There are often stories about the value of human touch. During these tough financial times, which seem to keep dragging on, instead of wringing our hands, perhaps we should be reaching out and hugging.
When the financial world looked as if it was going belly up several years ago Sharon Jayson for USA Today wrote about a new study in which researchers found that a warm touch can temper stress and blood pressure.
A loving touch
The study of 34 young married couples ages 20 to 39 by researchers at Brigham Young University in Provo and the University of Utah in Salt Lake City found that massage and other supportive and caring touch lower stress hormones and blood pressure, particularly among men, while also enhancing oxytocin, a hormone thought to calm and counter stress.
The findings will be published in the Oct. 14 issue of the journal Psychosomatic Medicine. Healing Touch
In fact another study said, even holding a warm cup of coffee can be healing. But a hug benefits both of you.
Copyright 2010 Rita Watson/ All Rights Reserved