The Hug Therapy Book

I am a health care professional and bought this book in 1983! I just bought another copy last weekend to give to a dear friend. I have given it as gifts for 20 years. So many people struggle with touch. Touch conveys love and compassion. So many people struggle with receiving love because you have to be open and vulnerable. I was one of those people when I was 20 something. I have since learned that receiving love is a wonderful thing to receive in life and often, it is received with a hug. We all want acceptance, understanding and love. A sincere hug conveys that. This book discusses the "Ethics and Rules" of hugs. Of note, permission should always be asked first (rule #2 in the book). If a hug is ever uncomfortable, the receiving individual has the opportunity to say "no" or "I'll pass". Individuals who say "yes" and mean "no", hopefully have relationships they value to learn from feedback regarding how to say "yes" when they mean "yes" and "no" when thay mean "no". Children need to learn this important lesson. This is a darling book that addresses a very important subject.

When an old friend gave me this book as a birthday gift, I couldn't help smiling--the teddy-bear illustrations and the "benefits of hugging" lists were enough to lift my spirits. Those who already love hugs will be glad to read encouraging words from a kindred spirit; those who don't just might change their minds.

The HUG THERAPY BOOK was my inspiration for HUG WEEK...for the senior residents in the last assisted living facility I worked at. Touching/Hugging someone should not stop especially when one is aging. Sometimes that simple touch is the only genuine connection they ever get in the day. This book and its very huggable illustrations encouraged me to continue "hugging" our aging seniors (especially those with heavy dementia) because they communicate through touch and spirit. PLEASE HUG YOUR SENIORS!

This book teaches me the importance of warm and affectionate touch. As an ordinary Japanese I don't have as many opportunities to hug in daily life as Western people, so I especially like the "Visualization" technique in this book. I visualize my favorite friend and share a heart-centered hug. I am an acupuncturist and I often give my clients this "imagined hug."I keep it secret to them, but I always sense something warm and caring start flowing between us.

This is a very, very excellent and beneficial book. Its primary purpose is to teach people how to be more open with themselves and those around them. A hug can make any day better for anyone, and this book expresses that belief very well. Not only does this book carry a good message, but it also has the cutest illustrations. This book is good for everyone: parent, wife/husband, boyfriend/girlfriend, friend, and even for those of you in the therapy or psychology departments. I highly recommend this book to anyone wanting to know how to be more open and caring.