Stroking May 2026

: These unmyelinated nerve fibers are located primarily in hairy skin (like the forearm) and are specifically tuned to respond to slow, gentle stroking.

: CT fibers respond most effectively to stroking at a velocity of 1–10 cm/s . Studies show that stroking at roughly 3 cm/s is consistently rated as the most pleasant and effective for reducing pain. stroking

The human body has a specialized system for processing gentle touch, rooted in specific nerve fibers: : These unmyelinated nerve fibers are located primarily

: Stimulation of these fibers activates the posterior insula , a brain region involved in emotion and homeostatic regulation, rather than just the somatosensory cortex which processes mechanical touch. Benefits and Effects stroking

Research highlights several physiological and psychological benefits of stroking: