Why Do Hugs Feel So Good?

What are the key factors that contribute to the feel-good nature of hugs?

These follow are :-

Feel-Good Nature of Hugs:

• Linked to the sense of touch, facilitating exploration and connection with others.

Two Touch Systems:

• Fast-Touch:
  • Quickly detects contact, such as feeling a fly on your nose or touching something hot.
• Slow-Touch:
  • Processes the emotional aspect of touch.

C-Tactile Afferents ("Cuddle Nerves"):

• Activated by skin-temperature touches.

Development of Touch Sense:

• Touch is the earliest sense to develop, starting in the womb at around 14 weeks.
• Offers health benefits by improving brain connections and reducing heart rate.

Stimulation of "Cuddle Nerves" by Hugging:

• Hugging stimulates c-tactile afferents, sending signals to the brain's emotion processing networks.

Oxytocin Release:

• Hugging releases oxytocin, promoting bonding, reducing stress, and slowing heart rate.

Endorphin Release:

• Endorphins released in the brain during hugging create feelings of pleasure and well-being associated with physical affection.

Source:-https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/four_ways_hugs_are_good_for_your_health