There’s a theory about the evolutionary purposes for tickling. A social purpose, intimate physical contact in a safe playful way is important to our interpersonal development, especially in our younger years (and as many Jiu Jitsu practitioners would attest, just as important in our adult years). The other component is self defense. When considering where we are ticklish, armpits, belly, neck, etc are the areas of our body that are also the most vulnerable to attack. Nature has equipped us with a wonderful play activity that helps us learn how to protect our vulnerable areas while at the same time promoting social cohesion. Of the adverse childhood events that contribute to long-term negative health consequences, emotional and physical neglect in our formative years contribute to an enormous amount of poor coping strategies throughout life. Also generations of inappropriate nonconsensual physical contact and not respecting boundaries due to toxic misogyny have (appropriately) created the need for very rigid physical boundaries. It is currently quite challenging to find healthy ways to physically interact with each other. Physical contact in a safe way and can help with reducing stress and inflammation (through oxytocin and a variety of other mechanisms). I look forward to implementing science-based ways to reintegrate healthy consensual and respectful boundaries within our physical contact and physical play.