Hugging loved ones, people strengthen their health. This phenomenon has real evidence in the scientific world. It seems to be just a friendly touch, but its effect on the human body can be enormous. For example, it can increase immunity. Body contact promotes the production of a certain group of hormones that are responsible for fighting infections. One of them is oxytocin, which is also called the “hug hormone”. High levels of oxytocin can reduce inflammation and speed up wound healing.
Another bonus is the ability to minimize the risk of cardiovascular disease. This effect is achieved by triggering a certain chemical process in the body (oxytocin is also involved there) that lowers blood pressure. In other words, pleasurable bodily interaction affects the heart rate.
Besides, hugs have an analgesic effect. Let’s imagine a situation: a child is hurt or bruised and, to comfort himself, runs to his mother. She kisses, caresses the bruise, the pain gradually passes, the baby calms down and rushes to play again. This is not a myth, but a reality: a person releases endorphins from a gentle, pleasant touch, which helps him experience a sense of euphoria.
The Secrets of Tactile Sensations
The impact of bodily contact is not only valuable, but also extensive. Let’s name some more spheres of human life where the influence of the physical touch can be noticed.
Normalization of Sleep
Have you ever noticed that you fall asleep faster and more soundly in the arms of your loved one? This is due to the hormone oxytocin – it counters stress, reduces anxiety and induces a feeling of calm.
Help You Fight Your Fears
Hugging your loved ones and children helps reduce their existential fears (loneliness, change, future) and makes them feel physically fulfilled in this life. In this case, hugs work like favorite casino games at PlayAmo that let you get into a new universe.
Feeling of Safety
In the arms of another person, we feel secure. This process is accompanied by the production of certain hormones in the brain that reduce the level of cortisol (stress hormone).
Development of Children
Studies conducted in orphanages have proven that a child who lacks tactile contact has developmental difficulties (starts to walk or talk later). By the way, that is why nature has ordained that the purpose of breastfeeding is not only to feed the baby, but also to establish a physical connection between him and his mother.
Preserving Families
In those unions where husband and wife often cuddle, marriages last longer. This is evidenced by some studies. Moreover, hugging is a form of communication. When spouses touch each other, they keep in touch and build trust.
It can be the case that touching the other person is uncomfortable. What is the reason for this? Most likely, in childhood, such people had a deficit of emotional contact with their parents. They put a lot of prohibitions, including the expression of feelings. Remember the phrases “boys don’t cry” or “it’s not good to laugh so loudly”? As a result of these attitudes, the adult child has difficulty expressing emotions and has difficulty communicating with people.
There is a hypothesis in psychology that we need four hugs a day for basic survival, eight for normal functioning, twelve for growth and development.
