(Post contributed by massage therapist, Hilary Sohn)

What is it about a hug that feels so good?

Why is a warm touch on the arm or hand so comforting?

Why is receiving a massage one of the most calming things we can do?

Touch, especially skin-to-skin contact, releases a beautiful hormone called oxytocin.

Oxytocin has been dubbed "the hormone of love and bonding". It is a neuropeptide (a small protein-like molecule used by neurons to communicate with each other) that acts as a neurotransmitter in the brain and has hormonal actions on the body.

While it is often thought of as a female hormone, known for its role in labor and lactation in women, there are a host of other beneficial effects for men and women alike.

Oxytocin reduces anxiety, blood pressure, cortisol levels, pain and fear. It promotes growth and healing, and creates feelings of contentment, calmness and security. Studies show a positive correlation of oxytocin with social bonding, increased trust and generosity.

Oxytocin can be achieved through sensory stimulation like touch, warmth, light pressure, massage-like stroking, ingestion of food (especially fatty foods, chocolate and peppers high in capsaicin), familiar and pleasant smells, exposure to certain soothing sounds and light, orgasm, and even from being in warm, empathetic social environments.

Repeated treatment with massage-like stroking has been shown in studies to give rise to long-lasting effects similar to receiving repeated oxytocin injections.

In fact, many of the factors that increase oxytocin can be found in a therapeutic massage environment: soothing sounds, dim lighting, pleasant smells of essential oils, a supportive therapist, and the all-important oxytocin-releasing factor of touch.

Positive touch and healthy stimulation of the sense is critical, not only for strong relationships, but also for health and well-being. Increase your oxytocin levels by following some of the suggestions below:

• Hug your partner often.
• Share a spicy meal, followed by a chocolate dessert (but watch your wine consumption; even though a drink or two may lower your inhibitions for social interaction, consuming too much alcohol actually decreases oxytocin levels.
• Dim the lights
• Snuggle under warm blankets with your partner, or young 'un.
• Put on a favorite cologne or sniff some calming essential oils (like rose, lavender, or ylang-ylang)
• Play soothing music
• Surround yourself with people who are supportive and warm
• Get a massage!

This month, reach out and pat someone on the back, give a hug, hold a hand and increase the oxytocin levels of someone you know. Not only will you enhance their health, but you will create a stronger bond with them in the process!