ABSTRACT
This exercise increases communication and caring within the group or family. Participants give each other a facial massage in a turn-taking manner. Touching is an innate human need, yet in many families and ethnic groups touching is forbidden and members are deprived of opportunities for communicating at a more meaningful level. Touching is an important part of communicating nonsexual love and caring. For centuries the use of touch and especially therapeutic touch has been recognized as an effective adjunct to health and as a means of effective communication. Due to cultural attitude of associating touch with sex, many families have lost the richness that achieved only through hugging and touching. This exercise affirms that touching is a part of family life, and that it is crucial to better communication. The trainer should exhibit a deeply caring and professional attitude as a part of the exercise.
