Hugging is good medicine. It transfers energy, and gives the person hugged an emotional boost. You need four hugs a day for survival, eight for maintenance, and twelve for growth. A hug makes you feel good. The skin is the largest organ we have and it needs a great deal of care. A hug can cover a lot of skin and gives the message that you care. It is also a form of communication. It can say things you don't have words for. The nicest thing about a hug is that you usually can't give one without getting one. (Author Unknown) "Hugging is healthy: it helps the body's immunity system, it keeps you healthier, it cures depression, it reduces stress, it induces sleep, it's invigorating, it's rejuvenating, it has no unpleasant side effects, and hugging is nothing less than a miracle drug. Hugging is all natural: it is organic, naturally sweet, it has no pesticides, no preservatives, no artificial ingredients, and is 100% wholesome.
Hugging is practically perfect: there are no movable parts, no batteries to replace, no periodic check-ups, has low energy consumption, high energy yield, is inflation-proof, non-fattening, has no monthly payments, no insurance requirements, is theft-proof, non-taxable, non-polluting, and is, of course,fully refundable."
Author Unknown -- < A DOCTOR'S PRESCRIPTION FOR HUGGING:

by Mark Katz, M.D., Member of L.A. Shanti's Advisory Board

"How important are hugging and physical and emotional contact for people affected by life - threatening illnesses? In my work, I have found that people who receive nurturing maintain a better outlook on their situation -- and historically, positive attitude is an important factor in long-term survival. Hugging and physical contact make a difference in a person's frame of mind, and may help their medical condition. Best of all, hugging has no side effects and does not require a trip to the doctor.

"I recommend at least one hug a day.
Hugs are not only nice they are needed... Hugs can relieve pain and depression.. make the healthier happier, and the most secure even more so.. Hugging feels good and overcomes fear... It provides stretching exercise to short people and stooping exercise to tall people... Hugging does not upset the environment.. It saves heat and energy... requires no special equipment.. Hugging makes happy days happier and impossible days possible.

Author Unknown


There's something in a simple hug That always warms the heart; It welcomes us back home And makes it easier to part. A hug's a way to share the joy And sad times we go through, Or just a way for friends to say They like you 'cause you're you. Hugs are meant for anyone For whom we really care, From your grandma to your neighbour, Or a cuddly teddy bear. A hug is an amazing thing - It's just the perfect way To show the love we're feeling But can't find the words to say. It's funny how a little hug Makes everyone feel good; In every place and language, It's always understood. And hugs don't need new equipment, Special batteries or parts - Just open up your arms And open up your hearts. Guidelines for Hugging Be compassionate, not passionate -- communicate comfort and caring Ask for permission -- hugging requires a sender and receiver. Accepting that hugging isn't for everyone is simply another form of understanding and acceptance > Ask permission when you need a hug. Hugging for wellness is a practice of sharing -- if you need a hug simply ask for one. And if you receive a hug, let the sender know you are appreciative Take responsibility for expressing what you need It's wondrous what a hug can do. A hug can cheer you when you're blue A hug can say, "I love you so," Or, "I hate to see you go." A hug is "Welcome back again." And "Great to see you! Where 'er you been?" A hug can soothe a small child's pain And bring a rainbow after rain. The hug, there's just no doubt about it -- We scarcely could survive without it! A hug delights and warms and charms; It must be why God gave us arms Hugs are great for fathers and mothers, Sweet for sisters, swell for brothers; And chances are your favorite aunts love them more than potted plants. Kittens crave them, puppies love them, Heads of states are not above them. A hug can break the language barrier And make your travel so much merrier. No need to fret about your store of 'em; The more you give, the more there are of 'em. So stretch those arms without delay And give someone a hug today! - Dean Walley, (the Messenger)

According to Kathleen Keating, R.A., M.N., author of The Hug Therapy Book, hugs take many forms depending on what you want to communicate. A few examples include: The Bear Hug--ideal for two individuals of disproportionate sizes and for saying, "You're terrific," or "You can count on me". The A-Frame--Brief embrace ideal for little-known relatives and situations requiring a bit of formality. All of the hugging takes place above the neck. This hug communicates polite caring or detached warmth. Great for new huggers. The Cheek Hug--A tender hug that can be executed sitting or standing. This hug says "I'm sorry you're disappointed," or is ideal to share joy or greet an elderly relative. The Group Hug--Great for good friends sharing an activity or project. Group hugs communicate support, security, affection, unity and universal belonging. >Send a HUG by email - Free CyBear Gram HUG-net - Send a Virtual Hug!