Tuesday, February 9, 2016
February 9, 2016
by James S. Hixon, M.D
Why is a hug the best medicine?
University of North Carolina researchers studied the effects of hugs on our health. The team studied partners as they measured the stress hormone cortisol level and the relaxation hormone oxytocin level before and after a hug. Both men and women had increased oxytocin, or the social bonding hormone, compared to pre-test levels. The women also showed a decrease in both cortisol, the stress hormone, and blood pressure levels.
Dr. Charmaine Griffiths, spokesperson for the British Heart Foundation, said, “The importance of oxytocin and its potentially cardioprotective effects may be greater for women.”
Hugs are important for stress reduction, heart health, and happiness. Make sure you get at least four hugs a day. If you don’t have a human around make sure you hug and touch your pet.