Hugging increases degrees of the”love hormone” oxytocin. This, then, might have beneficial effects on your heart health and more. One study found, for example, that women had lower blood pressure following a brief bout of contact with their partner.
A 20-second hug, combined with 10 minutes of hand-holding, additionally reduces the harmful physiological consequences of stress, including its impact on your blood pressure and heartbeat.4 This is reasonable because it is well known to lower amounts of stress hormones like cortisol. But research suggests there is more to it. According to Mail on the Web:
A 10-second hug each day can lead to biochemical and physiological reactions inside your body which may significantly enhance your wellbeing. According to research, this includes:
Does cuddle therapy Work?
There is no uncertainty that hugging, caressing, and cuddling feelgood. As neurologist Shekar Raman, MD said in the Huffington Post:7
“A hug, pat on the back, and even a friendly handshake are processed by the reward center in the central nervous system, which is why they can have a powerful impact on the human psyche, making us feel happiness and joy… And it doesn’t matter if you’re the toucher or touches. The more you connect with others — on even the smallest physical level –, the happier you’ll be.”
A lot of men and women are touch-deprived. One study discovered that one-third of individuals receive no hugs daily whereas 75 percent said they wanted more hugs. Findings like these, in conjunction with all the emotional and health benefits of an individual touch, have led to the emergence of cuddle therapy centers, where people may pay for a lunchtime cuddle.
However, the verdict remains out on if maybe cuddles from strangers have the same impact as individuals from somebody who you know and trust. While cuddling with a spouse or partner has been demonstrated to boost satisfaction in relationships, a minimum of one study revealed that hugs are only beneficial if confidence is involved.
The lead writer cautioned against global”free hugs” campaigns (where strangers provide hugs to the others ), stating this may be perceived as threatening and increase emotional burden and stress.8 But proven benefits are found from cuddling by a pet, which suggests I do not have to be between humans to be beneficial. Even Sticking together with your trusted pet could offer significant advantages to your heart and general wellbeing.