Posted by Lieutenant Achilleas Petrakos (Chief Science Officer) in Side-sim: Hugs Are Multi-function

Posted by Lieutenant Solal Segal (Oncology and Immunology) in Side-sim: Hugs Are Multi-function

Posted by Lieutenant Achilleas Petrakos (Chief Science Officer) in Side-sim: Hugs Are Multi-function
Posted by… suppressed (3) by the Post Ghost! 👻
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“We don’t have to talk about it anymore, then,” Solal said, shrugging. He seemed surprised by the request. He shook his head. It was an easy way to help his friend without actually having to do or say much of anything. “Go ahead,” he said, lifting his arms to invite the hug.

~ Solal

Achilleas scooted a little closer then wrapped his arms around Solal in a big hug. He didn’t squeeze tightly for fear of upsetting Solal’s breathing but he did latch on to where Solal would have difficulty extricating himself without putting in a bit of effort. He gave a sigh of contentment.

CSO Petrakos

Solal gave him a somewhat awkward hug back. He felt a little warm against Achilleas, his breathing regular and slow. He stayed still for a while, wanting to let Achilleas be comforted, then stirred and tried to pull away. “Achilleas? I think you can let go now.”

~ Solal

Achilleas grumbled a little with dissatisfaction but begrudgingly pulled away from Solal. “Thank you Solal. That definitely helped calm me down. Did you know that physical contact, though it can be uncomfortable with strangers, is actually a healthy biofeedback activity?”

CSO Petrakos

Solal nodded. “I am glad you feel better.” Then he gave Achilleas a look like he had no idea what he was talking about. “It’s a what?”

~ Solal

Achilleas looked at Solal dumbfounded for a moment before he explained. “Biofeedback. When you perform an activity of some sort to trigger a desired biological response. Like meditation can bring down your heart rate. Deep breathing and alternating between flexed and relaxed muscles are another example. Hugs can similarly release endorphins, lower blood pressure, and bring relaxation. Any physical contact with someone you care about can do that.”

CSO Petrakos

“Ah. I was unfamiliar with that term for a reaction of the sympathetic nervous system.” Solal replied. “Meditation is a well known way to lower one’s heart rate. My heart rate has been resting high, however I cannot meditate. Hugs, though…” He looked skeptical. “Perhaps as a placebo for humans, it would work.”

~ Solal