Kinesthetic communication, why is it so important?

Kinesthetic or kinesthetic communication is one of the many forms of language that inhabit the human being. In a generic way it is also called body language and it corresponds to all the movements of the body.

It is important to know that kinesthetic communication is very powerful. Conveys abundant information about character and emotional state of a person. Although we are generally not aware of how we transmit messages in these codes, nor how we receive them, this type of communication clearly marks the communication between two or more people.

The elements of this language are basically gestures, posture, gaze and body movements. In other words, everything that replaces or complements verbal language. Tone of voice can also be included and the physical contact established with others. Since the topic of body language in general has already been discussed a lot, this time we are going to focus on tactile contact with others.

Kinesthetic communication and touch

Touch is one of the most important components of kinesthetic communication. Each human being has its own tactile behavior, even if it is not conscious of it. It includes all the ways of coming into contact with others using the skin, that is, establishing a physical bond.

It is, in fact, one of the most lost forms of communication. New technologies call us to come into tactile contact with devices, with increasing frequency. In the opposite direction, the contact physical contact with others is increasingly rare. We communicate with others using some device and not so much skin to skin.

The main forms of kinesthetic communication using touch are greetings, kisses, hugs the caresses and the blows. Some also include applause within this category, but these actually correspond more to the auditory and visual plane.

The importance of tactile communication

Kinesthetic communication through touch is one of the most primitive ways of coming into contact with other human beings.. For the same reason, it is also one of the most genuine and essential. The first tactile contact we experience occurs with breastfeeding. Beyond being a way to take food, the baby begins to form her affection through that act. The same thing happens with the caresses that the mother lavishes.

This type of tactile communication is so important that many mammals dedicate a good part of their time to it.. Among monkeys this is very evident. They groom each other, hug each other, and touch each other frequently.

In humans, the need for this type of kinesthetic communication is even greater. A child who is not caressed hardly survives in his first months and if he does, he may develop emotional difficulties.. This need remains throughout life, although it becomes more moderate over time. Still, there are specific times, such as during grief or illness, when it is needed more intensely.

The meaning of touch

When shaking hands in a greeting, tactile kinesthetic communication is configured. The strength of that handshake, as well as the way in which the other’s hand is held, disposes towards a certain type of bond. Sometimes this type of contact is basically neutral. Other times, traits of warmth are imprinted on it that facilitate closer contact.

Culture influences the way we touch each other. In some places there is greater emotional distance and that is why contact is reduced to a minimum. In other places, however, hugs, bumps on the shoulder and physical contact, in general, are very common. However, regardless of culture, everyone has their own way of using their sense of touch.

The truth is that this form of communication strengthens or weakens the ties between people.. Couples who caress each other more are more likely to last. Those who have more physical contact with their peers are happier and get sick less. Even so, today’s society promotes forms of relationships in which touch is increasingly less involved. Being aware of this is the first step to prevent physical contact from being lost.

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