Alissa Klein - CHC

M E A N I N G F U L T O U C H

Happy Valentine’s Day! As if you need a reason to get close to your Valentine today, I’ll give you a few more, for good measure 😉

Hugging, snuggling, cuddling, massage, and hand-holding are all forms of meaningful touch that release OXYTOCIN (aka the “love hormone”).

Released from the pituitary gland in the brain, oxytocin is the reason why we experience joy and bonding with those that we embrace. This hormone is also shown to elicit additional health benefits, including:

- Boosting the immune system
- Relieving stress and anxiety
- Lowering blood pressure
- Increasing pain tolerance
- Promoting growth and recovery
- Creating connection between mother and baby
- Aiding in breastfeeding
- Improving sleep quality
- Enhancing sexual satisfaction and intimacy

Oxytocin may also aid in digestion and increase the absorption of nutrients (bonus!).

So, what are you waiting for? Grab a loved one (spouse, partner, family member, or pet) and embrace for your daily dose of oxytocin!

Sources:
“The Oxytocin Factor” by Kerstin Uvnas Moberg
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32912963/
https://drwillcole.com/functional-medicine/8-reasons-to-cuddle-more-according-to-science

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