Hug Therapy…It’s Essential!

During Valentine’s month, how about a unique and different perspective on relationships and love and how it relates to our health!

According to the Field of Touch Research Institute at the University of Miami Medical School, the US is not a very “touchy” culture, compared to Europe.  Touch plays an important role in the release of the “feel good” brain chemicals, serotonin and dopamine, along with numerous other benefits to our health and well-being.  Are we missing out?  Simply put:

• Hugs feel good
• Hugs help dispel loneliness
• Hugs open doors to feelings
• Hugs help us overcome fears
• Hugs help build self-esteem
• Hugs curb our appetite
• Hugs ease tension
• Hugs help fight insomnia
• Hugs increase hemoglobin blood count
• Hugs impart feelings of belonging
• Hug effects keep on working, even after the hug is over
• Hugs help relieve physical pain
• Hugs heal
• Hugs are for everyone

Seems too easy, but its true!  Hugs affect all of us…and at every stage of life.  Remember though, hug responsibly!

University of Arkansas Co-Op Extension – http://www.docstoc.com/docs/3411112/Hugs-for-Healing-and-Health