The Power of Hugs

What is it about a hug?

It’s a standoff situation – your partner on one side of that line & you on the other. That line might be invisible, but it feels like an insurmountable cliff.

There are times that our self-righteous egos sit on a high horse and want to hold on to the ‘Damn it, I am right’ banner a while longer. What is it about touch and hugs specifically that affect us? What happens without our conscious control? The choice to finally step in for the hug is a huge choice because in the back of your brain, you know that you will feel just a little better soon (staying angry means you have to avoid feeling better – hee hee).

Why when you hold on tight for just a little while, then a little longer do you start to relax just a bit and see that cliff as a smaller hill to climb? The situation has not magically resolved itself, but a little of the weight on your shoulders is a bit lighter.

How about those snuggles with little cuddly loves in your life? Or a hug from a close friend when you are scared?

Why??

The answer is Oxytocin – not oxycontin, but it does make you feel good. We feel love, affection and trust when the hormone oxytocin is produced by the hypothalamus at the center of the brain.

So cool that a hug with someone you love makes your brain create & then release more oxytocin – making you feel better.

The benefits oxytocin do not stop at helping us feel loved. It lowers levels of stress hormones which leads to lowered blood pressure, acts as an anti-depressant (improving mood), and increases tolerance for pain.

Here are some other things studies are showing are connected to the pituitary’s release of more oxytocin into the bloodstream:

Feeling good when we are close to family & loved ones

Sexual attraction to our spouses

Causes uterine contractions during labor (and is passed through breast milk to our infants increasing the mommy/baby bond)

Speeding the healing process

Increases our sense of well-being and confidence reducing social fears and helps us over come shyness

Resources

Barraza, J. A., McCullough, M. E., Ahmadi, S. & Zak, P. J. (2011). Oxytocin infusion increases charitable donations regardless of monetary resources. Hormones and Behavior, 60(2), 148-151.

Ditzen, B. et al. (2009). Intranasal Oxytocin Increases Positive Communication and Reduces Cortisol Levels During Couple Conflict. Biological Psychiatry, 65, 728-73. Abstract.

Floyd, Kory (2011). Affection Mediates the Impact of Alexithymia on Relationships. Personality and Individual Differences 50, 451-456

Grewen, K. M., Girdler, S. S., Amico, J. & Light, K. C. (2005). Effects of partner support on resting oxytocin, cortisol, norepinephrine, and blood pressure before and after warm partner contact. Psychosomatic Medicine, 67(4), 531-538. Abstract.

Light K. C., Grewen, K. M. & Amico, J. A. (2005). More frequent partner hugs and higher oxytocin levels are linked to lower blood pressure and heart rate in premenopausal women. Biological Psychology, 69(1), 5-21. Epub 2004 Dec 29. Abstract.

Theodoridou, A., Rowe, I., Penton-Voak, I., Rogers, P. (2009). Oxytocin and social perception: Oxytocin increases perceived facial trustworthiness and attractiveness. Hormones and Behavior, 56,1, 128–132.

Other Articles you might find interesting:

Oxytocin: Go Out and Touch Someone

Hugs and Cuddles Have Long-Term Effects

Embrace Hugging: Daily cuddles can combat infections and lowers risk of heart disease

10 Reasons Why We Need at Least 8 Hugs a Day

Easy Help for Your Hair

A natural moisturizing treatment is long overdue for my hair. Something simple and easy would fit the bill. For years, I have heard of all kinds of things that you can do to make your hair look better and feel better. All of it seemed like too much work. That’s not counting the expensive store bought options either – I’m not one to try it just because of the great marketing.

I have been meaning to try a handful of do-it-yourself hair treatments, but just have not gotten around to it. My M.O. is low maintenance and simple plus I am always looking for products (or ingredients) that are non-toxic and gentle on the planet.

Time to try coconut oil!

To treat your hair with coconut oil all you need is some unrefined coconut oil (virgin & organic). Remember, it will change consistency with the air temperature. - from clear liquid when it is warm to solid and white with cold.

Start with a small amount (tablespoon or less) and rub it in to your hair starting at the roots/scalp and working your way to the tips of your hair.

Remember, a little goes a long way. The hair does not have to look greasy, just shiny. It will be ok if you use a bit too much since you will be washing it out soon.

Leave it in your hair for 30-60 minutes, then wash it out. If your hair is long enough, put it up in a hair tie and go for a long walk, read a book, do a little cleaning, catch up on a favorite show or whatever passes the time.

Time to wash it out. When you are done, simply wash your hair as you always do. No need to use conditioner though.

Today’s goal was to pamper my hair, not to get wrapped up in research – which is fun for my brain, but wouldn’t have made my hair look awesome – but I still wanted to know why it was so good for my hair.

In a nutshell, organic, virgin (unrefined) coconut oil penetrates the hair helping to reduce or eliminate damage, leaving it soft and shiny. Coconut oil is more than 90 percent saturated fat (this is ok, don’t freak out). It is extremely high in lauric acid (responsible for it’s powerful anti-viral, anti-bacterial & anti-fungal properties) as well as linoleic acid and oleic acid and vitamin E. Its unique molecular structure helps to rebuild the protein (keratin) that makes up each strand of hair. With its anti-viral, anti-bacterial & anti-fungal properties, coconut oil is also a good choice for those dealing with dandruff or cradle cap.

Here are some links to start some of your own research.

http://coconutoil.com

http://www.naturalnews.com/039320_coconut_oil_superfood_sulfur.html

Effect of mineral oil, sunflower oil and coconut oil on prevention of hair damage

J. Cosmet Sci. 2003 Mar-Apr: 54(2): 175-92

There are many of benefits to using coconut oil in your hair, on your skin, in your diet, etc. expect future blog posts focused on this amazing ingredient!