Humans have many basic needs: food, water, shelter. Touching and being touched may be just as important.

Here are some facts about touch:

• There are 50 touch receptors every square centimeter of skin.
• We have 5 million sensory cells.
• Bodies release the pleasure and stress reducing hormone oxytocin when touched.
• Studies have shown that in the absence of touch people of all ages can become sick, depressed and immune compromised.
• Infants deprived of touch can wither and even die.

Touching and being touched is an important part of relationships, increasing intimacy, warmth, feelings of connectedness and pleasure. It’s a way to convey understanding and compassion between friends, or love and passion between lovers.

Seductive people use the power of touch to communicate more than mere words ever could. Not all touches have to lead to sex. Here are some sensual touches to remember when your relationship is not yet sexual:

• Find excuses to touch him. Straighten his tie or gently pick something off of his clothes, then before you remove your hand, lay it open palm on his chest for a few moments.
• Hook you arm around his and put your head on his shoulder.
• Hold hands.
• Rub the back of his neck and play with his hair as he’s driving.
• Give him a good strong hug. Men often feel that women don’t touch them firmly enough; make sure he feels it.
• Don’t let your hands go idle when you kiss. Run them up his arms to his shoulders. Use your fingers on his neck and hair.
• Cuddle up against him while watching a movie.

When you are in a sexual relationship:

• Continue to do all of the above.
• Give him a body massage.
• Have sex….a lot!