Kissing Leaves Its Mark On Our Genes

Hugs, hugs but also hugs leave an imprint on our genes. Science has indeed just proved something wonderful to us. Physical contact leaves an imprint on the brain.

This is particularly the case when we comfort a baby against their skin, when we stroke someone and thus express our deep affection. This molecular imprint is imprinted on the baby’s genes like an indelible ink. This will then determine his personality but also his immune and metabolic system.

Human beings need the contact of their loved ones to reach their full potential. It is clear that no one dies for lack of affection. Not knowing love does not make a person lose their life overnight.

However, she will suffer from this hunger for recognition and nutrients. Indeed, it allows us to feel more secure and fulfilled as people. Without it, we wither, so to speak.

Thus, the body, mind and skin share a relationship that goes far beyond our neural centers or our sensory receptors. These are scenarios where biological markers such as oxytocin orchestrate fundamental and essential processes.

So while it is often said that hugs are medicine for the soul, there is actually much more that could be done. We can easily say that touching and being touched improves our epigenetics.

We are talking here about imprints of love that one generation can pass on to another. Such a statement may, however, arouse some skepticism.

Faced with this, we can cite studies that go in this direction beyond just intuition. It is evidence that invites us to reflect. These studies pose a postulate. Constant affection in the newborn will translate into their future ability to care for themselves and those around them.

The absence of hugs also marks our genes

There is here a dramatic and painful reality that we do not always talk about. These are in fact children who grow up in orphanages.

In addition, child development specialists tell us that in some underprivileged countries babies do not make noise in their bedrooms. Indeed these silent rooms illustrate the lack of affection that exist in these children’s homes. They learned early on that crying is of no use to them.

In these hells, nobody comes to comfort them, to take them in his arms, to nourish them with this affection which allows them to allay their fears and respond to their emotional needs. Such a situation inevitably ends up having an impact on their life.

Studies such as the one conducted at the University of Wisconsin in the United States by psychopathologist Seth Pollak, indicate that their cognitive development is affected. They will then be more vulnerable to stress and anxiety. In addition, even their immune system will suffer.

Growing up without this physical contact therefore affects our future as human beings. The key to all of this lies deep in our DNA. More precisely, in the labeling mechanism which constitutes what is called “epigenetics”.

How do hugs leave a mark on our genes?

A study on the subject conducted by the University of British Columbia in Canada was published in the scientific journal Development and Psychopathology . In it, Dr Sarah Moore describes for the first time a fascinating fact.

The amount of close contact, heartwarming affection, hugs, hugs, hugs, and words directed at babies doesn’t just help them feel safe and loved. The advantages are many more:

• Hugs leave an imprint on the genes; physical contact generates molecular changes.
• Touch affects the epigenome. That is, receiving hugs, hugs and this constant contact in the first months of life induces chemical changes in proteins and DNA.
• All this is reflected in the subsequent behavior of the child. Less crying, better nutrition, better behavior, more optimal motor and psychological development.

• There is also a very striking fact. These early changes in the epigenome have been found to alter the structure of the chromatin, in turn leading to changes in the genome itself.
  • What does that mean ? Basically, the environmental conditions in which the child grows up will also affect its own offspring.

And what about adults? How are hugs beneficial to us?

The hugs we receive during the first months consolidate a deep imprint on us. So much so that this proportion of hugs, affection, caresses and skin-to-skin contact not only determines the good neurological development of a baby but also of an adult.

Indeed, this early manifestation of genuine love is passed on even to subsequent generations. In a way, this had already been proven by studies on deficiency. E

In other words, trauma suffered by one generation can be passed on to the next. This was demonstrated by a study conducted by the team of Dr Torsten Santavirta at the University of Uppsala, Sweden, where the effects of World War II were observed over several generations in various families.

But what about in adulthood? Would the effects be comparable? Hugging in adulthood continues to have a very beneficial impact on our brains. The trigger for this well-being is a neurotransmitter which also acts as a hormone: oxytocin. The latter is able to relieve stress and anxiety.

We all need to touch and be touched. And this, whatever our age. Our skin indeed needs this language which, in many cases, goes beyond words.

Caresses and hugs act like this sap that nourishes our roots to forge bonds. It eliminates uncertainties and helps build a more serene environment where we can develop as people.

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