Tickling is a feeling that is difficult to define directly. One study defined ticklishness as being of two types: the itchy sensation from light touching of the skin on the body, which usually does not cause laughter; and the sensation from repeated pressure on the body at ticklish points, such as the ribs or armpits, which causes a smile or laugh.

The exact reason why people feel ticklish is still unclear. Some theories suggest that it is a defense mechanism to protect vulnerable areas of the body. สมัคร ufabet กับเรา รับโบนัสทันที Other theories suggest that being tickled helps create a social bond between the tickler and the ticklish, as laughter can create a positive interaction between both parties.

How many types of tickles are there? What are they?

Tickling sensations are divided into two main types according to the definitions cited in research:

• Knismesis is a strange, itchy sensation caused by light skin contact. It can occur on any part of the body and can be felt even by touching oneself, such as dragging fingers, feathers, or cotton wool across the skin, or by having insects crawl on it. This type of tickling is not funny, but it can be annoying and people respond by scratching the affected area. Some people therefore misunderstand that they are itching rather than being ticklish.
• Gargalesis is a sensation that causes the person being tickled to laugh when repeatedly applied to a sensitive area of ​​the body, often in areas prone to injury, such as the neck, abdomen, sides of the body, feet, and armpits, as well as other areas on the body, such as near the ear canal, chest, and genitals. This type of tickling sensation occurs only when being tickled by another person and results in laughter, while attempting to tickle oneself does not cause laughter or any response. This article will focus on this type of tickling primarily.

Why do people laugh when they are tickled?

There are currently many theories regarding the cause of laughter when tickled, but none of them have been clearly proven. However, scientists have found that laughter when tickled does not occur because it is fun or funny, but may be due to an automatic emotional response. This is because the hypothalamus, which is responsible for emotional reactions and pain responses, is stimulated, causing laughter when tickled.

Why don’t I feel ticklish when I try to tickle myself?

Scientists have tried to find out. In one experiment that looked at brain processes, participants were asked to compare the ticklish sensations of an external force applied to them and a force applied to them by themselves, unaware that the two forces were set to the same magnitude. The results showed that everyone felt a greater amount of the external force applied to them than the force applied to them by themselves.

The results of the study explain that whenever the brain commands a movement, the brain anticipates the consequences that will happen to the body in advance and tries to reduce the sensory perception. Because if the body remains aware of its own actions all the time, it will cause the senses to work beyond their limits and reduce the ability to perceive the external environment. Therefore, the body does not respond when trying to tickle itself.

Tickling with punishment

Tickling can sometimes be quite painful for the person being tickled, with historical records describing punishments such as the 16th century in which Protestants used tickling to punish lawbreakers with death, or in the ancient Roman Empire, offenders would be tied up and their feet covered in salt, then geese would lick the salt off.

The hidden benefits of tickling

Although being tickled can be painful for some people, if used appropriately, it can also create a feeling of relaxation. Current research is beginning to talk about a type of physical sensation that comes from being stimulated by touch, sight or hearing, resulting in relaxation, called Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response: ASMR, such as a tickling sensation, tingling or a cold sensation, especially on the scalp. This type of sensation may help temporarily relieve depression and chronic pain.

The ticklish sensation may also help you burn calories, as studies have shown that laughing for 10-15 minutes can burn 10-40 calories . However, the rate of calorie burn from laughing is minimal compared to exercise.

How can you cure ticklishness?

Ticklish is often used to describe a person who feels pain when touched in a ticklish spot and has to laugh uncontrollably, or a person who laughs even though they have not been touched, but only in anticipation of being touched in a ticklish spot.

It is currently unclear whether there is any permanent cure for ticklishness. Some say that frequently touching a ticklish spot to help the body adapt and become more tolerant of ticklishness may result in reduced sensitivity to touch. In addition, some scientists suggest that placing one’s own hand on the hand of the ticklish person may help trick the brain into perceiving it as ticklish and reduce the ticklish sensation.