Caplan’s breakthrough research on the impact of isolation and, conversely, touch, on the physical, mental and emotional healthof human beings was recorded in the trailblazing book, Untouched. The book has been revised here, with new chapters
on sexuality and relationships. Throughout her book, which synthesizes research on the necessity of physical and social contact in cultures around the world, Caplan maintains a scientific perspective that is spiced by her experiences as a traveler and therapist.

This is no “new age” work, however. To Touch Is To Live also emphasizes the importance of boundaries, gender cultures and a conscious relationship to children.

Mariana Caplan, Ph.D., is an adjunct faculty member at the California Institute of Integral Studies. She is the author of six books, including Do You Need a Guru?, published by Thorsons Press.

 “An important book that brings to the forefront the fundamentals of a healthy world. We must all touch more.” –Patch Adams, M.D.

“This book is needed more than ever. It contains the age-old truths that anthropologists and grandmothers all know: Survival is based on our receiving affection. Only then can we develop, love, survive and thrive.” – Bernie S. Siegel, M.D., author of Love, Medicine & Miracles

“Covering an array of pertinent issues, Caplan offers a dismal view of what is currently deemed normal in a culture rife with pornography and violence. Her perceptive book offers numerous provocative suggestions for altering this grim picture.” – Publisher’s Weekly

“Any praise for this book is an understatement.” – Joseph Chilton Pearce, author of Magical Child and Evolution’s End.

“To Touch is to Live  makes a convincing case for bringing physical communication back into our mechanized lives as a way to remedy our psychological and social alienation.” – Yoga Journal

“Makes clear how touch helps us move through healthy growth and development¾the ability to love, to know, to trust, to play, to use our minds creatively. Recommended to all.”  – Massage Magazine

“Highly recommended. Beautifully written. Practical advice to bring the heart into the world and the world into the heart—a formula for the peace we all long for.” – Stephen and Ondrea Levine, authors of Who Dies? and Embracing the Beloved

“A timely and invaluable contribution to this culture … at the cutting edge of the challenges modern people face everyday.” – Malidoma Somé, author of Ritual: Power, Healing and Community

“This insightful book documents the terrain of our touch-starved culture and gives concrete suggestions on how to … be more in touch with ourselves, and therefore more in touch with others. As technology becomes a more pervasive part of our lives, the need for touch becomes greater than ever.” – Chistiane Northrup, M.D., author of Women’s Bodies, Women’s Wisdom.

“A significant contribution to the literature on touching in human life and relationships. Untouched brings unusual insight and wisdom to understanding the nature of human and sexual love. Highly recommended for those who want to be ‘in touch.’ ” – James W. Prescott, Ph.D. Director, Institute of Humanistic Studies

“To all of us with bodies, in an increasingly disembodied world, this book comes as a passionate reminder that: Touch is essential to health and happiness.” – Joanna Macy, author of World as Lover, World as Self

“Mariana discusses virtually every significant human need and behavior in a language that abjures all technical terms, and speaks plainly and simply, both to the heart and the mind’s consent. This is a considerable achievement.” – Ashley Montagu, author of, Touching, The Human Significance of the Skin

“Mariana Caplan speaks to critical trends of a currently tolerated way of life that condones touch-starvation…An important read for our time. Highly recommended.” – Dolores Krieger, Ph.D., R.N., author of Accepting Your Power to Heal: The Personal Practice of Therapeutic Touch

“This book should be required reading for all parents, medical professionals, legislators, teachers, psychotherapists¾actually anyone involved with children of any age.” – Association for Pre- and Perinatal Psychology and Health

“Explores the lack of touch in our culture, and delves into its roots.” – Common Ground