Top 10 Benefits of Hugs
Exercise & Nutrition aren’t the only important factors for good health. Hugging is extremely effective at healing sickness, disease, loneliness, depression, anxiety and stress.
Top 10 benefits of hugs are:
- Hugging lifts serotonin levels, elevating mood and creating happiness.
- Hugs strengthen the immune system. The gentle pressure on the sternum stimulates the thymus gland, which regulates and balances the body’s production of white blood cells > keeping you healthy and disease free.
- Hugs can instantly boost oxytocin levels, which reduces feelings of loneliness, isolation, and anger.
- Hugging relaxes muscles by releasing tension in the body. Hugs can take away pain & soothe aches by increasing circulation into the soft tissues.
- Hugs balance our central nervous system between action and rest. The skin’s tone and texture for both people hugging changes, increasing in moisture hydration and electricity in the skin, showing more parasympathetic (relaxation) activity.
- The nurturing touch of a hug builds trust & a sense of safety, which helps with open & honest communication for all ages.
- Hugging boosts self-esteem & shows us that we’re loved & special. The associations of self-worth & tactile sensations from our early years of life are still embedded in our nervous system as adults. The cuddles we received from our parents growing up actually remain ‘imprinted’ at a cellular level & hugs remind us of this comforted feeling, connecting us to our ability to self-love.
- Hugs teach us how to give and receive in an exchange of energy. There is equal value in receiving and being receptive to warmth, as to giving and sharing.
- Hugs are much like meditation and laughter. They teach us to let go and be present right now. Hugs get you out of your predictable circular thinking patterns and connect you with your heart, your feelings & your breath.
- Hugging helps relationships encouraging empathy & understanding. And, it’s synergistic, which means the whole it win-win for both people!
To learn more on how to further improve your health, book a consultation with Dr Rachel Murphy (Osteopath, Clinical Nutritionist) at the Family Wellness Group .
Call 9898 0222 or book online by clicking here.

Dr Rachel Murphy
In clinical practice, I continue to pursue passion for treating infants and children as well as pregnancy care, including pre and postnatal support. I have a strong belief that environment plays a crucial role in health and well being, and therefore treatment management must also include advice on exercise and nutrition, ergonomics, stretching, rehabilitation and lifestyle modification.
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