Real Health Benefits of Cuddling

We do not have to say goodbye to some TLC just because Valentine's Day is over. We all want to feel the familiar kind of comfort that wraps around us when someone we love hugs us. This can also come from cuddling with your other half. Studies show that there is a reason why physical touch is important to our emotional well-being.

What we need to find out is why this is so. According to research, there is a biochemical reaction that occurs in our brains. All types of embrace, hugs, and physical intimacy release a hormone called oxytocin. This hormone is released in your pituitary glands. Also called the love hormone, it spikes during orgasm and improves the bond between couples. Studies also reveal that hormones have powerful health benefits.

In this article, we will take a look at the different benefits that you can get from cuddling. All of these are results of studies that took years to complete.

1. Cuddling builds stronger relationships

Oxytocin is called a love hormone for a reason. It improves the bond between two people, especially for romantic partners. It is also a hormone that is closely related to child birth because during labor, the body releases this hormone to help the uterus contact. It also helps strengthen the bond between the mother and the baby after birth.

2. Cuddling helps strengthens immune system

Studies show that our gut holds about 75% of our immune system. Our gut is linked to our brain. This is why there are times that we feel butterflies in our stomach if we are scared or not feeling well. Studies show that the regulatory T-cells, which are also our immunity cells, are more balanced when there is an increase in oxytocin.

When we cuddle, the brain releases a hormone called serotonin, which is also called the happy neurotransmitter. About 95% of serotonin in the body is produced in the gut. It helps the immune system stay in balance so people who hug often are less likely to get sick.

3. Cuddling reduces inflammation

When assessing a person's health, chronic inflammation is one of the first things that doctor's check. Apart from checking the immune system and how it functions, the doctors ensure that the patients have enough levels of oxytocin to lower the occurrence of inflammation.

4. Physical touch can also lower anxiety

This is the very reason we embrace someone who is scared. Cuddling is a peaceful activity where both parties freely submit in vulnerable positions. Studies also show that oxytocin can lower anxiety even in patients suffering from extreme anxiety disorders.

5. Physical touch can also halt weight gain by curbing cravings

One of the common causes of obesity is hormonal imbalance. The result is that the person cannot seem to lose weight no matter how he tries. Studies show that oxytocin can help reduce the desire to eat. As such, people who get a good dose of oxytocin do not eat a lot. They can avoid binge eating and prevent weight gain. It helps a person feel full and this eliminates the need for eating as a reward.

6. Cuddling releases oxytocin, which eases chronic pain

People who have low oxytocin levels typically suffer from chronic pain. One study observed children who have recurring stomach pains. These children were compared to those who are not experiencing the same. It was found out that children who do not have constant stomach aches have higher oxytocin levels than the other group. Other studies show that oxytocin can help ease the pain for people who have cancer and back pain.

7. Oxytocin from cuddling can help reduce heart disease

There are several risk factors that can cause a heart attack. These are stress, anxiety, high blood pressure, chronic inflammation. All these are addressed by oxytocin. Thus, ore hugs and cuddling can reduce the occurrences of these high risk factors.

8. Cuddling helps improves sleep

About 22 million people in America suffer from sleep apnea. It is a struggle because the victim stops breathing for a time while asleep. By the time the victim wakes up, he feels tired. The disease can be debilitating and it impairs a person's functionality. Studies reveal the administration of oxytocin helped the patients sleep better. This also improved cardio-respiratory homeostasis in patients. More research is being undertaken to fully understand how oxytocin helps in combatting the illness.

Conclusion

If you understand the benefits of oxytocin, you will realize that you are capable of eliminating many illnesses without medicines. You will also understand that you do not need to do it alone. Cuddling with your partner, hugging your loved ones, and being embraced by someone can improve your mental, emotional, and physical health.