The Hug Patrol is Coming to the Expo!

 

We are so happy to announce that the Sunshine Coast Branch of “The Hug Patrol” will be at the You Can Heal Yourself Expo!

This fun and loving initiative was begun a few years ago by the wonderful Arcadia Love and the group goes to events and just gives out free hugs, no strings attached. The group can be found on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/groups/thehugpatrol/ and anyone can join the group to be a part of spreading the message of “More hugs more health and love in the world.”

The Hug Patrol have hugged their way around festivals, markets, nursing homes and special events since 1999. If you love giving and receiving hugs, get ready for an explosion of love and hugs at the Expo on Saturday afternoon.

Watch as The Hug Patrol spread their message of hugs to the crowd and see more information on the benefits of hugging below the video:

 

Benefits of Hugging for Health

Research proves connection between hugs and heart health

A University of North Carolina study showed that hugs increased levels of the hormone oxytocin and reduced blood pressure.

There is a scientific explanation for the seemingly magical qualities of a hug that researchers uncovered. Each time we hug, we increase the level of oxytocin in the blood. This hormone triggers a “caring” or “bonding” response in both men and women (oxytocin is most well known for stimulating contractions of the uterus during labor and the release of milk during breast-feeding).

Several animal studies lend support to this idea; for example, oxytocin levels rise and blood pressure falls in rats when their bellies are stroked.

A daily dose of oxytocin from hugging can help protect us from heart disease. And while it works for both genders, women seem to be the greater benefactors as exhibited by the second phase of the University of North Carolina study.

The North Carolina study also reinforced research findings that support from a partner, in this case a hug from a loved one, can have beneficial effects on heart health.

University of Toronto psychiatrist Brian Baker who studies how marriage affects men’s hearts says, “Male heart patients with good marriages stay healthier than do those living with conflict.” One can presume that men and women in a good marriage probably hug more than those in conflict.

Elevated blood pressure is one of the main risk factors for heart disease – about one in three US adults has high blood pressure! If hugs lower blood pressure (and they do), just think of the positive benefits of a whole lot of hugging!

Important for everyone – young and old

We know hugs are important for babies and children. Without physical contact, infants fail to thrive. According to Linda Blair, a clinical psychologist at Bath University, researchers have found that touch and hugging are needed for basic positive emotions to develop. “Touch affects the cerebellar brain system, an area of the brain where basic positive emotions such as trust and affection probably come from,” Blair says.

Most of us are comfortable hugging children. Not everyone feels comfortable hugging adults. One woman said, “Somewhere along the line as I matured from child to woman, my father stopped hugging me. I couldn’t tell you when and I can only speculate why – that he was uncomfortable or unsure about hugging a young woman. I realized I missed our hugs so one day when I was visiting, I made a point of hugging him – not just a quick cheek to cheek squeeze, but a big bear hug. He seemed a little surprised at first but returned the hug. From then on I always gave him a hug and before long, he was initiating hugs too. That was many years and many hugs ago, and he’s gone now, but I still feel the benefit of those wonderful hugs.”

When a person is hugged, their comfort level is increased. It creates feelings of security and a bond or connection between two people. After my own father died, my mother made a comment that the worst thing about living alone was missing the hugs. I lived on the other side of the country so I could only send my hugs over the phone. Not the same! So she got her hugs at her knitting group and through her church family.

If you recently had heart surgery, you may need to forgo the bear hugs until you heal. But find other ways to have physical contact and touch with your loved ones. Touch, even holding hands or stroking, can reduce stress and pain.