Vitamin O - March 17, 2017

Acrylic

I just learned that a long hug, 20 seconds or longer, which is very long compared to the usual social 3 second hug, causes the release of oxytocin in the participants. Oxytocin is released from the pituitary and is a feel good, loving chemical with numerous positive results. It is released during labor, breast feeding, coitus, and now cuddling and long hugs. 

No wonder I'm addicted to tango - each dance is basically a three minute hug if danced in close embrace. Not sure if flexible embrace is the same. When I invited people to our introductory tango class, I warned them about the addictive nature of the dance and here is yet one more reason for it.