top of page
About Tickling
What is Knismesis and Gargalesis?
In 1897, two psychologists, Granville Stanley Hall and Arthur Allin, came up with the terms knismesis and gargalesis to refer to the two forms of tickling. Hall is an important figure in American psychology; he helped to found the American Psychological Association, and also started the first journal of psychology in America. Arthur Allin was a well known personality in psychology as well, especially in the Western states, where he trained many talented psychologists during his years at the University of Boulder.
Our Services
Knismesis
&
Gargalesis
Tickle
Sessions
Knismesis is light tickling, such as those sensations from a feather, gentle touch, insect, or mild electrical current.
Gargalesis is heavy tickling to sensitive areas of the body such as the knees, feet, and ribs.
Knismesis
vs.
Gargalesis
Most people associate knismesis with a sense of calm, because the gentle touch seems to settle and relax the body.
Gargalesis, on the other hand, is a much firmer form of tickling. Some psychologists have theorized that humans respond to gargalesis with laughter and encouraging facial expressions to promote playful roughhousing, an important part of balanced social interaction and fitness. Unlike knismesis, gargalesis must be performed by someone else in order to be effective.
Contact
Leeds, West Yorkshire
Get In Touch
bottom of page