Hugging for health
The BBC recently carried an article on research that shows that hugging protects the heart. The research noted changes in blood pressure and increases in the hormone oxytocin. This effect was found in both sexes but was more pronounced in women.
When we hug the meridian that comes into contact with our partner is the heart protector. 
This meridian runs directly down the centre of the arms. Its function in TCM is to literally protect and assist the heart. In Masunaga’s shiatsu theory the heart protector surrounds our emotional core.
The hug posture also exposes the triple heater meridian which runs down the middle of the outside of the arm. This meridian performs a defensive role both physically and emotionally. A healthy triple heater allows us to open up and connect with other people.
When we hug we are opening up and connecting our vulnerable emotional cores with another person. At the same time we are offering our triple heater as protection.
I think it was Michael Rose who described shiatsu as a big hug. One cannot wrap our arms around a client in a shiatsu treatment but it is about trying to transmit that emotional warmth and empathy to a receiver. The more grounded and confident we are in our work we can also offer that protection that allows opening and ki connection.
Tony Brown @ February 23, 2007
