When a friend or family member is dealing with something painful or unpleasant in their lives, give them a hug. Scientists say that giving another person support through touch can reduce the stress of the person being comforted.
It can even reduce the stress of the person doing the comforting. In one study of twenty heterosexual couples, men were given unpleasant electric shocks. During the shocks, each woman held the arm of her partner. When we hug someone to comfort them, these parts of our brain may show a similar response. In a study of over adults, researchers found that hugging may reduce the chance a person will get sick. The participants with a greater support system were less likely to get sick.
And those with the greater support system who did get sick had less severe symptoms than those with little or no support system. Hugging can be good for your heart health.
In one study , scientists split a group of about adults into two groups:. People in the first group showed greater reductions in blood pressure levels and heart rate than the second group. Oxytocin is associated with happiness and less stress. Scientists have found that this hormone has a strong effect in women. Oxytocin causes a reduction in blood pressure and of the stress hormone norepinephrine.
One study found that the positive benefits of oxytocin were strongest in women who had better relationships and more frequent hugs with their romantic partner. Women also saw positive effects of oxytocin when they held their infants closely. Scientists have found that touch can reduce anxiety in people with low self-esteem. Touch can also keep people from isolating themselves when reminded of their mortality. Research suggests some forms of touch may be capable of reducing pain.
In one study , people with fibromyalgia had six therapeutic touch treatments. Each treatment involved light touching on the skin. The participants reported an increase in quality of life and reduced pain.
Most human communication occurs verbally or through facial expressions. We see these emotions every day in our hospitals. If you've had a memorable or moving moment with SCL Health, we'd love to hear from you! Categories: Mind , Life , Body. Like 0. Hugging helps lower our stress throughout the day. Hugs can also give our immune system a healthy boost.
Hugs might even lower heart rates and blood pressure. A few good squeezes could lead to decreased depression. Share this Post! Leave A Comment. Read News. Become a Fan. Moms and Babies. View Pregnancy Services. This can be done in a standing or seated position. When sitting, your arms and legs can be intertwined. Mattenson recommends holding it for three minutes or longer. What it means: "Most people unintentionally hug starting from the right side because it's more protective and further away from the heart," Mattenson explains.
Heart-to-heart hugs are also beneficial for people who don't typically like hugging but want to appease a loved one who likes physical touch or has physical touch as a love language. There are both physical and mental benefits of hugging. According to integrative neurologist and mbg Collective member Ilene Ruhoy, M.
That release of oxytocin, along with serotonin, helps lower stress by de-escalating cortisol in the body. In this sense, hugging is an accessible and effective stress management tool. Physically, studies have linked hugging to a decrease in physical pain and an improvement in cardiovascular health. Hugging, even for those who aren't traditionally drawn to physical touch, leads to benefits in overall health and well-being. Depending on the type of relationship you're in, your comfort levels, and your intention, the right type of hug may vary.
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Last updated on January 4, Side hug A side hug is when two parties are hugging each other with their arms around either the waist or the shoulder of the other person.
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