You likely keep touching something that hurts because touch can actually reduce pain.
The Urge to Touch Painful Areas
We've all experienced the urge to touch a sore in the mouth, a scratch on the leg, or a painful pimple, even though touching it causes discomfort. There are a few explanations for this phenomenon:
Touch Can Reduce Pain
Research indicates that touch can reduce pain. This is likely due to the way our brains process sensory information. When we touch a painful area, we may be activating other sensory pathways that compete with the pain signals, effectively reducing the perceived pain level.
Practical Insights
Here are some practical insights into why you might be touching the painful area:
- Seeking Reassurance: Touching the area might be a way to check on it and reassure yourself that it is healing or not getting worse.
- Habitual Behavior: Sometimes, touching becomes a habit, especially if the pain has been present for a while. You may not even realize you are doing it.
- Attempt to "Fix" It: You may be subconsciously trying to alleviate the pain or irritation by touching or manipulating the area. For example, trying to smooth out a scab or pop a pimple.
In conclusion, while it seems counterintuitive, touching something that hurts is often driven by the hope (and sometimes the reality) of pain reduction. Understanding this can help you become more mindful of your actions and potentially find healthier ways to manage pain and discomfort.
