Brief touch is different from a massage: insights from nonhuman primates

Recent findings have shown that the neurophysiological mechanisms involved in human massage and caress are similar to those grooming of nonhuman primates. In contrast, little is known about brief touch both other Here we review evidence for primates contrast its patterns potential functions with better grooming. We show not an affiliative behavior as it assess competitive tendencies unfamiliar individuals former opponents, test state a social relationship signal benign intent. Thus, plays important role, complementary grooming, regulation relationships.