Touch

By Tiffany Field

Book Overview

Argues the importance of touch to children's development & to the health of adults & critiques a society that the author believes to be dangerously touch-deprived. The first sensory input in life comes from the sense of touch while a baby is still in the womb, and touch continues to be the primary means of learning about the world throughout infancy, well into childhood. Touch is critical for childrens growth, development, and health, as well as for adults physical and mental well-being. Yet American society, claims Tiffany Field, is dangerously touch-deprived. Field, a leading authority on touch and touch therapy, begins this accessible book with an overview of the sociology and anthropology of touching and the basic psychophysical properties of touch. She then reports recent research results on the value of touch therapies, such as massage therapy, for various conditions, including asthma, cancer, autism, and eating disorders. She emphasizes the need for a change in societal attitudes toward touching, particularly among those who work with children.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 026206216X
• ISBN13: 9780262062169
• Release Date: October 2001
• Publisher: Bradford Books
• Length: 181 Pages
• Weight: 1.16 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.5" x 0.8" x 6.3"

Customer Reviews

A must have for every touch therapist

Touch by Tiffany Field is one of the books that should be read by anyone who is involved with human touch, and that's everyone. Although touch is a universal need, it is so easily overlooked in today's modern world. This book gives the scientific evidence of something we intuitively know is good for us. Especially touch therapists need to have this book in their personal library. It's a great resource to deepen your knowledge. Martine Groeneveld, Author Mommy, Draw Stars on my Tummy; Rhymes, Songs and Touch-Play Activities to Stay Connected

A Fundamental Look at Touch

This is an introduction to the deep, important, and fascinating subject of touch by the foremost researcher in the field. While it may not be the best book imaginable on touch, it is the best book available on touch. Simply put, Touch by Tiffany Field is a book that anyone who has ever been touched or wants to touch should read.

Not just for touch therapists

This is not exactly a groundbreaking piece of work, yet it succeeds by convicting us of something that we have so taken for granted and lightly - the importance of touch for survival and well-being. The subject matter in this book is familiar to many of us, and therefore very accessible. It seems intuitive, something we have known all along, except we don't think much about. Highly recommended for those who seek to stay in touch with themselves as well as others.