Hugging for 10 seconds increases the feel good love neuro-chemical oxytocin, lowers blood pressure and cortisol.
Walking out of an acupuncture visit with a patient of mine last month she said, ” I see you’re a hugger.”
I emphatically said “yes” as the warm glow of the sun streamed into the windows of the lobby,”I’m always up for a hug.”
Her eyes lit up as she told me of a magical hug her grandmother taught her called the “ooh ahh hug”.
Grandma hugs never disappoint so I was like – show me this hug!
Now everyone in my family gets one every morning!
So what’s the story behind the “ooh ahh hug”?
I believe it was a tradition for my patient’s grandma but it reminded me of my childhood 4th of July celebrations.
In the old days (the 80’s for me😜), my family gathered at dusk, right as the last hot dog and chips were gobbled up, and your tongue was blue-ish purple from the red, white and blue firecracker popsicles you were pounding all day.
We’d head to the park in the center of town with all of our neighbors to squeeze in our blankets at the spot my Dad swore was going to be the best spot ever.
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Close enough that it looked like the fireworks were opening up right above you but far enough that the pieces of the fireworks wouldn’t rain down on you.
He always picked epic spots but the firework pieces still landed nearby.
Little did he know my cousins and I fought over the pieces with cool designs as a “trophy” of the evening.
Before each show my Mom would entice the family to practice our “oohs and ahhs” while talking about what qualified for each expression.
In the “ooh ahh hug” at the peak of the squeeze you say “ooh” and while slowly releasing the hug you say “ahh”.
Gotta admit – I love the genuine energetic connection this hug brings!
Thank you big time to my patient for introducing me to this one!
So – this 4th of July try out the “ooh ahh hug” with your loved ones as you prep for watching the fireworks (who knows you might create a tradition).
The oxytocin released with this hug will help lift or calm anyone’s spirits instantly!
Don’t be surprised if this hug becomes a staple in your family or my office!
Till I see you next – have a lovely holiday if you’re celebrating (this qualifies retroactively for Canada Day😄) and happy practicing the “ooh ahh hug”!
Hugs to your health,
Dr. J
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