Anyone who has ever been a kid understands that sometimes, the cure for your bad mood, your tears or your boo-boo is a good ol' fashioned hug. From Mom. Or anyone you care about (sorry, Mom). But what is it about these no cost, no wheat, noGMO, gluten free, vaccine free, sugar free, calorie free, vegan, kosher, energy-efficient human-blankets-of-warmth-and-goodness also known as the 'heart-handshake' that make them an instant cure-all for so many of life's daily ailments?
For one, blood lab tests after hugging have been shown to hold higher levels of oxytocin, a hormone sometimes called "the love hormone," known to boost sensations of well-being and trust as well as decreasing sensations of fear. Oxytocin has also been shown to have an effect on wound healing, through its inhibitory effect on some of the inflammatory chemicals present in new boo-boos. In an off-topic, although related statement, Mom can also be credited for her innate intelligence concerning the post-boo-boo kiss. Yes, this really can make you feel better. This has to do with direct neurology over the affected area - when the owie happens, a certain nerve fiber in the area responsible for pain sensation sends signals to the brain that you have injured yourself. These particular nerves are small and lack a fatty coating that ensures the fastest transmission. Then, when Mom kisses your boo-boo, she activates a different type of nerve fiber. This nerve type is the type responsible for the perception of touch and pressure; it is larger than the pain-related nerves and does have a thick coating, allowing the sensation of feeling her lips on your owie to travel to the brain much faster than, and therefore override the smaller pain fibers. Thus, Mom's kiss does make your boo-boo feel better. Fact.
I digress. Exit Kiss. Re-enter Hugs.
Hugs have been shown to increase levels of serotonin, another natural chemical very much responsible for your sensations of happiness.
Hugging helps immune function through stimulation of the solar plexus chakra. The gentle pressure over the sternum that inadvertently happens during a hug stimulates this chakra located over the thymus gland, which is responsible for the regulation of white blood cells - one of our bodies' greatest defenders of the immune system.
Hugs can balance your nervous system from an electrochemical standpoint. Scientists have noted a change in the galvanic skin conductance response in people giving and receiving hugs.
One American author and psychotherapist, often referred to as "The Mother of Family Therapy," was right on the money with her theories on hugs:
"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
Therefore, go hug your loved ones today. Multiple times. Help your kids heal and grow. Let your kids and the general public see your affection for your significant other. The standard hug lasts 3 seconds, but benefits of hugging have been shown to come from hugs that last up to 20 seconds (after that, I'm assuming you get the 'creeper' vibe and all prior benefits are nullified -> professional opinion). If you are unsure how to approach your next hug, please feel free to study the attached chart.
Yours in Health,
Dr. Cassandra Baar, DC, ART
No comments:
Post a Comment