Why are hugs so beneficial to your health?

I recently had a conversation with some friends about the benefits of hugging. We shared how hugging can help us feel more connected to others and break down barriers. One way to deepen the experience of hugging is to practice “hugging meditation,” a technique developed by Thich Nhat, a Zen Buddhist teacher and peace activist.

Hugging is a universal way of expressing love, care, and affection. It is also scientifically proven to have numerous health benefits. According to a study by the Goethe University in Frankfurt, Germany, hugging can reduce stress hormones and promote the release of oxytocin, which is associated with happiness and stress reduction. Hugs can also reduce inflammation, blood pressure, and the risk of getting sick. Hugging can also help fight against the common cold and boost heart health, as well as reduce anxiety and fear.

According to Thich Nhat Hanh, hugging meditation is a practice of mindfulness. It involves hugging someone with your whole body, spirit and heart, while breathing consciously. The practice requires that you make the person you are hugging very real in your arms, not just for the sake of appearances, by to truly connect.

Hugging meditation can help us cultivate a deeper sense of compassion and understanding for others. It can also help us become more present in the moment and appreciate the people in our lives.

As author and family therapist Virginia Satir once said, “We need four hugs a day for survival. We need eight hugs a day for maintenance. We need 12 hugs a day for growth”. It’s a simple act that can have a profound impact on your health and well-being, as well as the health and well-being of those around you. So, go ahead and give some hugs today!