could help reduce age-related diseases. These include chronic conditions like high blood pressure, heart disease, and atrial fibrillation.

What to Expect During Tickle Therapy?

Don’t expect your tickler to give you a fusion style of massage, including some tickling. Tickle therapy is about creating a human connection while tickling various body parts. Most tickle sessions involve gentle movements over your skin on areas that will respond to the stimulus.

Your tickler may use their fingertips, a feather, or a scalp massager. As your tickler gently strokes, scratches, and tickles you, you will feel your body relax physically and emotionally. You will feel a wave of happiness as you physically and emotionally relax. It’s even okay to laugh!

How often you choose to have tickle therapy is up to you, but to get the most benefits, you could begin with one weekly session to get the most benefits.

Tickle Your Way to Well-Being: Is Tickle Therapy Right for You?

Who Is This For?

For the Curious: If you’ve ever been intrigued by alternative therapies, this one’s a unique avenue worth exploring.
Stressed Individuals: If stress or tension keeps you up at night, tickle therapy could be your go-to solution for relaxation.
People with Chronic Pain: Believe it or not, a good tickle session might help manage your pain.

Anti-Agers: Recent studies suggest tickle therapy could help slow the aging process.

Who Isn’t This For?

Tickle-Phobic: If tickling makes you uncomfortable or you have traumatic memories, this therapy might not be for you.
Self-Ticklers: Because the brain can anticipate your movements, self-tickling doesn’t work, so you’ll need a partner or therapist.

Those Seeking Quick Results: The benefits of tickle therapy may require multiple sessions to become noticeable.

Pros and Cons of Tickle Therapy

Pros:

Emotional Well-Being: The human touch element of tickle therapy can help alleviate feelings of isolation and loneliness.
Pain and Stress Relief: The release of endorphins and dopamine can significantly reduce stress and even relieve chronic pain.

Better Sleep: Both gentle and lively tickling have improved sleep quality.

Cons:

Not Self-Administered: You’ll need someone else to perform the therapy on you, which might not always be convenient.
May Not Suit Everyone: Some people find tickling uncomfortable or even unbearable.

Long-term Efficacy Unclear: While initial studies are promising, more research is needed to confirm long-term benefits.

So, whether you’re looking to relieve stress, improve your emotional health, or even potentially slow aging, tickle therapy offers a unique path to well-being. Just make sure you’re comfortable with the idea of being tickled before you dive in!

Final Take

It may seem quirky, but tickle therapy has proved to be more than child’s play. Like laughter, tickle therapy benefits your health and well-being as long as you enjoy it! And this is backed by some interesting evidence from researchers trying to understand its health benefits further.

FAQs

What is tickle therapy?

Tickle therapy involves two types: gargalesis, a more intense tickling resulting in laughter, and knismesis, a softer, gentle tickling. It’s used for stress relief, improved sleep, and more.

Who should try tickle therapy?

Anyone looking for a unique way to reduce stress, improve emotional well-being, or manage pain may benefit from tickle therapy.

Who shouldn’t try tickle therapy?

This therapy is likely not for you if you find tickling uncomfortable or have tickle-related traumas.

Can I tickle myself for therapy?

No, MRI studies show that self-tickling isn’t effective because your brain anticipates it, reducing the sensation.

How often should I go for tickle therapy?

Frequency depends on your goals, but starting with one weekly session is generally advised for maximum benefits.

What types of tickle therapy are available?

Some therapists offer only knismesis (gentle tickling), while others provide both knismesis and gargalesis (intense tickling).

Can tickle therapy slow down aging?

Emerging research suggests specific tickle therapy targeting the inner ear may help balance the autonomic nervous system and slow aging.

What should I expect during a session?

Your therapist will use techniques and tools, like fingertips or feathers, to tickle various parts of your body.

Does tickle therapy have any scientific backing?

Yes, several studies and medical professionals have cited the benefits of tickle therapy for mental, emotional, and physical well-being.

How do I know if it’s working?

Monitor your stress levels, sleep quality, and any specific symptoms you aim to address. Consult with your therapist to track your progress.

About Jacob Maslow

After surviving the traumatizing events of 9/11, I took it upon myself to heal through helping others. I’m the primary caregiver of my children and understand from first-hand experience the lonely paths you have to walk as a partner and parent when leaving an unhealthy relationship.
We’re all echoing in a dark space that doesn’t have to be this empty, and that’s been my mission since finding solace and recovery in therapy: To help comfort others who are still in shock and at the prime of their struggle.

I came across BetterHelp after searching for this type of community. I wanted to belong to a body of proactive therapists and supportive therapy veterans that allowed me to see other sides of the story.
It was unconventional, and that’s what attracted me most. During my most challenging times, when my ex-wife completely cut me off from my children, I found comfort and clarity through BetterHelp.
Instead of being chained to a strict therapist recommendation, I was in charge of who I felt understood my struggle most. That allowed me to find my true peace, as I was reunited with those who read behind my words and had first-hand experience with my trauma.

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Tickle Therapy: More Than Child’s Play

What is Tickle Therapy?