Essential Touch
Welcome To Essential Touch
Platonic Touch & Human Connection Therapy
Celebrating The Power Of Human Touch!
Harrisburg & New Cumberland, PA
Phone: 223.237.6562
Email: alan@essentialtouch.org
"We can live without religion and meditation, but we cannot survive without human affection."~ Dalai Lama
Book an Essential Touch Appointment Now
with Alan Jordan or Valerie Zehring!
Convenient Harrisburg & New Cumberland, PA Locations
Phone: 223.237.6562
Email: alan@essentialtouch.org
"Touch has the power to comfort us when we are sad, heal us when we are sick, encourage us when we feel lost, and above all else, allow us to accept that we are not alone.
-- Samantha Hess, Professional Cuddler
“Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.”
― Leo BuscagliaWhat is Essential Touch?
Platonic Touch & Human Connection Therapy
Essential Touch is a form of therapy that involves the use of platonic physical touching, such as holding or cuddling, as a means of promoting emotional well-being and healing. It is often used as a complementary therapy for people who are dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, or other emotional issues.
Essential Touch provides a compassionate and nurturing experience of non-sexual human touch for individuals who:
- Seek to understand and delve deeper into the significance of touch and human connection in a safe and non-judgmental setting.
- Feel a lack of touch in their lives or simply desire more human connection for various reasons.
- Are searching for a secure avenue to overcome their fear of touch on their own terms, within a safe environment.
- Struggle with social anxiety and are in need of a supportive space to develop social skills and boost confidence.
- Simply desire the comfort of holding someone or being held themselves.
Essential Touch may be helpful for a variety of emotional and psychological conditions, including:
- Anxiety and stress: Cuddling can help to reduce feelings of anxiety and stress by promoting the release of oxytocin, a hormone that can promote feelings of calm and relaxation.
- Depression: Touch therapy may help to alleviate symptoms of depression by promoting feelings of connection and reducing feelings of loneliness and isolation.
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): For individuals with PTSD, touch therapy can help to reduce symptoms of hyperarousal and promote feelings of safety and security.
Conditions (continued)
- Chronic pain: Cuddling can help to reduce feelings of pain by promoting the release of endorphins, which are natural painkillers produced by the body.
- Autism spectrum disorders: People with autism spectrum disorders may find touch therapy helpful in reducing anxiety and promoting social connection.
According to Dr. Tiffany Field, Director of the Touch Research Institute at the University Of Miami Medical Center, "We are a 'touch-deprived' nation." Indeed, many current research studies and scholarly articles show beyond doubt that we live in a touch-deprived society.
New England surgeon and noted author Bernie Siegel writes, “in your touch is the gift of life, and without it, we die. For an infant this is true and for adults, it can be psychologically and literally true. Within us live many personalities, and if they are not touched they die and take their body with them.”
Do You Need More Human Touch In Your Life?
According to Psychology Today author Ray Williams, "Physical contact distinguishes humans from other animals. From a warm handshake or sympathetic hug to a congratulatory pat on the back, we have developed complex languages, cultures, and emotional expressions through physical contact.
But in a tech-saturated world, non-sexual human touch is in danger of becoming rare, if not obsolete. Despite the benefits of digital advancement, it is vital to preserve the human touch in order for us truly to thrive. ...Humans become nearly unrecognizable in the absence of touch."
- Scientific research now correlates physical touch with the following important areas:
- Decreased violence
- Greater trust between individuals
- Decreased disease and stronger immune system
- Stronger team dynamics
- More non-sexual emotional intimacy
- Greater learning engagement
- Overall wellbeing
In his book, A Brief History of Massage, author Robert Noah Calvert writes, “Massage has survived and continues to evolve because it is the most fundamental means of giving care, affection and aid between human beings. Its healing qualities differ from those of other modalities because massage confers its benefits through the character and healing intention of those who give and receive it. The true value of massage comes from the intrinsic, inherent need of humans to have contact with one another.”
Essential Touch is not massage therapy. although simple massage may be incorporated in some sessions. Instead, It is a pure and simple caring and loving human touch, on your terms and may take various forms according to the needs of the client. Apart from adherence to The Rules, there is no set agenda and no expectations. Each session is different and conforms to the unique needs of the client at present.
Essential Touch Clients Come From All Walks Of Life. Some Populations Seeking Touch Include But Are Not Limited To:
- Singles without a partner (recently divorced, widowed, or experiencing a breakup).
- People who are ill or are recovering from a physical illness.
- People recovering from an emotional crisis, abuse, or addiction.
- College students living in a new and unfamiliar city.Young professionals living in a new location where they have not made many new contacts and feel alone.
- The elderly.
- Anyone who is experiencing a significant amount of stress in their life.
- Anyone who is isolated or feels lonely.
- Anyone whose touch needs are not being met in their current situation
- Anyone who simply wants more touch
The Essential Touch Team
Meet Alan & Valerie!
Alan Jordan, LMT, NCTMB
Alan's Story
My 25+ Years Experience as a Professional Touch-Based Therapist & Educator Following a 23-year career owning and directing massage therapy schools in Tennessee, Florida, and New Jersey, I decided to return to my passion as a full-time massage therapist in private practice and opened Intuitive Bodywork Massage Therapy, Edgewater, New Jersey in 2009 In 2010, I relocated and moved Intuitive Intuitive Bodywork to Downtown, New Cumberland, PA.
I believe that safe, nurturing touch is essential to achieving optimal health, mental and emotional well-being, and for performing to our full quality of life potential.
My education and experience have led me to specialize in Massage Therapy for Stress Relief and Relaxation, Neuromuscular Therapy for Pain Relief and Joint Mobility, Prenatal Massage, Lymphatic Breast Massage, Energy Bodywork, and Mind-Body Healing, with a focus on women's health.
During my 25+ year career as a practicing massage therapist, a massage school owner, instructor, and a continuing education provider, I have performed over 26,000 massages! I have taught thousands of massage therapy students, professional massage therapists & other health care professionals. During this time, I have also been a student of massage, bodywork, and holistic health with a diploma in massage and neuromuscular therapy, dozens of continuing education certificates, and a BA degree in Holistic Studies.
I have helped thousands of people feel better by providing relief from physical pain and illness, emotional stress, trauma, and energetic dysfunctions. I have witnessed many amazing healing experiences.
But, Did I Miss The Greater Need?
Yet, after all this time I can’t help but feel that on some level, as a person who has made an entire career in the field of professional touch, I have missed something very important - The act of just offering simple, nonjudgemental caring touch, holding, cuddling and non-sexually "just being" with another person.
To quote Ann Catlin, LMT, NCTMB, OTR in Her Massage Today article Have We Created a Touch Deprived Society, "I believe that perhaps our real work as massage therapists, regardless of your clientele, is to help usher in a new age where human touch returns to its rightful place in our world."
"Touch deprivation is a reality in American culture as a whole," writes Reverend Anthony David of Atlanta. "It's just not babies needing to be touched in caring ways, or the sick. It's not just doctors and nurses needing to extend it. It's all of us, needing connection, needing to receive it, needing to give it, with genuine happiness at stake." (Source: Massage Therapy.com article by Nora Brunner, The Power of Touch)
At Vermont College, I completed a six-month study on The Link Between Touch Deprivation At Birth & In Early Childhood And Violent Behavior In Adolescence And Adulthood. Not only did I learn that the link is real, I learned about the reality of how widespread touch deprivation is throughout life, and the resulting harm to both the individual and society.
Essential Touch - The Beginning
Thus, Essential Touch was born as a division of my Intuitive Bodywork Massage Therapy practice. It's a bit of a risky venture... I am sure there are people who will think I am nuts to offer such a thing as pure non-sexual touch for health and healing... But I have learned too much to sit back and do nothing.
If you have read this far, I hope that you will have the opportunity to experience Essential Touch for yourself! I invite you to make an appointment soon!
Education & Experience
- BA Degree in Holistic Health, Vermont College of Norwich University
- Certified Relationship Coach
- Certified Neuromuscular Therapist
- Certified Neuromuscular Therapy Instructor
- Certified Prenatal Therapist
- Nationally Certified in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCTMB)
- Certified Relationship Coach
- Published Author in Massage Therapy and Holistic Health
- Former Owner Of Wellness Spa & Integrative Medical Center
- Former Massage School Owner, Director & Instructor
- National Conference Presenter & CE Provider
Valerie Zehring
Valerie's Story
Valerie Brings 20+ Years of Experience as a Highly-Skilled Psychotherapist & Intuitive Healer
Valerie brings more than 20 years of experience as a highly-skilled psychotherapist and intuitive healer. With an emphasis on trauma process and release, grief and loss, she assists her clients in moving toward the assimilation of the body-mind-soul connection. Her work has included extensive study via traditional and non-traditional education/methods. Valerie earned her professional degrees--Bachelor's and Master's--in Psychology at Norwich University and brings considerable, in-depth experience working with individuals, couples, and families.Valerie’s journey has been epic—having to survive many personal losses and trauma experiences--and healing over many years, she brings substantial down-to-earth, practical, emotional, and spiritual support.
She has always been a naturally sensitive person, a “seer” and an experience-er of things beyond normal senses. Due to having 3 near-death experiences at different times in her life, certain abilities she had as a child have been strengthened. With deep emotional and empathic intelligence, she sometimes will receive messages/impressions/visions for the person she is working with, allowing herself to be a container and a catalyst via Divine Source/Wisdom for others' healing and transformation.
She works with dream interpretation, the intersection of soul purpose/energy and psychotherapy(Yes, they are complementary!), mastery in hands-on healing via several traditions of Reiki, dream interpretation, and soul work.
Along the way, Valerie has acquired a substantial amount of knowledge and experience, but what is most important to her, is the Wisdom that has been gained. Her intention is to teach and inspire others to find their own Wisdom--inside a healthy body and mind with natural support from your own Soul and relationship to your true self.
Essential Touch Cost Of Service
The Cost Of Service Is Based On The Length Of The Appointment
Essential Touch Cost Of Services
Valerie's Rates
60-Minutes - $95.00
90-Minutes - $142.50
Alan's Rates
75-Minutes - $95.00
105-Minutes - $125.00
Two Hours - $160.00
Three Hours - $225.00
Essential Touch accepts cash, Mastercard, Visa, Discover, and American Express.
Payment is due at the beginning of the session, or you can prepay your session using the link below
Essential Touch professionals are open to accommodating clients of all ages of legal consent, sizes, ethnicities, religions, genders, and sexual orientations. That said, safety and appropriate behavior by all parties are our primary concerns. Essential Touch reserves the right to refuse service to anyone, for no reason, and without explanation.
Take The Next Step!
Discover the transformative power of Essential Touch, where genuine, non-sexual human connection awaits. Whether you are seeking to delve into the realm of touch and human interaction, longing for more touch in your life, or yearning for a safe environment to conquer your fear of touch, Essential Touch is your ultimate destination.
Our compassionate, judgment-free space offers the perfect opportunity for individuals with social anxiety to build social skills and boost their confidence. Embrace the healing embrace you deserve – the choice to hold or be held is yours. Join us and experience the profound impact of caring touch today.
Essential Touch
BOOK APPOINTMENT NOW
Got Questions, Need Help?
Get In Touch!
Email: alan@essentialtouch.org
Phone: 223.237.6562
To Learn More About Touch, Touch Deprivation, And Cuddling, Follow The Links Below.
- 10 Incredible Facts About Cuddling That Will Impress You
- Are You Touch-Deprived?
- Power of the Human Touch for Depression Treatment
- WHAT IS THE POWER OF TOUCH?
- 8 Reasons Why We Need Human Touch More Than Ever
- Cuddle Party, NYC
The Essential Touch Rules
Essental Touch Is Consensual And Non-Sexual Touch, Holding & Snuggling
All Participants Must Wear Proper Attire
Clothes Must Stay On Throughout The Session!
Essential Touch may be performed in loose, comfortable attire of your choice including street-wear, tights, exercise outfits, pajamas, t-shirts, swimsuits and similar atttire. It's up to you. Nudity is not allowed.
There Is No Sex. Ever. Anytime. For Any Reason.
Don't Even Think About It!
Essential Touch is platonic, non-sexual touch, carresing, snuggling designed to provide a safe place for people to explore and experience the health benefits of human touch.
Both Parties Must Ask For Permission Before Touching
You Must Get A Verbal "Yes" Before Touching. If You Are Yes, Say "Yes." If You Are A No, Say "No." If You Are A "Maybe," Say "No." ---No Always Means No!---
You may change your mind from a yes to a no or from a no to a yes at anytime. Genitals, the anus, nipples and other sensitive areas are never touched. Don't even ask.
Either Party May Stop The Session At Any Time
You Are Under No Pressure To Start Or To Continue An Essential Touch Session At Any Time. If Either Party Is Uncomfortable For Any Reason, He Or She May Choose To Stop The Session At Anytime!
There are times you may not wish to touch or be touched. That is okay. You are in a safe space.
Be Clean. Practice Good Hygiene!
Take A Bath Or Shower On The Day Of Your Session. Brush Your Teeth. Don't Smoke Just Prior To Your Session. Avoid Heavy Perfumes.
Essential Touch is intimate. caring touch. Everybody likes clean!
Getting Ready Fot Your First Session
Click Here To Read The WikiHow Article, "How To Cuddle"
Being nervous before a session Is normal. The nervousness will dissipate quickly. You are encouraged to laugh, cry, talk, be quiet, express your thoughts or work through issues as desired or needed. Have fun, feel good, enjoy the session and experience the benefits of human touch!
Thank You For Visiting Essential Touch
Experience The Healing Power Of Touch!
I look forward to seeing you soon! Alan Jordan
Owner, Therapist
