Hugs have been part of being human for many thousands of years.
They offer comfort and healing.
Even recent studies have shown the power of hugging.
Grewen, K.
M.
, et al.
(2005) showed that when couples engage in 10 minutes of hugging, the kind that is deep, caring and loving.
The study found that oxytocin was released which leads to a calming feeling, contentment and stress reduction.
This is the hormone that bonds relationships.
Additionally, the stress hormone, cortisol, was reduced.
Years ago, Lee Shapiro (aka: The Hugging Judge), used to go around giving hugs because he realized the power of hugs.
It aids in growth and self-esteem as well.
Healing through hugs also will happen.
I remember reading a study on how animals that had no physical contact when they were young ended up with deep emotional problems as adults and withdrawn.
"We need 4 hugs a day for survival.
We need 8 hugs a day for maintenance.
We need 12 hugs a day for growth.
"-Virginia Satir I would follow the advice of Virginia Satir and start giving at least 8 hugs a day.
If you have children, make sure you go for 12 or more.
It is vital and helps in developing a stable and secure mindset.
Further in the study, it was found that blood pressure dropped too.
I realize that many in the United States consider hugs to be taboo.
And yet, we know the health implications of not hugging.
My own family grew up as non-huggers.
It is understandable since my mother was from Japan and my father grew up in the Ozarks.
I went from not hugging to becoming much like Lee Shapiro, giving out hugs wherever I go.
Some cultures tend to be heavy huggers, like those in Latin cultures (Latin America, Mediterranean, France, etc...
).
Many Eastern and other Western cultures are low on the hugging scale.
Here are some suggestions regarding hugging: · A good hug of at least 20 seconds will do our whole being good.
This is about the right length of time to release oxytocin.
Make the hug a heart-to-heart one.
· Give out hugs frequently.
This will help establish a bond in relationships.
That includes in all relationships.
Space out your hugs throughout the day.
Go for 12 hugs each and every day.
· Add a smile when you give out a hug.
This implies that you are doing it willingly and will help the person you're giving it to feel at ease and happy.
· Hugs are the ultimate stress-buster.
When you hug someone, both of you will benefit from lowering of cortisol and norepinephrine.
This is especially true in women.
· Be culturally aware regarding giving out hugs.
Some will not respond and may be taken aback.
Others will be against it from a religious standpoint.
And still others may have had a traumatic event happen and a hug may trigger it.
· Children especially need hugs.
Give it to them.
Parents really need to hug in order help develop a healthy and happy child as well as an adult.
In one Greek study, babies who were never touched died from a disease called Marasmus.
It is essentially a muscle/protein wasting disease.
Children in orphanages in Eastern Europe that were not hugged and left alone ended up with major behavioral problem as well as being violent.
I wish you the best as you start your journey in hugging for health, growth and happiness.
Your relationships will improve as well as helping those around you.
BTW, January 21st is National Hugging Day.