In which of these ways does hugging therapy help you?
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Hugs help strengthen the immune system by putting a little pressure on your sternum (breastbone), thus stimulating the thymus gland (present in the neck of all vertebrates). This, in turn, regulates the production of white blood cells in your body, which keep you disease free. Tactile sensations are still embedded in your nervous system from your childhood years. Therefore, hugging is a way to connect with your ability of self-love, which boosts your self-esteem.
Hugging relieves you of neurodegenerative disorders
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When you hug, your brain automatically secretes the "dopamine" hormone. This can be observed in the PET scans of your brain. Dopamine levels are usually low in people with conditions such as Parkinsonism and other mood disorders like depression. Hugging can, therefore, help relieve you of stress by increasing the "dopamine" level in your brain.
Hugging can balance your nervous system
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Your skin contains a mesh of tiny egg-shaped pressure sensors called the "pacnician corpuscles". These are in contact with your brain and can sense touch. There is a significant change in skin conductance as measured in the "epidermal response" from someone who has received a hug. This shows a balanced state of your parasympathetic nervous system, which is created by intense and passionate hugging.
Hugging improves your heart health
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Hugging can normalize heart rate. According to one recent research, participants who did not have contact with their partners developed a faster heart rate of about 10 minutes per minute as compared to them who could hug their partners. Decreasing/normalizing abnormal heart rate improves your blood pressure, thus preventing you from heart-related problems such as cardiac arrest, etc.
20 seconds of hugging releases oxytocin in your brain
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Hugging helps boost your serotonin level, which is linked to happy spirits and enhanced moods. Certain studies reveal that 20 seconds of intimately hugging your partner can lead to "oxytocin" secretion in your brain. Through this hormone, your brain gets to know that everything is safe and sound in your environment and there is nothing to worry about. Therefore, hugging promotes a sense of security and happiness in people.
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