Hugs and Hugging

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The Power of Hugs

Hug: To clasp (another person or thing) tightly or (of two people) to cling close together; embrace.

When was the last time you were hugged?

I started researching hugs after reading a book about aging. In one chapter the author discusses how a woman in an aged "care" home was treated quite badly and hadn't spoken for over a year. By simply speaking to her gently and hugging her the woman gradually opened up and began to speak again.

We need 4 hugs a day for survival.
We need 8 hugs a day for maintenance.
We need 12 hugs a day for growth.

Virginia Satir

Hugs for Health

"The older you are, the more fragile you are physically, so contact becomes increasingly important for good health." - USA Today

I have read in the past about the importance of touch in babies, and why baby massage is important. When my daughters were babies I would often give them gentle baby massages and as they grew older then returned the favour and to this day, even though they are teenagers, it's not uncommon for them to come up behind me and give me a shoulder massage.

The power of a hug and loving touch can't be understated.

The Hugs for Health Foundation is an informative site with the following mission statement:

To increase awareness and hug abundance,
and enhance the quality of life for the
elderly in senior care facilities through
hugs, fellowship and volunteer support.


If you live in the U.S. consider volunteering with Hugs for Health
The great thing about hugging is when you share a hug, you almost always receive one, so it's impossible to run out!

Hugs for Health Foundation
Head Hugger & Founder, Jo Dawson:

Bear Hug

Bear Hug

Bear Hug Poster

Bear Hug Art Print Art Poster Print by Rick Egan, 18x24

Amazon Price: $13.95 (as of 06/01/2012)Buy Now

The Science of Hugs

Why Hugs are imporant for good health

BBC NEWS | Science/Nature | Hugging benefits fractious chimps
A new study provides the first evidence that consolation in primates, such as hugging and stroking, can reduce stress levels after a fight.
Mum was right. You will feel a whole lot better after a cuddle
Some turn to yoga or t'ai chi, others swear by red wine. No stone has been left unturned in the age-old pursuit of a long and healthy life. But now medical researchers have concluded that the secret of longevity may lie in nothing more outlandish than what comes naturally to mothers the world over.
How Hugs are Proven to Help Your Health:
Hugs are good for your heart, your blood pressure and your overall health -- just a few of the reasons to hug your loved ones today.
USATODAY.com - Study: Hugs warm the heart, and may protect it
Cuddling may be good medicine for the heart. A brief hug and 10 minutes of handholding with a romantic partner greatly reduce the harmful physical effects of stress, a study says.
BBC NEWS | Health | How hugs can aid women's hearts
Women appear to benefit more from hugs than men, a study has suggested.
Hugs and Heart Health
Hugs and heart health - the side effects of this medicine are all good! Find out how hugs contribute to your health.

National Hugging Day January 21, 2010

Free Hugs Campaign

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"Hugging is all natural;
it is organic,
naturally sweet,
no pesticides,
non-fattening,
no carbohydrates,
no preservatives,
no artificial or genetically engineered ingredients,
and 100% wholesome"


Dorothy M. Neddermeyer, PhD

Hug Time

Hug Time

Amazon Price: $7.46 (as of 06/01/2012)Buy Now

Hugging articles

Sixwise.com
Hugs are good for your heart, your blood pressure and your overall health -- just a few of the reasons to hug your loved ones today.

... when couples hugged for 20 seconds, their levels of oxytocin, released during childbirth and breastfeeding, increased. Those in loving relationships had the highest increases.

It's all about
the
oxytocin

ChildrenTopics.com
"A Hug a Day (or more than a few) will keep you Alive and Healthy Too!" Studies have been conducted and the research suggests that people need hugs in order to survive.
Emaxhealth.com
Today is national hug day which means it's a great day because it is a day to give a receive hugs. National Hug Day was first celebrated Jan. 21, 19...

Winnie the Pooh Hugs

Winnie the Pooh Hugs Poster

Winnie the Pooh Hugs

Happy Hugs (Posters to Color)

Amazon Price: $0.50 (as of 06/01/2012)Buy Now

The Hug Therapy Book

The Hug Therapy Book

Amazon Price: $4.91 (as of 06/01/2012)Buy Now

A book that teaches about the importance of hug.

Hug Book

Hug

Amazon Price: $1.27 (as of 06/01/2012)Buy Now

Daddy Hugs

Daddy Hugs (Classic Board Book)

Amazon Price: $3.90 (as of 06/01/2012)Buy Now

I Need a Hug

I Need a Hug

(24x36) I Need a Hug (Pug) Art Poster Print

Amazon Price: $7.00 (as of 06/01/2012)Buy Now

What does a hug say?

I love you
I support you
I'll take care of you
You're my friend
I care
I miss you
Hello
Goodbye
Have a good day
Everything will be alright
I'll always be there

What does a Hug say to you?

  • Janiece Jan 14, 2012 @ 5:06 pm | delete
    Thanks for the reminder to us all about the wonderfulness of hugs! Blessed!
  • agent009 Nov 27, 2011 @ 4:45 pm | delete
    It always feels good to have a hug, especially when you're feeling down or trying to comfort someone.
  • WildFacesGallery Nov 26, 2011 @ 7:17 pm | delete
    I think touch is so very important. Even when I'm alone I've got my critters to hold and hug. It does us both good. :)
  • ekkoautos Nov 21, 2011 @ 10:34 pm | delete
    lovely
  • marciag Nov 18, 2011 @ 12:24 am | delete
    Nice lens on hugging!

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