Humor or laughter is contagious. Laughter helps in social bonding. In an adult-child relationship, tickling can be the ultimate icebreaker.
Did you know there are two types of tickling? According to MSN health, the one in which you feel tickled when you run your finger nails or feather over your skin lightly is called Knismesis, and the other is what makes you laugh and squirm, and is called Gargalesis.
Vulnerable areas like armpits, sides of the torso, area behind the knee and breasts are tickle spots which are universal. Tickling may be your body's alarm to an external stimulus. Like itching, tickling might help us draw attention to external stimuli like parasites or predators.
What happens when you are tickled? The nerve endings in your skin send messages to the brain and cerebellum which initiate movement. This, when activated, by unexpected touch produces a ticklish sensation.
A study by Provine, reveals that a person is most likely to be tickled seven times more by the opposite sex which is a way to show affection. The hormonal changes and the decrease in sensitivity would make an aged person less ticklish.
Tickling induces laughter which in turn, helps to improve the immune system, boosts energy and helps you de-stress. So, tickle your loved one more often to develop a positive bond of love, trust and affection in your relationship.