The hug supports
Researchers have made the fantastic discovery that when a hug lasts for 20 seconds, it has a healing effect on the body and mind. A hug from the heart produces a hormone called oxytocin, also known as the love hormone. This substance has a number of benefits for our physical and mental health, including helping us to relax, increasing our sense of security and calming our fears and anxiety. This wonderful calming agent is available whenever we hold another person, rock a child, cuddle a dog or cat, dance with someone, get close to someone, or simply hug a friend's shoulder.
A famous quote by psychotherapist Virginia Satir goes like this: "We need 4 hugs a day to survive. We need 8 hugs a day to survive. We need 12 hugs a day to grow." Whether these numbers are scientifically verified is a mystery for the future, but there is plenty of scientific evidence about the importance of hugs and physical contact. Here are some reasons why we should hug:
1. STIMULATES OXYTOCIN
Oxytocin is a neurotransmitter that acts on the limbic system, the emotional centre of the brain, promoting feelings of contentment, reducing anxiety and stress, and even making mammals monogamous. This hormone is responsible for why we are all here today. This little pearl of truth is released at the time of birth, and it helps mothers forget the agonising pain of coming into the world and remain loving and wanting to spend time with us. New research from the University of California suggests that it has a similar civilising effect on human males, who become more affectionate, strengthening their relationships and social bonds. In addition, the libido and sexual performance of the subjects increased dramatically. When you hug someone, your pituitary gland sends oxytocin into your body, lowering your heart rate and cortisol levels. Cortisol is the hormone responsible for stress, high blood pressure and heart disease.
2. PROMOTES PATIENCE
Our relationships improve when we take the time to appreciate and acknowledge each other. A hug is one of the simplest ways to express appreciation and recognition of another person. The world is a busy, bustling place, and we are constantly rushing to the next task. When we slow down for a moment during the day to give someone a heartfelt hug, we are using ourselves, others and nurturing patience within ourselves.
3. PREVENTS DISEASE
Gentleness has a direct effect on reducing stress, which prevents the development of many diseases. The Touch Research Institute at the University of Miami School of Medicine has conducted more than 100 studies and found evidence of significant effects, such as faster growth in premature babies, reduced pain, reduced symptoms of autoimmune diseases, reduced glucose levels in children with diabetes and a strengthened immune system in cancer patients.
4. STIMULATION OF THE THYMUS
Hugging strengthens the immune system. Gentle pressure and emotional charge on the sternum activates the solar plexus (solar plexus) chakra. This stimulates the thymus gland, which regulates and balances the body's production of white blood cells, keeping you healthy and disease-free.
5. COMMUNICATION WITHOUT WORDS
Almost 70 percent of communication is non-verbal. Interpreting body language can depend on a single gesture, and hugging is a great way to express yourself to another person or animal without words. Not only will they feel the love and care in your hug, but they will become so receptive that they will be able to pass on the fruits of your initiative to others.
6.
Hugging increases self-esteem, especially in children. Touch as a sensation is very important for babies. Babies first recognise their parents through touch. From birth, we feel loved and special through the touch of our family. The connection between self-esteem and the sense of touch in infancy is still present in the adult nervous system. As we grow up, our mother's and father's hugs are embedded in our memory at a cellular level, so a hug has a visceral effect. Hugs reinforce in us that we are capable of loving ourselves.
7. STIMULATION OF DOPAMINE LEVELS
Everything any of us does affects dopamine levels and production. Low dopamine levels play a role in the development of neurodegenerative Parkinson's disease and mood disorders such as depression. Dopamine is responsible for the "feel-good" feeling and motivation! Cuddles stimulate the brain to release dopamine, the pleasure hormone. Dopamine sensors are the areas that are targeted by many stimulants such as cocaine and methamphetamine. The presence of certain types of dopamine receptors shows a link to the craving for sensuality.
8. STIMULATION OF SEROTONIN
Touching and hugging releases endorphins and serotonin and, when released into the blood vessels, creates pleasure, prevents pain and sadness, reduces the chances of heart problems, helps prevent obesity and prolongs life. Even petting your pet has a calming effect and reduces stress levels. Prolonged cuddling increases serotonin levels, boosts mood and creates happiness.
9. PARASYMPATHETIC BALANCE
A hug balances the nervous system. The skin has a network of tiny, egg-shaped pressure-sensing centres called Pacini corpuscles. They sense touch and are connected to the brain via the pacini nerve. Receiving and giving a hug triggers a galvanic skin response, which changes its electrical conductivity. The moisture and electricity of the skin indicates a more balanced - parasympathetic - state of the nervous system.
And if we are calm, balanced and healthy, we are also the most beautiful.
