For many people, touch offers a variety of therapeutic effects. Humans have a physically innate sensitivity to touch, yet some people may react differently based on their surroundings and prior experiences.
The advantages of hugs for one's body, mind, emotions, and relationships aren't entirely understood. However, a lot of progress has been made in the knowledge of how hugs and safe contact may make people feel more secure, connected, and healthy.
According to Kim Bielak, an associate marriage and family therapist, physical contact is essential for humans at any age, but particularly during the early years of life.
The first and most well-known study on attachment, Harlow's rhesus monkeys, showed that touch is a biologically-wired means for people to firmly bond. Children find it challenging to relate to carers without hugs.
According to Bielak, "Physical contact is essential to development and survival." Hugs and other physical contact are important building blocks of familial ties. John Bowly's attachment style hypothesis states that the bonds you form with your early caretakers may have an impact on all of your later relationships.
Hugs and other physical contact are among the most effective methods for people to connect, according to Bielak. "A sense of safety, trust, and permission is always important, just like any sort of physical touch."
Self-soothing
Regulating emotions may be difficult, particularly for those who have suffered trauma and other traumatic situations. According to Harlow's research, touch is essential for fostering the capacity for self-soothing.
Hugs from a trustworthy person in particular might help you identify and control your emotions. We are permanently hooked into the system, according to Bielak.
Blood pressure and stress levels
According to certified psychologist David Tzall, PsyD, other advantages of hugging include decreasing blood pressure. Tzall notes that they "bring down cortisol levels in the body and can make us relax."
"Touch boosts the release of the love hormone oxytocin, which may alleviate discomfort and improve a sensation of well-being and connection," said a researcher. In some situations, safe touch – from a robot or an animal – may serve as a signal of security and aid in reducing anxiety and dread.
Preventing loneliness
A serious depressive condition and social anxiety may make engaging with people more difficult. Hugging may be helpful for people who might feel lonely or socially disengaged if it makes you feel secure, at ease, and connected to others.
According to Tzall, hugs from family members can make patients with these conditions feel connected, socially supported, and less alone.
Rekindling connections
Hugs provide a secure connection that might strengthen sentiments of love for a companion. According to Tzall, touch may be crucial for couples in relationship counselling. Tzall notes that she talks to couples about touch and if they are embracing and snuggling. "It draws people together and gives them a sense of security."
Other advantages of embracing for couples who might need to rekindle their love include fostering desire through the dopamine release, increasing physical and emotional closeness, and improving trust.
The longer the embrace, the more attached a person feels, claims research titled: "The impact of length, arm crossing method, gender, and emotional closeness on hugging behaviour." "Short embraces may work just as well – it doesn't have to last for minutes and minutes."
Generally speaking, several hugs could each have unique advantages. Long hugs are a great way to decrease blood pressure and reduce stress. Intimate relationships and families may benefit from body hugs. A hand over the shoulder can be a sign of a job well done.
Hugging and safe human contact have been shown to have advantages in research. Hugs are great for your health, according to Tzall. Hugs may boost emotions of safety, security, and connection in times of hardship.
However, since not everyone enjoys being hugged, permission is crucial. To a stranger, Bielak advises, "ask whether a hug is OK first before simply declaring that you're a hugger."
To ensure that a hug is advantageous for everyone participating in the embrace, consent is essential.
While research on the advantages of ecotherapy for mental health is ongoing, it is fairly safe to claim that, while not being a miraculous treatment, nature does appear to aid in healing.