Do you suffer from touch starvation?  

Human touch is something we all need.

Children need physical contact in the informative years, otherwise their social and emotional development can be seriously affected.  As a mother, the process of feeding, touching, eye-contact, talking, singing, smelling and physical closeness strengthen mother-infant bonding.   We all have heard the stories of babies in orphanages who do not get any physical contact and suffer from emotional neglect.

For our health and wellbeing, we also need physical contact as adults. But this can really vary, especially if we are single.

Oxytocin is a hormone released from the pituitary and is sometimes called “the cuddle hormone”. It is released when we touch and can reduce our stress levels. It gives us a sense of calmness and contentment.

Oxytocin is especially important in women as it causes uterine contractions during labour and helps shrink the uterus after delivery. When an infant breast-feeds it causes the release of oxytocin which causes the milk to be ‘let-down’ so it can be secreted from the nipples. Along with touch, this helps in the process of mother-infant bonding.

Some studies suggest that oxytocin levels increase during orgasm.

Oxytocin is also involved in wound healing as it reduces inflammation.

Oxytocin sprays have been suggested for those who lack social interactions and in the treatment of autism. But their use is debatable.

Being physical does not need to be sexual. We can hug a friend, hold hands or have a massage. Cuddling a pet also releases oxytocin and reduces stress.

When did you have a really good cuddle with someone, or when did someone stroke your body or hold your hand? Should we all have a hug a day?