IASAT Member

Proud to be an Official IASAT Member

In April 2025, Power of Touch achieved a major milestone in our mission to champion the science of human connection. We are thrilled to announce that we have joined the International Association for the Study of Affective Touch as an official IASAT Member. This partnership marks our formal integration into a global scientific community dedicated to the neurobiology and psychology of physical contact.

Why This Membership Matters

The International Association for the Study of Affective Touch is the world’s leading organization for researchers and clinicians. By becoming an IASAT Member, Power of Touch aligns itself with the highest global standards of sensory research. Our work is now directly informed by the latest breakthroughs in affective neuroscience, ensuring that our community receives the most accurate and up-to-date information available.

Within this network, we focus on the profound impact of “affective touch”—the type of contact that communicates emotion and safety. This is processed by C-tactile (CT) afferents, specialized nerve fibers that play a vital role in stress reduction, emotional regulation, and social bonding.

The Science of Connection

What does this new status mean for our approach? It means we prioritize “affective” over “discriminative” touch. While we use our hands to perceive the physical world, it is the emotional quality of contact that heals the mind.

Research shared within the association highlights several key benefits:

Oxytocin Release: How gentle touch fosters trust and reduces social anxiety.
Cortisol Reduction: The direct link between affective touch and lower stress levels.
Body Ownership: Helping individuals reconnect with their physical selves through supportive contact.

Bridging Research and Daily Practice

A core responsibility of being a professional IASAT Member is to translate complex laboratory findings into practical solutions for everyday life. At Power of Touch, we turn data from international symposiums into actionable insights.

In a world facing a “Touch Crisis” or “Skin Hunger,” our role allows us to lead the conversation on how to restore healthy, consensual contact in a digital society. We strive to provide a bridge between academic excellence and the lived experience of those seeking deeper connection.

Our Commitment to Excellence

When you see the official designation on our platform, you can trust our three core pillars:

Evidence-Based Insights: We move beyond wellness trends. Every workshop and article is rooted in peer-reviewed research shared among global experts. This scientific rigor is what defines a dedicated IASAT Member.
Ethical Excellence: Touch requires deep respect. We adhere to strict ethical codes regarding consent, boundaries, and psychological safety. Our membership reinforces our commitment to handling human connection with the utmost professional care.
Global Collaboration: This network connects us with experts from Europe to North America. We bring this international knowledge directly to you, ensuring our methods are world-class and culturally diverse.

The Future of Connection in a Digital Age

Moving forward, we are exploring how touch evolves in our increasingly technological world. From haptic technology to social robotics, Power of Touch stays at the forefront of defining what “human connection” looks like in the 21st century.

We believe that everyone should understand the power held in their own hands. Whether you are a parent, a partner, or a healthcare professional, the principles of affective touch are universal. As an IASAT Member, we are honored to advocate for a more “touch-positive” society.