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Mystery of the Senses: Touch

Touch contributes dramatically to our feeling of well-being. In this episode, Ackerman explores how touching and being touched promotes physical and psychological growth in young monkeys and humans. She also explores human responses to touch in massage, relationships, and art; and cultural perspectives on touch in social taboos, hugging, and kissing. To explain our biological responses, series host and naturalist Diane Ackerman introduces a scientist who has identified how the brain's sensory map operates. His research has led to the groundbreaking discovery that even if a person loses a limb, the brain will respond as if that limb is being touched.

English
  • Originally Aired February 22, 1995
  • Special Position Airs before season 22, episode 6
  • Content Rating United States of America TV-PG
  • Network PBS
  • Special is Critical to Show's Story Yes
  • Created July 21, 2021 by
    Jordanene
  • Modified January 6, 2026 by
    niemasd