The Shocking Intimacy of Holding Hands
Hand-in-hand contact is profoundly powerful in telling the world we’re together, keeping us healthy, and readying us for sex.
By Dr T J Jordan
Holding hands is connected to both emotional and physical intimacy. We don't hold hands when we're angry. We find holding hands with those we don't love distasteful. And we do hold hands when we warmly welcome someone into our personal space.
Hands are one of the most sensitive parts of the human body. When we make skin to skin contact with the hands of those we love or desire, our bodies release endorphins, including the “cuddle hormone” oxytocin.
This surprisingly satisfying contact is acceptable across social situations. It reduces pain and anxiety, and strengthens relationships. Holding hands is powerful in alleviating some of the distress and hyperviligence that accompany PTSD and CPTSD.
When we hold hands with our romantic partners, our brains go easy on our stress responses by reducing the amount of negative, stress hormones we release.
