A growing body of research shows that hugging can benefit you in wonderfully many ways. (the image courtesy of Shawn Clark)
Phoenix, Arizona, May 5 (Korea Bizwire) – Who doesn’t enjoy a warm hug from someone they love? Hugs are great in themselves, but several studies also show that hugging can give as a wide range of health benefits. Hugging is one of the best cures available mostly because they’re free and also because they help people bond. Humans are social animals and physical closeness is important for overall health and well-being. Hugs are universal to all societies and improve closeness among parents and children, among lovers, friends, relatives and even strangers. While there are emotional and social benefits to hugging, we can’t overlook the health benefits it can give us. Keep reading to find out about the health benefits of hugs and we’re sure you’ll find your reasons for hugging people more.
• Hugs protect your heart
In one study scientists investigated the relationship between hugging and blood pressure. The test subjects were two groups of cohabiting couples. The first group was asked to hold hands while viewing a romantic video which was followed by a 20 second hug. The other group just rested quietly for the same period. Afterward, the subject underwent a public speaking task and their scientists measured their blood pressure and heart rate. Those who hugged their partners prior to the stressful event demonstrate lower blood pressure and heart rate in comparison with the control group. These findings suggest that intimate relationships that involve hugging reduce stress and help keep our hearts healthy.
• Hugs reduce stress
Hugging stimulates the release of oxytocin. You may have heard of oxytocin but hat exactly is oxytocin you ask? It is a hormone that is produced in the posterior part of the pituitary gland that is located in the base of the brain. This hormone serves a variety of function but its primary function is inducing labor contractions and stimulating lactation. This hormone is responsible in mother-child bonding after delivery. It also plays a major role in social bonding and sexual reproduction. Hugging increases oxytocin levels which make us trust others more. In one study, subjects administered oxytocin showed lower levels of cortisol, a stress hormone at the same level as social support. One theory how hugging stimulates the release of oxytocin is by stimulating the vagus nerve.
• Hugs cure depression
A study found that prescribing four hugs a day can help with symptoms of depression. This unusual study also found that increasing the dose of hugs can help cure depression. The recommended dose for the severely depressed is eight hugs a day while twelve hugs a day help is psychological growth. This study demonstrated the significance of touch for our mental health. Most are familiar how important touch is for infant health and survival. Babies simply cannot thrive if nobody handles them. Since hugging is recognized as an important aspect for mental well-being, some have turned hugging into a business. For those who cannot find a person to hug them, there are professional huggers that charge a fee for their services and this is apparently becoming a profitable business.
• Hugs protect from the common cold
In a study with 404 healthy adults scientists observed the buffering effects hugs have in fighting infectious diseases induced by stress. The participants answered questionnaires on the amounts of hugs they received daily and were later exposed to the common cold virus to monitor their immune response. Among the participants who reported getting more hugs, the common cold symptoms were less severe than those who did not get their daily dose of hugs. This is because hugs, as mentioned previously, reduce stress which can deplete our immune system. So when the next cold season kicks in, remember to hug your loved ones along with taking your vitamin C.
• Hugs improve male stamina
What is Oxytocin?
Oxytocin is mainly a female hormone whose primary role is to induce labor. But it also serves a function in male reproduction and sexual behavior. Oxytocin, when found in high levels in the central nervous system, has a positive effect on erection while when found in the peripheral nervous system it inhibits erection. Oxytocin was also found to mediate ejaculation and post love making bonding. For all these reasons scientists are exploring how oxytocin might help treat erectile dysfunctions.
We are all familiar with the effects of healthy social relationships on our overall health and well-being. Humans are social animals that thrive in positive social relationships. Hugging is a gesture of intimacy universal to all societies in the world. Recent studies are finding the biological mechanisms that are behind the health benefits of hugging. Among these health benefits are stress reduction, better hearth health, a stronger immune system, better wound healing, improved mental health and better sexual stamina. But most importantly hugging makes our relationships healthier by increasing intimacy between huggers.
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Author Bio
Shawn Clark is a Health, Beauty and Fitness Adviser for Consumerhealthdigest.com. For the past 5 years, he is providing nutrition counseling, fitness training and health advice all over Phoenix, Arizona. Specializes on beauty, male sexual health, female sexual health, mental health, bone health, weight loss, detox & dietary supplements. Connect with him on Facebook, Twitter , Linkedin and on Google+.
