How Does Our Body Respond to Tickling?

Where does our response from tickling come from?

FOX’s Alex Hein explains:

Scientists have always been perplexed by the variability and origin of a person’s tickle response. While some start giggling at the mere sight of wriggly fingers, others can sustain a feather caressing the toes without even cracking a smile.

One Neuroscientist explained to the Wall Street Journal whether the childlike response is learned or innate, and why it is almost impossible to tickle oneself.

While some argue that being ticklish is a defensive reflex against attack, Dr. David Linden explained in the report that he isn’t sold.

While some ticklish parts of the body may be vulnerable in battle, others like toes wouldn’t result in a mortal wound if struck. Linden compared being ticklish to having an itch, which experts believe evolved as a protective measure against infestation by insects or worms.

Linden told the Journal that it could be a clue that the tickle is a response to some sort of reflex gone awry.

He further concluded that there are no contextual or social reasons why most people are less ticklish as they get older, and that it is both learned and innate.

For more on this story, check foxnewshealth.com.

Housecall for Health, I’m Alex Hein, FOX News.