We all tend to feel good when receiving a hug from a friend, significant other or family member. That feeling that comes from this friendly physical contact has deep physiological roots, from the early hours of our lives, and its benefits continue into adulthood.
The love hormone
In her book La câlinothérapie : une prescription pour le bonheur (“Hug therapy: a prescription for happiness”), neuropsychologist Céline Rivière defines a hug as fully taking someone in your arms without it being sexual.
During a hug, we get a dose of oxytocin, also known as the love and attachment hormone. It’s one of the hormones that are secreted during childbirth and while breastfeeding. Oxytocin’s release can also be triggered by pleasant physical touch, such as a hug. It’s captured by the brain’s receptors, to give this feeling of comfort.
Oxytocin helps to regulate levels of dopamine (the happiness hormone) and serotonin (which reduces pain and boosts one’s mood). A good hormonal balance helps maintain a well-regulated immune system, thus keeping you healthy.
Hug therapy
To feel the full benefits of a hug, it should last at least 20 seconds for oxytocin to be released. Ideally, daily hugs are needed to experience the long-term effects on your well-being. If you can’t get long hugs throughout the day, Rivière suggests five hugs at five seconds each per day.
There are even hug therapy professionals that offer individual or group hugging/cuddling sessions as therapy, based on consent and respecting personal boundaries. Guided hug therapy can help relieve stress, anxiety, depression, loneliness, grief and more.
Ingredients for happiness within your reach
To help stimulate happiness hormones, you can also try aromatherapy or phytotherapy. Certain supplements like vitamin C, vitamin D or omega-3s can also help regulate your mood. Consult our natural health experts at Rachelle Béry stores for products that best suit your needs.
Sources
- La câlinothérapie : une prescription pour le bonheur, Rivière, Céline, Michalon
- https://www.psychologies.com/Therapies/Developpement-personnel/Methodes/Interviews/Pourquoi-les-calins-sont-ils-indispensables-a-notre-equilibre
- https://naitreetgrandir.com/fr/nouvelles/2016/02/08/20160208-calins-aident-enfants-bien-developper/
- https://lacalinotherapie.com/calinotherapie/
- https://wp-staging.rachellebery.ca/en/articles/supplements-an-effective-way-to-fight-the-seasonal-blues/