Hugs May Play an Irreplaceable Role in Health

By Tom Herrin

In this highly technical age, many people have completely changed the way they communicate with others.  All one has to do is look around, almost anywhere, and they will see people with their heads down, interacting with some device as if it were a person.  The sad truth is that many are far more comfortable with this than they are with real person-to-person contact. There is growing concern about the fact that so many people are not able to have that personal contact.  It appears that those who manage to have it are often much more capable of dealing with the realities of life.

It Can Lessen Fears

Most people have fears of some kind.  For children, theirs can seem greater due to the fact that they feel less able to cope with an adult world.  It is believed that those who are hugged more as children will see the results carry over into their entire lives.  Their coping skills are apparently improved as they become more effective problem-solvers. They are less stressed as adults.  Whether it is because they are more confident, or some other reason, it seems to work. What a great dividend paid for a lifetime as a result of hugging as a child.

It May Strengthen the Heart

Studies have shown that those who do more hugging may have better heart function.  It is has been indicated that hugging can cause the heart to do more work with fewer beats.  This means much less work for the heart with much better rate of movement of the blood. It seems that hormones released by the body as a result of hugging can help reduce blood pressure, which is another help to the heart.  Most people have probably experienced this after hugging.

It Can Make You Feel Good

Hugging can also cause the release of oxytocin.  This is the hormone that makes you have that warm feeling.  When we feel good, it is reflected in all that we do. When we make others feel good, it can enable them to be more positive about just about everything.  If we make sure to hug our children each morning, we may be helping to start their day off right. This may mean that they will view things in a good light.  Tasks may seem more attainable. Disappointments may seem to be minor obstacles. Wouldn’t it be great to have that kind of impact on family members each day?

To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Brentwood, Calif.