Breast cancer patients have improved immune and neuroendocrine functions following massage therapy. Hernandez-Reif, M., Ironson, G., Field, T., Hurley, J., Katz, G., Diego, M.
Warm partner contact is related to lower cardiovascular activity. Touch the pain away: New research on therapeutic touch and persons with fibromyalgia syndrome. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. Therapeutic touch is the method of placing your hands on or near the body to balance energy and promote natural healing. Helps relieve painĬuddling in the form of therapeutic touch may even have the power to reduce pain. Dopamine also regulates the pleasure center in your brain. These two neurotransmitters help regulate your mood. Relieves stress and anxietyĪccording 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. High blood pressure is linked to heart disease and stroke, so regular cuddling should be part of any high blood pressure treatment plan. Research has shown short periods of hand holding and hugging lowers both diastolic and systolic blood pressure. Touch has a calming effect which may lower blood pressure. Surprisingly, the results of one 2009 study found that touch also fosters emotional communication between strangers. Happiness and sadness can be communicated through touch, too. Research confirms that touch is a way to communicate emotions such as love, gratitude, and sympathy between loved ones.
According to a 2010 study, people who received Swedish massage had: Swedish massage is a massage technique that uses long, gliding strokes, firm kneading, and tapping. If you make Swedish massage part of your cuddling routine, your immune system will seriously up its game. Learn more: The health benefits of intimacy » Boosts immune system In other words, the more you cuddle with your closest friends, the tighter your bond will be. Research suggests oxytocin helps you bond with those in your inner circle. There’s a social bonding aspect to oxytocin, too. It’s released when you cuddle and leaves you feeling loving and connected. Oxytocin isn’t called the “cuddle hormone” for no reason. According to a 2014 study, couples who cuddled after sex reported higher sexual satisfaction and higher relationship satisfaction. Here’s how: Creates more sexual satisfaction and intimacyĬuddling often leads to physical intimacy, but cuddling after making love is important, too. Cuddling feels good in the obvious sense, but it’s also good for your health.