Concept in Definition ABC

Some people have certain parts of their body that, when gently touched, triggers a sensation strange, like a mixture of discomfort and pleasure. This sensation is called tickling. Its effect produces a physical agitation that can cause spontaneous laughter.

Not all tickles are the same

It could think that all tickles are the same. However, there are two types: knismesis and gargalesis. The former are those in which the individual feels the tickle through gentle contact (for example, through the use of a pen) that activates physical agitation. The latter are more intense and are usually accompanied by an uncontrolled laugh.

In any case, tickling has a strange component for several reasons:

1) not all people react the same to them,

2) There are areas of the body that are more sensitive than others (for example, the feet, the stomach or the nape),

3) the physical reaction depends on the individual's state of mind and

4) when someone tickles himself, the same reaction is not triggered.

According to some research, reason by which they are produced is simple: the stimulus Physical activity generates the activation of specific neural circuits that are normally activated when the individual is in a good mood. Studies have shown that tickling releases dopamine, a type of neurotransmitter associated with pleasure.

It is not a peculiarity of the human species

Laughter and tickling had been thought for centuries to be two genuine traits of the human species. In recent years it has been shown that this is not the case. In fact, some animal species are ticklish as well (such as rats, certain birds, and some primates).

The tickle and the love

The loving feeling has a likeness with tickling, because in both cases the individual feels pleasure and uneasiness at the same time. It is not strange, therefore, that there is talk of love like a tickle. It should be noted, on the other hand, that dopamine plays a relevant role in love and tickling (this neurotransmitter also plays an important role in certain addictions).

Tickling is part of the human relations. It could be said that they serve to activate a pleasure mechanism. Because of this, many couples resort to tickling as a part of erotic play.

Photos: Fotolia - Jacob Lund / StefanieB