What Happens To Your Brain On Hugs?
The healing power of touch is amazing!
Science confirms an impressive flood of chemicals enhances wellbeing in the human system after giving/receiving a hug:
> The pituitary gland releases oxytocin.
Oxytocin is the bonding molecule. This hormone affects the brain's emotional center, the limbic system. It increases trust, promotes contentment, and reduces stress, depression, and anxiety.
> Brain cells release anandamide.
This endogenous endocannabinoid is called the bliss molecule (ananda is Sanskrit for bliss). It can "smooth the coordination of emotions and movement" (source). It binds to the body's innate cannabinoid receptors, and plays a role in pain regulation.
> The hypothalamus releases dopamine.
Dopamine is the reward molecule. It stimulates the pituitary gland and increases feelings of pleasure.
> Serotonin is released.
Serotonin is the confidence molecule. While most of the body's serotonin is produced in the digestive tract, the central nervous system also releases serotonin. It affects mood, appetite, sleep, and sexual desire and function.
> Hugging promotes balance between sympathetic & parasympathetic systems
These systems control the "fight or flight" and "rest and digest" (or "feed and breed") responses.
> Hugging also boosts the immune system, lowers the heart rate, and feels great!
All the more reason to give and receive frequent, quality hugs!
It is unsatisfying to live in a society where the healing power of touch is not only devalued, but perverted. We recognize that humans have the ability to affect one another's energy fields as well as mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing, so we make choices to engage healthy touch on a daily basis. This is an important aspect of the holistic healing space we are providing for our friend @fmatinata to heal his broken ankle.
We hope you're inspired to hug a loved one!
Sources consulted
http://www.pnas.org/content/112/45/14084
http://www.livescience.com/42198-what-is-oxytocin.html
https://www.sott.net/article/291786-The-physiological-benefits-of-hugging
https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-athletes-way/201211/the-neurochemicals-happiness
www.intothegardenofeden.com
Awesome ! Sending you a big hug !!! 🤗😉
pintrest.com
Feeling the love, @karenmckersie! Sending a big hug back to you too!
Thanks a bunch @gardenofeden ! 🤗👍
@everlove gives the best hugs too :D
I'll have another one with you, @opheliafu!
❤️️BIG HUG 🤗❤️️
Ahhhhhhh! <3
@everlove is super yummy! We truly generate some incredible hug power at the Garden of Eden!
I love it... spread the hugs great post upvote
Thank you, @soundlegion! Sending hugs~*~
:) your vibes are amazing... hugs back
Sending an amazing human hug to everyone. Hugs are the next best thing to laughter. 💞
Our very own built in antidepressant!
True that!!
Truth!
Life's natural and sustainable high, the more hugs the merrier!
Agreed! Free to give and receive~*~
Awe---I love this!! Hugs are where it's at! I'm ever amazed at the barriers broken through hugs and touch. It seems most people don't get much of that. I'm so grateful for all the huggers in my life!!! Thanks for spreading the love @gardenofeden.
Thanks for being a great hugger, @everlove!
Truly--the pleasure is also mine!
And we all benefit from your great joy! It's a vortex of winning!!
Great post. The more hugs the better!
Thank you, @team101! The world could use more healing touch~*~
I met someone the other day who said the hug should last at least 22 seconds. What are your thoughts on the amount of time for the hug? :)
Apply as needed & disengage when satisfied feels like an appropriate measure of time :)