Studies show that holding hands can reduce pain and buffer stressful experiences. But its impact on brain activity suggests something more profound is going on. Q: I’m curious why humans hold ...

Hand-holding is hard-wired into our brains—we’ve been doing it since birth. You might notice that a newborn baby will reflexively grip when you touch their palm.

Holding hands with someone you love can have a powerful effect on our brains. According to the Washington Post, holding hands can help lower blood pressure, reduce pain and ease stressful situations.