Hugs Ease Pain, Anxiety, and Depression, Science Finds

You might have suspected it, and now science confirms: Hugs benefit both physical and mental health.

A recent review of 212 studies reveals that hugs and other forms of physical touch offer health benefits across all age groups.

Pooling the results of numerous studies, researchers from Ruhr University Bochum in Germany and the Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience gained a comprehensive understanding of touch’s potential benefits.

Unraveling the Health Benefits and Optimal Use of Touch

Neuroscientist Julian Packheiser from Ruhr University Bochum notes, “While we recognized touch’s health significance, its optimal use, specific effects, and influencing factors remained unclear despite extensive research.”

Their analysis of 12,966 participants across these studies offered insights. Touch was found to alleviate pain, depression, and anxiety across all age groups.

The study suggests that the type of touch, whether a hug or massage, isn’t crucial. Touches to the head or face appear most effective, and shorter, more frequent touches generally yield more positive responses.

Human and Animal Touch Outperforms Inanimate Objects in Mental Health Benefits

Interestingly, while inanimate objects like weighted blankets or robots benefit physical health, they don’t offer the same mental health advantages as human or animal touch.

Even newborns experience touch benefits, but the impact is significantly stronger when the touch comes from a parent. As we age, the familiarity of the touch becomes less critical.

“The study reveals that optimizing touch relies on unexpected factors,” comments neuroscientist Christian Keysers from the Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience.

Individual Reactions to Touch Vary; Consent Crucial for Positive Impact

While large-scale analyses highlight general touch patterns, individual responses to touch can vary widely. The researchers stress that consensual touch is essential for its beneficial effects.

The data indicates that increased physical contact can enhance various health aspects for many individuals. This aligns with touch being our earliest developed sense and something we often crave when absent.

Packheiser advises, “If you feel the urge to hug loved ones, go ahead, ensuring both parties consent.”

Read the original article on: Science Alert

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