keyfacts:

1) Hugging increases oxytocin in the body that reduces stress and lowers blood pressure.

2) Hugging can stimulate the brain to release dopamine, the feel-good hormone.

3) Hugs can reveal different levels of affection. A woman will tend to press her whole body against the person she cares most about.

4) Hugs can cure depression, loneliness, and increases security, trust and self-esteem.  

5) Hugs are free.