In the 2003 Bollywood classic Munna Bhai M.B.B.S., there’s a cure-all silver bullet that the gangster turned aspiring medico, played by Sanjay Dutt, prescribes for any stress or emotional distress—a “Jaadu Ki Jhappi,” or a magical hug.

A touching scene that still lingers in the hearts of millions is when Dutt’s character, Munna Bhai, gives the ‘curative’ hug to Maqsood Bhai, the hospital sweeper, who was in a bad mood. That simple embrace—warm, genuine, and filled with compassion—melts away anger, resentment and pain. It became an emblem of empathy, reminding us that sometimes all it takes is a hug to make the world a little softer. 

Whether it’s to console a grieving friend, celebrate success, calm nerves before a big moment, or just say goodbye, a hug often speaks louder than words. But beyond its emotional comfort, scientific studies back the idea that Munna Bhai’s ‘magic hug’ truly has healing powers that can influence our body, mind, and overall well-being.

What does science say about the health benefits of hugs?

We hug when we’re happy, sad, proud, or in pain. It’s a universal gesture that transcends culture and language. But while hugging feels instinctively good, research shows it also has measurable physiological effects. Scientists have found that hugs lower stress levels, support the immune system, protect heart health, and even ease pain. The root of it all seems to be linked to how hugs help lower stress, and in turn provide other benefits. 

Hugs make us feel connected, understood, and supported

Physiologically, this connection can lower levels of cortisol — the body’s primary stress hormone. Research has found that people who receive more hugs tend to have lower cortisol levels in their saliva and blood, leading to a greater sense of relaxation and well-being.

Ever felt a sudden rush of calm and joy after a hug? That’s oxytocin at work. Known as the “love hormone,” oxytocin is released during physical touch, including hugs, cuddles, or even sitting close to someone. It creates a sense of bonding, safety, and happiness.

Studies show that oxytocin helps reduce blood pressure, lower stress hormones like norepinephrine, and enhance overall well-being. One study found that women who experienced frequent hugs with their romantic partners had higher oxytocin levels and reported greater happiness and relationship satisfaction. Similarly, mothers who held their infants closely also experienced emotional calm and stronger attachment.

Beyond offering comfort, hugs, and simple touch can help ease anxiety and existential fears. Scientists have found that physical touch can significantly lower anxiety levels, especially among people with low self-esteem. It also prevents individuals from withdrawing or isolating themselves when faced with thoughts about mortality.

Interestingly, researchers discovered that even touching an inanimate object, like a teddy bear, can provide similar emotional comfort. In one study, participants with low self-esteem who were reminded of death estimated the value of a plush teddy bear at about €23 (around Rs 2,355), while those who were not reminded of death valued it at €13 (Rs 1,331), a difference of nearly €10 (Rs 1024). This simple act of touch seemed to create a sense of safety and meaning, reducing their existential fears and defensive reactions such as ethnocentrism.

Psychologist Sander Koole, who led the study, explained, “Our findings show that even touching an inanimate object, such as a teddy bear, can soothe existential fears. Interpersonal touch is such a powerful mechanism that even objects simulating touch by another person may help instill in people a sense of existential significance.” These positive effects on the stress endured by your body make hugs beneficial for other health reasons too. 

Can hugs protect you against illnesses?

Stress and immunity are deeply connected. Chronic stress weakens the immune system, making you more vulnerable to infections. Since hugs help reduce stress, researchers have wondered if they could also help prevent illness.

In a study involving over 400 adults, researchers explored this very question. They found that participants with strong social support systems, people who regularly hugged and felt emotionally connected, were less likely to fall sick after being exposed to a common cold virus. And even if they did get sick, their symptoms were milder. 

It’s a simple yet powerful reminder that human connection, something as small as daily hugs, can strengthen not just emotional bonds but also our physical defences.

How do hugs boost your heart health?

If hugs can ease the mind, can they also help the heart? Science says yes. Hugging can improve cardiovascular health by lowering blood pressure and heart rate.

In one study, researchers divided 200 adults into two groups. The first group consisted of couples who held hands for 10 minutes, followed by a 20-second hug. The second group sat quietly together for the same amount of time but without touching. The results were remarkable. The hugging group showed significantly lower heart rates and blood pressure than those who sat silently.

This suggests that affectionate physical touch triggers the release of calming hormones and promotes relaxation of blood vessels, both of which support heart health. So, hugs might not just mend broken hearts metaphorically; they could also help keep real hearts strong.

Hugs may help reduce pain

Touch has long been recognised as a pain reliever. Therapeutic techniques like massage, acupressure, and even light touch therapies rely on this principle. Hugging, too, engages similar pathways.

In a study on people with fibromyalgia, a condition characterised by chronic pain, participants received six sessions of therapeutic touch. The results were promising, as it states, “Therapeutic touch may be an effective treatment for relieving pain and improving quality of life in this specific population of persons with fibromyalgia syndrome.”

Boundaries and breaking taboos: Experts’ input

Physical touch is a fundamental human need, yet cultural norms and personal boundaries often shape how people experience and express it. Experts emphasise that while not everyone may be comfortable with physical affection like a hug, its benefits can still be experienced through safe, consensual, and context-sensitive forms of touch.

Ms Dhara Ghuntla, Psychologist and Psychotherapist affiliated with Sujay Hospital, Mumbai, explained, “A simple hug can trigger a remarkable series of physiological responses. When people hug, the body releases oxytocin, the hormone that promotes bonding and emotional warmth, while reducing cortisol, the main stress hormone. This helps lower heart rate and blood pressure, promoting a sense of calm and connection.” She adds that hugging also stimulates the vagus nerve, which activates the parasympathetic nervous system, the body’s natural rest and restore mode, contributing to improved cardiovascular and emotional health.

Ghuntla further noted that regular positive physical contact strengthens the immune system by keeping stress hormones in check and improving sleep quality. Over time, this leads to lower inflammation, better resistance to illness, and enhanced emotional resilience. She emphasised that physical affection fosters a sense of safety and belonging, which are essential for mental well-being and long-term stress management.

The pandemic highlighted the emotional consequences of touch deprivation. “Physical touch plays a critical role in maintaining emotional stability by regulating oxytocin and serotonin levels. Its absence during prolonged isolation caused heightened loneliness, irritability, and anxiety, showing how essential touch is not just for comfort, but for overall mental health,” Ghuntla explained. 

Cultural norms also influence how physical touch is received. “While not everyone is comfortable with hugs, the benefits can still be felt through safe gestures, such as a handshake, a pat on the shoulder, or even self-soothing acts like placing a hand over the heart or using a weighted blanket. When practised respectfully, touch becomes a vital form of emotional care, communicating empathy, safety, and connection,” she said.

Ms Damini Sharma, a counselling psychologist based in Delhi, reflected on the practical impact of touch in everyday and clinical settings. “We all can come up with situations where we were so overwhelmed that the presence of somebody, a hug, or a touch helped us. When clients reach out, they often are dealing with a lot, and they find someone who grounds them. A hug can be that grounding moment, creating a connection,” she said.

Sharma noted how small gestures have become particularly significant in hospitals. “In hospitals, practices like the kangaroo hold for newborns, where babies are placed on their mother’s chest immediately after birth, have become standard in many Western countries. It helps establish connection and emotional bonding right from the start. Similar benefits are seen in oncology wards and geriatric care, where patients who experience deprivation find solace in small acts of touch and support, such as someone holding their hand,” she explained. 

Regarding cultural and personal boundaries, Sharma emphasised the importance of teaching the next generation about healthy expressions of touch. “In India, older generations were often less comfortable showing physical affection in public or even within families. Instead of trying to change older habits, we can focus on raising children who understand the importance of holding hands, hugs, and verbal affirmations. Young couples with teenagers showing healthy touch and affection set a positive example for the next generation,” she said. 

Also read: From diagnosis to defiance: The real stories of cancer survivors who fought back 

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