The Hug Prescription...

Do not underestimate the power of a hug.

Virginia Satir, family therapist, says: “We need four hugs a day for survival. We need eight hugs a day for maintenance. We need twelve hugs a day for growth.”

Sounds like a little joke but is it?

Hugs have been credited with:

1. reducing the heart rate

2. improving overall mood

3. decreasing blood pressure and

4. increasing nerve activity. This, in turn, allows touch to relieve pain, depression and even anxiety.

The power of the hug is not limited to physical benefits. Hugs also help us bond with each other at an emotional level. They promote feelings of safety, security, trust, strength, healing, self-worth, belonging, happiness, and appreciation.

Kids who have not been hugged or who have been deprived of positive touch start walking, talking and reading later. Without hugs, IQ development can be delayed. In extreme cases, people can develop what is known as “failure to thrive syndrome.”

I am off to hug now….