By Joy Stephenson-Laws, JD, Founder

I’ve said this many times, but I have to say it yet again. Just when I think I’ve seen it all in the medical and professional world, something catches me by surprise. For instance, there is such a thing as being a professional cuddler. Meet Samantha Hess, who started a professional hugging business a few years ago. 

“She was working a boring job as an installation coordinator at a security company when she read a story about a guy charging $2 for ‘deluxe’ hugs,” according to this story about Samantha from CNBC.

As you can probably imagine, Samantha has had some uncomfortable situations in her not so typical profession, but hugging may be essential to our health and happiness. Fortunately, we don’t need to hire a professional (even if we are not in a romantic relationship). 

Hugs are more than just a warm embrace - they actually have some incredible health benefits. From boosting our mood to improving our physical health, the act of hugging can have a profound impact on our overall well-being. One of the most well-known benefits of hugging is its ability to reduce stress and anxiety. 

“Emotional stress is a major contributing factor to the six leading causes of death in the United States: cancer, coronary heart disease, accidental injuries, respiratory disorders, cirrhosis of the liver and suicide,” according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). 

When we hug someone, our bodies release oxytocin, often referred to as the "cuddle hormone," which can help lower our stress levels and create a sense of calm. Hugs have also been found to reduce cortisol, the “stress hormone.” 

Aim for a minimum of 20 seconds. This is a pretty long hug, but the benefits of a 20-second hug have been verified in research studies.

One study involved nearly 200 people who were couples living together. They were told they needed to speak in public, which most people consider a stressful event. Before they had to do their public speaking, half of the group got a 20-second hug from their partner while the other half did not receive a hug. Results revealed that the people who received hugs, both men and women, had lower stress levels. 

“Having a supportive partner hug them for 20 seconds actually decreased stress,” according to this Psychology Today report that discusses the study. 

Hug a friend, your child, a pet or a family member who is comfortable with long hugs. Both parties benefit. Even hugging a cushion can deliver the same benefits!

The Psychology Today report discusses another study that found hugging a cushion while having a stressful conversation can also lower stress levels. The study, conducted by Japanese researchers, placed participants into two groups. Both groups had to talk to a stranger on the phone but only one of the two groups got to hug a cushion during the conversation. The cushion was actually human-shaped and doubled as a phone. 

“Even a cushion in the form of a hugger was enough to lower stress levels; hugging while talking is much better for your stress levels than just talking alone. Stress levels were measured by checking cortisol levels both from blood and saliva samples,” (Psychology Today). 

“It may seem odd that a cushion is able to have such an impact. The Japanese researchers think it has to do with the hug posture itself. The way you open up your arms to create space could be instrumental in reducing your cortisol levels.”

The Positive Feedback Loop

“Oxytocin production and secretion is controlled via a positive feedback loop. This means the hormone causes an action that stimulates more of its own release,” according to Harvard Health Publishing.

“For example, when a newborn suckles mechanoreceptors in the nipple and the cervix are activated, creating a positive sensory feedback loop, which leads to the additional release of oxytocin in the brain.The increased oxytocin production and secretion into the blood causes milk to be let down into the breast.”

As mentioned, both parties benefit from hugging. It’s a very symbiotic act. For example, the more you hug, the more you will want to continue to hug because it is releasing those feel good hormones and decreasing the hormones that don’t make you feel good. It also, not surprisingly, promotes more love.

“It works in a beautiful, positive circular fashion: When you give love, you receive love, which makes you want to keep giving love. And it works the same for men and women,” reports Psychology Today.

Many Americans complain about sexless marriages or a lack of sex in their long-term relationships. Hugging is a great way to promote more intimacy.

(I also recommend reading There’s a Sex Drought in America. Learn How You Can Be Proactive).

Hugs can also have a positive impact on our mental health.

The physical act of hugging can increase feelings of security and trust, and it can even help reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation. For those struggling with depression or other mental health challenges, a heartfelt hug can provide a much-needed emotional boost. 

In addition to the mental and emotional benefits, hugging can also have a positive impact on our physical health. Studies have shown that regular hugs may do the following:

• Lower blood pressure
• Reduce the risk of heart disease
• Boost our immune systems

The act of hugging can also trigger the release of dopamine, a feel-good neurotransmitter that can help improve our overall mood. So, the next time you're feeling stressed, anxious, or just in need of a pick-me-up, don't underestimate the power of a good hug. Not only can it make you feel better in the moment, but it can also have lasting effects on your overall health and well-being. So go ahead, give someone a hug today - it's good for you! And, remember, shoot for 20 seconds or longer.

Enjoy your healthy life! 

Disclaimer: This article is not intended to provide medical advice. Please consult with your doctor or another competent healthcare practitioner to get specific medical advice for your situation.                                  

The pH professional health care team includes recognized experts from a variety of health care and related disciplines, including physicians, attorneys, nutritionists, nurses, and certified fitness instructors. This team also includes the members of the pH Medical Advisory Board, which constantly monitors all pH programs, products, and services. To learn more about the pH Medical Advisory Board, click here.