Always want to "stick it"? Most likely you have skin hunger syndrome

Why do I always want to stick close to others?

Sometimes

Do you suddenly have an urge?

Want to hug

Want to "stick"

What does this mean?

It means you are really thirsty

This may be "hug hunger"

In medicine, "cuddle hunger" is also known as "skin hunger". Although it has the word "syndrome" in its name, it is not a disease, but a human desire for physical contact and hugs, and the negative psychological and physiological reactions caused by a long period of lack of contact.

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Let's take a simple example. During the epidemic, without hugs and skin contact for a long time, do you feel suffocated? Do you want to participate in social activities and interact with people?

Our physical and mental health, emotional communication, and social interactions have all been affected to varying degrees.

In modern life, intimate contact has decreased and the desire for tactile stimulation has not been satisfied, which can easily lead to emotional disorders, increase psychological stress response, and may also cause emotional disorders such as anxiety and depression.

From a psychological perspective, if an individual lacks maternal hugs and physical touch in early childhood, it may be difficult for him or her to form a secure attachment relationship , and as a result, he or she may be more susceptible to hug hunger in adulthood, that is, the desire to obtain emotional support and a sense of security through physical contact.

To put it simply, if you are not hugged enough when you are a child, you will feel insecure when you grow up.

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Of course, hug hunger is not only caused by psychological factors, but also by physiological factors.

From the perspective of neurophysiological mechanisms, a series of related key neurotransmitters are produced and released during tactile stimulation and intimate behavior, including serotonin, endorphins, dopamine and oxytocin.

These neurotransmitters are associated with feelings of pleasure and satisfaction, and can help us relieve anxiety and stress.

Why do we say hugging is the best way to comfort someone when you are sad? Because hugging can really make you feel better, both psychologically and physically.

Psychological aspects

Hug hunger is often closely linked to common mental health issues such as anxiety and depression , especially in the context of a lack of social support.

In family relationships, a long-term lack of physical contact may have a negative impact on the mental health of both parties and may even increase the risk of anxiety and depression.

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Physiological aspects

1. Lack of intimate contact may lead to increased levels of stress-related hormones (cortisol), which in turn increases the risk of cardiovascular disease.

2. Lack of physical contact can lead to a decline in immune function through the effects of oxytocin and cortisol.

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If you have some symptoms of hug craving, but they're not too severe, try these DIY remedies:

▲Pet therapy: The companionship and caressing of pets can provide an alternative intimate experience and relieve the desire for hugs.

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▲Massage therapy: Massage can stimulate the body to release endorphins, making people feel happy, and to a certain extent replace the need for human intimacy.

▲Mindfulness meditation: It can help individuals relax their body and mind through a deep state of tranquility and reduce their dependence on external stimuli. People can focus on their breathing, feelings or imagination, and divert their attention from the desire for intimate contact.

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▲Self-comfort: Place your right hand on your left chest and your right hand on your right chest, with your hands close together and below your collarbones and crossed, and then try to pat your hands left and right like a butterfly flapping its wings. This is called the " butterfly hug method ", which can activate the vagus nerve and produce a similar feeling to when you are hugged by a lover.

However, if you feel that you have developed serious psychological problems and even that they have affected your life, you must seek help from a psychologist and receive timely intervention and treatment!

With the help of professional doctors, only by adopting methods such as psychoanalysis and cognitive behavioral therapy can the symptoms be relieved and overcome as soon as possible and return to normal life.

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We all need hugs and touch, so don’t suppress your “cuddling” and give a big hug to the one you love, or give yourself a big hug!

Statement: This article is a medical-related educational popular science article. It does not involve specific treatment methods or medical behaviors and cannot replace hospital visits.

Author

Sichuan University West China School of Clinical Medicine (Five-year Program) Sun Xueliang

Sichuan University West China School of Clinical Medicine (Five-year Program) Du Mingyu

Clinical Medicine (Five-year Program) West China School of Clinical Medicine, Sichuan University Wei Meijia

Clinical Medicine (Five-year Program) of West China School of Clinical Medicine, Sichuan University Li Dongna

This article is guided by the teacher

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Content Production

Editor: Zhang Fuyao

Map: Eastern Zhou Dynasty