Why Do We Feel Comforted by Hugging? Science Reveals a Profound Effect on the Brain

 The Comfort of Hugging

Why Do We Feel Comforted by Hugging? Science Reveals a Profound Effect on the Brain

The effect of a warm hug isn't limited to physical comfort; it directly impacts how we perceive our bodies and our sense of self. Recent scientific research has revealed that the sensation of warmth plays a crucial role in fostering what is known as "body ownership"—the feeling that one's body truly belongs to them. This is a pivotal element in mental health and emotional stability, according to a report on the science website ScienceDaily.

According to a scientific review published in the journal Trends in Cognitive Sciences, led by Queen Mary University of London in collaboration with the University of Pavia in Italy, the brain doesn't process heat and cold as mere physical sensations, but rather as profound neural signals that contribute to shaping self-awareness and regulating emotions.

The study indicates that thermoception is one of the oldest senses in humans. From the earliest stages of life, warmth is associated with protection and care, whether in the womb or through physical contact in infancy. Over time, this connection remains in the brain, making a warm hug an experience that fosters feelings of security and belonging.

Dr. Laura Croccanelli, the study's lead researcher, explains that the brain interprets warmth as a positive signal that helps people feel their own physical presence. She adds that this feeling promotes emotional balance and strengthens self-connection. 

The researchers believe that impaired reception or interpretation of heat signals may be one of the factors contributing to this detachment, opening new avenues for understanding the roots of some psychological disorders.

The study points out that disturbances in the perception of heat may be linked to complex psychological and neurological conditions, such as depression, anxiety disorders, trauma, and eating disorders, as well as some conditions resulting from strokes. In these cases, sufferers may experience a feeling of detachment from their bodies or a diminished sense of ownership.

Promising Therapeutic and Technological Prospects

The significance of these findings extends beyond the theoretical realm, suggesting the potential for developing sensory-based psychotherapies that utilize heat and touch to enhance emotional regulation and promote body awareness. This knowledge could also contribute to the design of more realistic prosthetic limbs that provide users with a thermal sensation closely resembling natural sensations.

In a broader context, researchers are exploring the impact of climate change and exposure to extreme temperatures on mental health and self-awareness in a world experiencing increasing climate variability.

 Scientifically, a warm hug activates specialized neural pathways that transmit signals to brain regions responsible for internal awareness and emotional regulation. It is also linked to the release of oxytocin, a hormone known for promoting social bonds and reducing stress levels.

According to researchers, this neurological process explains why hugging provides a profound sense of security, restoring a person's sense of balance and connection with themselves and others. 

In short, warmth is not merely a fleeting sensation, but a neurological language through which the body communicates with the brain, fostering a sense of belonging and psychological comfort, and opening new avenues for understanding human beings and treating their disorders.