The healing power of the hug: more than a gesture, a therapy
Celebrating International Hug Day: How a Simple Gesture Can Transform Our Health
A Universal Gesture with Scientific Roots
Yesterday, January 21st, we celebrated International Hug Day, and it’s essential to reflect on the health benefits of this gesture. According to Emi Bondi, a psychiatrist and director of the mental health department at the Papa Giovanni XXIII Hospital in Bergamo (Italy), who was interviewed on the YouTube channel “Caffé & Psichiatria“, embraces provide security. They imply the first physical contact and are reassuring.
Beyond psychological well-being, hugs help to lower blood pressure, strengthen the immune system, and also improve brain functions. Some studies have also highlighted the correlation between daily hugs and a reduced susceptibility to infections.
Thus, a embrace goes beyond simple emotional comfort, having a direct impact on our physical health.
Emotional and Psychological Impacts
Hugs are fundamental not only for physical health but also for emotional and psychological well-being. As highlighted by Therapy Brands, the affectionate touch associated with hugs stimulates the production of oxytocin, the hormone that promotes social bonding and reduces loneliness. In this way, hugs can fight isolation and promote greater human connection, crucial aspects in a post-pandemic period.
The Science Behind the Hug
Scientific research has shown that hugs induce a cascade of beneficial neurochemical signals, as reported by the Greater Good Science Center. This not only includes a decrease in heart rate and stress levels but also an improvement in sleep and a lesser reactivity to stress. In an era where well-being is a priority, hugs emerge as a simple and effective solution to improve the quality of life.
Renewing Physical Contact in the Post-COVID Era
In the era following COVID-19 restrictions, as highlighted by the American Heart Association, there is a renewed appreciation for embraces. This global recognition of their importance, celebrated through International Hug Day, underscores the need to reintegrate physical contact into our lives, promoting health and human connection.
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