Unfortunately, anxiety is part of the daily life of many people. In Spain, 6.7% of the population is affected by this disorder, according to data from a 2020 Ministry of Health report. A constant feeling of nervousness, problems falling asleep or controlling worries, tiredness and difficulties concentrating, these are just some of the most common symptoms. To which are added others such as increased heart rate, hyperventilation or even gastrointestinal problems.
Each type of anxiety, as this disorder is divided into certain variants, conditions in one way or another the lives of the people who suffer from it. Especially when suffering from so-called anxiety attacks. To deal with this, psychologists recommend different techniques with which to relieve and calm anxiety. One of them is the butterfly hug, which, although it is not something new, in fact, was developed by the Mexican psychologist Lucina Artigas in 1997. But it is gaining popularity due to its spread on social networks.
The psychologist Mar Milla Sánchez explains that more and more patients are coming to her office who suffer from anxiety. A psychological disorder that requires time and patience for its treatment. However, patients insist on getting quick results, but “this does not exist in psychology.” Therefore, we must resort to tools that help calm anxiety during the healing process. One of the techniques that, according to the expert, are most successful in achieving this is the butterfly hug.
This method aims to achieve relaxation in a simple and accessible way for any patient. Above all, it is recommended for people who are beginning relaxation techniques or who find them difficult to apply.
The butterfly hug technique consists of bilateral stimulation. To perform it, you just have to cross your arms over your chest, so that the tip of the middle finger of each hand is below the clavicle. And the rest of the fingers and hand cover the area where the clavicle and shoulder meet. Next, the thumbs are intertwined, thus forming the silhouette of a butterfly, which gives this resource its name. Once in that position, Mar Milla Sánchez explains that you have to start tapping the clavicle with your fingers, alternating from one hand to the other.
The specialist’s recommendation is to concentrate on breathing, so that it is slow and deep. “You don’t need to hold your breath, your breathing has to be fluid, at your own paceâ€.
