I'm not a naturally huggy person, but I've been meaning to get a good oul cuddle from Indian spiritual leader Amma for years. She reckons that to hug someone is to symbolise giving, and word is that that her motherly embrace helps awaken the spirit of selflessness in people. To date she has hugged over 30m people around the world including Dave Fanning and Mary Coughlan.And here's the bit that might really interest all you beaut.ies:
Psychologist Dr Elvidina Adamson-Macedo says being hugged can release powerful natural chemicals in the body. "Beta-endorphins are released when you are relaxed, and are a natural opium. A hug can induce that in a person."
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Amma will be at the National Show Centre, Cloughran, Co Dublin on the 19th and 20th of November. www.ammaireland.org
