Taniesha Burke, Contributor

Hugging is an expression of physical intimacy. It involves closing or holding the arm(s) around another person, or group of persons. It communicates the deepest level of emotion and nourishes the spirit.

Hugging is very natural and therapeutic for men, women, and children. It is a way of fulfilling the profound physical and emotional need for touch in human beings.

This need for touch seems to have got lost in the fast-paced world we live in, where we substitute physical contact for the television and/or computer games. This results in many of our children being deprived of a simple, cost-free and crucial element for their development, survival and emotional well-being.

Hugging a child is one of the ways of showing affection and love. Any adult can share hugs with any child. It has powerful effects that can transform the physical and emotional well-being of the child.

Hugging

Helps the body's immune system

It cures depression

It reduces stress

It induces sleep

It revitalises

In addition to the above effects, children also benefit from hugging as it:

Makes them feel better about themselves and their surroundings.

Makes them more loving and affectionate.

Induces and is an expression of forgiveness.

Positively affect their development and IQ.

Increases their sense of security, safety, trust and happiness.

Relieves pain.

Relieves loneliness, frustration, anxiety and other negative emotions.

Opens doors to feelings that children may need to share - reducing the likelihood of explosive behaviours.

Mary Clarke, Children's Advocate, gets a hug from a child.- Ian Allen/Staff Photographer/small>

Overcomes fear.

Eases tension.

Imparts feelings of belonging.

Transfers energy and gives the child hugged an emotional boost.

It is amazing how a simple hug can transform the emotional well-being of our children.

This is supported by scientific research that suggests that every human being needs:

Four hugs per day to merely survive, that is, minimal emotional level.

Eight hugs per day to maintain oneself at a strong emotional level.

Twelve hugs per day to grow and become a better person.

Ways to hug

Parents can hug their children in several ways. They include, but not limited to, bear hug, cheek hug, which stirs feelings of happiness and kindness, and the sandwich hug. This is appropriate for both parents and a child.

The two adults face each other with the child in the middle facing either parent. Each adult reaches towards the other's waist and hug.

This hug gives the child a sense of security, especially if he/she is experiencing negative emotions.

Hugging feels good and it makes us and our children happier and healthier. It is free! It is natural! It is a miracle drug!

Imagine a Jamaica, land we love, where we just hug each other daily! This would significantly transform our society into the peaceful, loving and economically strong environment we all would enjoy!

Let's hug, Jamaica!