Social Connections and Human Warmth

Hello,

Today I want to talk with you about something we often take for granted, until it’s missing. Social connections and human warmth. That simple meetings between two people, where for a few moments, we feel less alone.

It doesn’t always have to be a deep conversation or a friendship that’s lasted for years. Sometimes it’s a short chat, a hug, an understanding look, or someone who genuinely asks: “How are you?” and is truly willing to listen to the answer.

Have you noticed how, after a good meeting with someone close, the body feels different? The breath becomes deeper. The shoulders drop. Something inside settles.

And no, it’s not “just in our heads”.

What does science say about social connection and human warmth? Studies show that supportive social relationships are linked to reduced stress, a stronger immune system, and even longer life expectancy. Human touch, such as a hug, encourages the release of oxytocin, a hormone that calms the nervous system and creates a sense of safety and connection.

In simple words: We are social beings. Our bodies are built to function better when there is another body nearby that provides a sense of safety.

And what does Chinese medicine say? In Chinese medicine, the heart is not just a pump, it is the centre of connection. It is responsible for joy, bonding, and a sense of belonging. When there is human warmth and nourishing relationships, the Shen (spirit) rests peacefully. But when there is loneliness, disconnection, or the feeling that no one truly sees us, the heart closes, the Qi becomes stuck, and the body begins to “speak” through fatigue, tension, or pain.

Acupuncture, in this sense, is not a replacement for connection, but it can soften and calm the heart, and sometimes remind the body what connection feels like.

I often tell my patients: You can eat perfectly, sleep well, and practice yoga every day. But without human warmth, something essential remains hungry.

And in the clinic… In the clinic, I meet many people, and over the years I’ve come to realize that my patients are not “just” patients. In a way, they are a bit like friends.

With each person, something different emerges: With one, a small laugh at the beginning of the session. With another, a pleasant silence. And sometimes, a short conversation that arrives exactly at the right moment.

They are not always deep conversations or big stories. Sometimes it’s a kind word, sometimes a smile, and sometimes simply knowing that someone is sitting across from me, breathing, and feeling safe for a moment.

And this human warmth is not one-directional. It fills me as well. Every single day.

There is something about human connection, even when it’s brief, that brings us back to something very basic. We are not meant to handle everything alone.

And this is where something interesting happens: Every treatment I give, also gives something back to me. The presence, the trust, the connection created in the room - all of these are part of the treatment no less than the needles themselves.

It’s not magic, and it’s not idealization. It’s simply a living, healthy human cycle, where warmth creates warmth, and connection creates gentle healing for both sides.

What’s new? I’ve launched a new format in the clinic: IPRA123 Flexible. The same quality with more flexibility.

The IPRA123 treatment you already know is still here, but now there’s another way to receive it - in a slightly different, more flexible format.

What has changed? Instead of staying on the treatment table for 20 to 30 minutes, the new format works like this:

15 minutes of treatment as usual in the treatment room - using the same precise IPRA123 technique.

20–30 minutes of rest in the waiting area, with a warm cup of tea, a book, or simply a quiet moment.

5 minutes of closing - returning briefly to the treatment room to complete the session.

What stays the same?

The same diagnostic precision The same high-quality technique, limited to a maximum of two treatment areas The same clinical result

Who is this for? • If you are busy and want to use your waiting time in a more productive way. • If you prefer a focused, efficient treatment without staying on the table the entire time. • If you are looking for a more accessible option - €55 instead of €80.

Want to try it? Read more about IPRA123 at the following link: https://app--de-zijderoute-basic-info-e26fb85a.base44.app/

And one small tip for the coming week. Choose one person. Send a message, make a phone call, or meet for coffee. Not to “check a box”, but to truly be there, even for just ten minutes. And if there’s no one you can reach out to right now, remember that even a small moment of warmth, even in a casual encounter, counts.

Connections are not a luxury. They are a foundation.

Wishing you a week with an open heart, good human touch, and one connection that truly nourishes you.

Yours, Zohar