No, it's not in your head. There is a difference in what and how you feel depending on who touches you, and how. From an article in today's Washington Post:

Scientists announced a study today that shows humans have a special set of nerves for feeling pleasure at a mother's caress or a lover's embrace.

These nerves are sensitive to the soft touch of fingers gliding over a forearm or a parent's soothing hand, but not to rough touches, jabs or pinches. Scientists speculate that the nerves might be designed to guide humans toward tenderness and nurturing -- a theory bolstered by the fact that the nerves are wired to the same brain areas activated by romantic love and sexual arousal.

I'd be interested to see whether those nerves respond differently or specially to the touch of a healer's hands.

3:21:47 PM    please comment []