Touch has a calming effect which may lower blood pressure. Research has shown short periods of hand holding and hugging lowers both diastolic and systolic blood pressure. High blood pressure is linked to heart disease and stroke, so regular cuddling should be part of any high blood pressure treatment plan. Relieves stress and anxiety Rapaport, M. H.,Schettler, P., & Bresee, C. (2010, October). A preliminary study of theeffects of a single session of a Swedish massage onhypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal and immune function in normal individuals. The Journal of Alternative and ComplementaryMedicine, 16(10), 1079-1088 Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

Envy Fisher, a college student from the Netherlands, recalls that she wasn’t much of a hugger until her views and needs changed. She says, “Last week I failed my first test since I started college. I felt like the world was coming to an end. Then one of the girls in my class held my hand in hers and said everything was going to be okay. And because of that one tiny gesture that accompanied her words, I felt so much better. Imagine what a hug would have done. According to one 2004 study, massage in the form of stroking, squeezing, and stretching can help relieve stress and anxiety by increasing dopamine and serotonin in the body. These two neurotransmitters help regulate your mood. Dopamine also regulates the pleasure center in your brain. Helps relieve pain Muise, A., Giang, E., & Impett, E. A. (2014, October). Post sexaffectionate exchanges promote sexual and relationship satisfaction [Abstract]. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 43(7), 1391-1402Oxytocin isn’t called the “cuddle hormone” for no reason. It’s released when you cuddle and leaves you feeling loving and connected. There’s a social bonding aspect to oxytocin, too. Research suggests oxytocin helps you bond with those in your inner circle. In other words, the more you cuddle with your closest friends, the tighter your bond will be. If you make Swedish massage part of your cuddling routine, your immune system will seriously up its game. Swedish massage is a massage technique that uses long, gliding strokes, firm kneading, and tapping. According to a 2010 study, people who received Swedish massage had: Reduces stress: Hugging is a way of providing a social touch. This leads to reduced reactivity to stress and strengthened willpower.

Hernandez-Reif, M., Ironson,G., Field, T., Hurley, J., Katz, G., Diego, M. … Burman, I. (2004, July).Breast cancer patients have improved immune and neuroendocrine functionsfollowing massage therapy [Abstract]. Journalof Psychosomatic Research, 57(1),45-52 Hertenstein, M. J., Holmes, R., McCullough, M., & Keltner, D.(2009, August). The communication of emotion via touch [Abstract]. Emotion, 9(4), 566-573Once upon a time, I would have hidden my need for a hug. But why should I? I’m only human. True, I don’t have to hug you every single time I see you, but when you need a hug I’ll be there for you with my arms open. The only thing I want in return? That one hug I need when I’m the one who’s sad ( i).” Improves immunity: Though hugging and improved immunity may not have a direct connection, they are still related. Hugging leads to the release of certain hormones, such as oxytocin and cortisol, that help fight off infections. Higher levels of stress may also affect the body’s immunity adversely. Hugging reduces stress and thus improves immunity too.