Health Benefits of Hugging, Kissing & Cuddling

If you knew that hugging and kissing not only felt good, but had health benefits, would you be inclined to do it more?

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Personally, I am a big hugger and I love to kiss, too. I heard many years ago, that you should have a minimum of 7 hugs a day for Optimal Health.

Let’s take a look at how hugs, kisses and cuddling can be beneficial to your health.

Scientific research has shown that the human body is controlled by the brain and heart and that they depend on love and affection to an extent.

Your heart generates a magnetic field that emits approximately 12 feet around your body. It is the strongest EM Field in the body and is more than 5000 times the greater than the strength of the field generated by the brain. This magnetic field generated by our heart is interacting with anyone in our vicinity and I believe worldwide. The closer we are the stronger the field. Like ripples in a pond electromagnetic fields interact and entangle with each other. Hugging is a tremendous way for our electromagnetic field to interact with another being. By simply intending it we can encode love and positive energies into our field which can be transmitted while hugging, kissing or cuddling.

Hugging, kissing and cuddling all increase oxytocin and other hormones and chemicals in our body.

Research has shown that hugging even for just 10 seconds can have physiological reactions in the body that can significantly improve your overall health.

What is Oxytocin?

Ocytocin is a major feel good hormone.

Oxytocin is a powerful hormone and acts as a neurotransmitter in the brain. It regulates social interaction and sexual reproduction, playing in role in behaviors from maternal-infant bonding and milk release to empathy, generosity, and orgasm.  (source: https://www.psychologytoday.com/basics/oxytocin)

When oxytocin is released into your blood stream, pain decreases, hormones that fight infection are released, and your immune system gets a boost among other things. When oxytocin in released into the body, your heart rate is lowered and so is your cortisol. I don’t have to explain that lowering your heart rate, especially with the daily stresses of life, can be highly beneficial to your health.

What is cortisol?

Cortisol maintains steady blood sugar levels and helps provide energy to your actively functioning brain and neuromuscular system. It is also a potent anti-inflammatory hormone; it prevents the widespread tissue and nerve damage associated with inflammation.

High cortisol levels have been linked to fatigue, weight gain, muscle weakness, emotional upsets & depression, decreased concentration, low libido, blood sugar imbalances, high blood pressure and more.

Hugs and kisses also stimulate the brain to release dopamine or the pleasure hormone. Think back to a time when you fell in love with someone new – you had more energy, you could go all day and maybe all night without sleep and still go to work the next day (I have personally experienced this), you probably felt invincible, like you were on top of the world and nothing could stop you. And, you noticed all the wonderful and good aspects of your new partner which can be sustained with practice. That is the dopamine response in your body. And, it feels amazing! Hugging, kissing and cuddling can release this wonderful feel good hormone into your body with tremendous healing benefits.

Kissing also lowers stress hormones and increases serotonin levels in the brain. Studies have also shown that kissing lowers anxiety and has similar benefits to meditation. Now, I love my meditation, but, would rather kiss my way to good health any day!

Kissing also raises your mood by increasing endorphins, which are our feel-good hormones.

One article I read stated that  “A 20-second hug, along with 10 minutes of hand-holding, also reduces the harmful physical effects of stress, including its impact on your blood pressure and heart rate.”

An interesting fact that I found is that kissing increases saliva that washes our teeth, therefore can actually help in the prevention of cavities. Hmm.. who knew? And, studies have also found that our saliva secretes natural antibiotics when we kiss. You don’t need to convince me to kiss more!

Studies have also shown that you don’t have to hug, kiss or cuddle with a sexual partner or another human (although I find this a great reason to increase hugs and kisses with my mate!). It is equally beneficial to hug your pet.

Personally, I always seem to feel better after a real heartfelt hug from a loved one or friend! How many people can you uplift and maybe help heal with a hug today – including you?

– Yvette Marie is a Certified Energy healer, certified Thought Field Therapy practitioner, and Advanced Bio-energetic muscle testing practitioner using advanced energy and body scans through Quantum Techniques methods. Yvette has also been certified as a Reiki practitioner and Access Consciousness practitioner. She is not a licensed therapist. Energy healing is not intended as diagnosis, prescription, or treatment for any disease, physical or mental. It is also not intended as a substitute for regular medical care. –

*PLEASE NOTE: I am not a licensed healthcare provider, counselor or therapist. I offer my services as a self-help educator and coach to natural wellness and positive living guide. I do not diagnose or treat illness, disease, or psychological problems. eCoaching Sessions and energy healing are not a substitute for medical advice, therapy or other counseling from a medical professional. True Healing Source offers an alternative method that is considered complimentary to other healing methods and can been used to enhance other traditional healing methods. If you are experiencing a significant issue, are in distress or significant pain, please connect with the appropriate professional service such as a licensed doctor. By choosing this eCoaching Service, you agree to be 100% fully responsible for your health and well-being physically and emotionally. You release all responsibility and liability from True Healing Source and it’s affiliates. You take 100% full responsibility for you self-healing and health.