The Many Health Benefits of the Hug

Every day of every year, many people take steps to make themselves healthier and to improve the quality of their lives. However, even though we may try every new supplement or exercise trend that comes out way, it is often the simple things that can do the most good. In that spirit, and with Valentine's day just around the corner, now would seem like a perfect opportunity to discuss the hug; a simple activity that many do not think about, but that can make a major difference, both mentally and physically, in the life of any person.

Of course, it may not seem like the hug is a very effective medical treatment, but appearances can be very deceiving, and, often, the simplest medical treatments can be the most effective. In fact, hugs have been shown to reduce heart rates, improve overall moods, lower blood pressure, increase nerve activity, and a host of other beneficial effects. However, let us explore why the hug is so effective, and what magic lies between the arms of a friend or family member.

One of the most interesting effects of the hug is it's ability to lower blood pressure and heart rate. Of course, there are a number of medical reasons for this, and it is simply one more reason to enjoy a friendly hug. When a person is hugged, their comfort level is increased, and they enjoy being around a fellow human being. Also, the hug communicates many things to many people. A hug from a friend or family brings back happy memories and makes the huggee relive those moments. Also, if we follow social psychology, we become aware of the many benefits that result in the body and mind when we feel accepted or understood by another person. Even though one may think that a deep conversation can have these effects, the simple truth is that a hug creates those feelings of acceptance and compassion that can sometimes be difficult to find in our modern world. Thus, when we experience these things, we become more relaxed, we are happier, and our entire attitude tends to improve. As a direct result of these things, our heart rates become more relaxed and over a period of time, lower heart rates and increased time spent being happy can actually lower blood pressure and have very effective bonuses to heart health.

Even though benefits relating to lower heart rate and blood pressure may seem obvious when we explore them, one interesting fact that not many are aware of is that hugs are sometimes used as a form of physical therapy. Think about it: when you give or receive a hug, you are making full body contact with another person. Medical science has shown and proven that contact of this kind can stimulate nerve endings throughout the body and increase circulation. Thus, some physical rehabilitation centers use hugs of various kinds in order to stimulate nerve endings and increase blood flow throughout the body. It is a simple side effect, but one that can make a major difference when speaking about overall body health.

Another important benefit of the hug is the effect that it can on the mental state of an individual, as well as the physical. People who hug more frequently tend to be more open about their emotions and develop a greater sense of closeness and compassion to those around them. However, sometimes, it can be difficult to accept others or to realize that there are other people around us. For that reason, sometimes the simple hug can open up mental blocks with this matter, allowing an individual to feel increased feelings of happiness and even trigger a small release of dopamine. However, even though physical contact can sometimes have brain chemical effects (such as the release of dopamine mentioned before) it is not a constant. Instead, the greater benefits in this area come from the simple effect of being close to other human beings and feeling a real bond or connection between people.

So, even though we may not often think about the hug as a way to improve our health and improve the day and life of someone else, it can often have this effect. And, after all, what better way to celebrate Valentines' Day than with a friendly hug. Of course, remember that not everyone likes to be hugged, and always ask before giving a hug to someone who you may not be sure wants a hug. In closing, remember the simple things in life that can make such a difference, and the hug is definitely one of them.