25/06/2025
The debate always seems to be gentle therapy or deep tissue treatments. Certainly the EMMETT technique can be classed as gentle and can be such a surprise for many new clients when finger tip touch can bring such quick results.
There are scientific studies and neuroscience-based insights that support the idea that gentle touch can be more effective—or at least more appropriate—than deep pressure, particularly in contexts like chronic pain, fibromyalgia, and nervous system regulation. Here are some key references and concepts to back this up:
🧠 1.
Gate Control Theory of Pain
Melzack & Wall (1965)
This foundational theory explains that non-painful input (like soft touch) can “close the gate” to painful input in the spinal cord, blocking pain sensations from reaching the brain.
Deep pressure can sometimes stimulate nociceptors (pain receptors), opening the gate instead.
Reference:
Melzack, R., & Wall, P. D. (1965). Pain mechanisms: a new theory. Science, 150(3699), 971–979.
Link to paper (DOI: 10.1126/science.150.3699.971)
🌿 2.
C-Tactile (CT) Afferents – Nerves That Respond to Gentle Touch
Studies have identified a type of nerve fiber—C-tactile afferents—that responds specifically to slow, gentle, pleasant touch and sends soothing signals to the brain. These signals help regulate the emotional and pain-processing areas of the brain.
Reference:
Löken, L. S., Wessberg, J., Morrison, I., McGlone, F., & Olausson, H. (2009). Coding of pleasant touch by unmyelinated afferents in humans. Nature Neuroscience, 12(5), 547–548.
DOI: 10.1038/nn.2312
💥 3.
Central Sensitization in Chronic Pain
In conditions like fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue syndrome, the nervous system is sensitized and overreacts to pressure. Deep pressure may worsen symptoms, while gentle, non-threatening input can help regulate and calm the system.
Reference:
Yunus, M. B. (2007). Central sensitivity syndromes: a new paradigm and group nosology for fibromyalgia and overlapping conditions. Current Rheumatology Reviews, 3(3), 121–134.
DOI: 10.2174/157339707781386194
🧘 4.
Touch and the Parasympathetic Nervous System
Gentle touch has been shown to stimulate the parasympathetic (rest-and-digest) system, which helps the body calm down, reduce pain, and enter healing states.
Reference:
Field, T. (2010). Touch for socioemotional and physical well-being: A review. Developmental Review, 30(4), 367–383.
DOI: 10.1016/j.dr.2011.01.001
🧩 Summary
Gentle touch communicates safety and comfort to the nervous system.
It’s more suitable for pain-sensitive or trauma-affected bodies.
It’s backed by both neuroscience and clinical research.
