The Neuroscience of Human Embrace

Hugging someone is a heartwarming sign of how we care for a person. In the holistic study of human embrace, it has been proven to provide positive emotions toward our loved ones. Physiologically, the neuroscience of human embrace releases huge amounts of oxytocin, a pair bonding hormone. When we embrace someone, it is a unique way of deepening your relationship with him or her in a biochemical state. But, how do we hug and what is its determining factor? According to scientists, it is a behavior which is located at the intersection of an individual's of both motor and emotional networks in the brain. When we hug, there is the presence of a leading arm which serves as its initiator.

Hugging releases a pair-bonding hormone known as oxytocin.

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The neuroscience of human embrace has significantly pointed out that almost 90 percent of us are right handed, As a result, we tend to use our right dexterity to comfort those people who think that there is no more light when they are inside a dark tunnel. Based on the summary of research findings, left-handed hugs are more prevalent in emotional scenarios. Positive or negative outcomes do not matter at all. A human brain has its own remote control. Read on. Our left side is ruled by the right part of the brain and vice versa. Hence, the right side is responsible for controlling our complex emotions. On the contrary, the left part is involved in controlling our emotional networks and motor skills. Despite of its advantages, there are some people who hate the idea of being embraced.

Disliking an embrace emanates from an early childhood way of rearing.

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Suzanne Degges White, a professor of counselling and Counsellor Education from Northern Illinois University, said

"Our tendency to engage in physical touch—whether hugging, a pat on the back, or linking arms with a friend—is often a product of our early childhood experiences.”

Likewise, hugging is essential in the development of a child's emotional upbringing. However, it might be uncomfortable for others. The simple explanation behind anti-huggers is  that their families are not physically demonstrative. Similarly, if some are emotionally starved with embrace, they end up to become social huggers during their lifetime. These are the ones that cannot greet their friends without a loving hug.

Hugging your child provides a high self esteem and less behavioral problems.

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Additionally, the lack of embrace could lead to an underdeveloped vagus nerve. This is a bundle of nerves which runs from the spine going to one's abdomen. Once it has occurred, a person becomes less compassionate and the production of oxytocin is decreased. The invisibility of this hormone brings forth a difficulty in deciphering social cues. Moreover, a warm and tender touch improves our self-esteem as a whole. Degges White adds.

"People who are more open to physical touch with others typically have higher levels of self-confidence".

 Embrace has amazing health benefits.

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Different types of physical touch have played pivotal roles in enhancing our health particularly the boosting of our immune system, according to a scientific research of  Carnegie Mellon University.  Furthermore, hugs lessen our susceptibility to infections. To date, another surprising experiment had concluded that fist bumping is the most hygienic way of greeting. Whatever we call it, she left these meaningful context for us to ponder.

"You may very well find yourself overcome with relief, gratitude, surprise, acceptance and even regret for having closed yourself off from your own self for so long,”